Even under perfect conditions, the solar panels in use today can only convert a maximum of 30% of the sunlight that strikes a panel into electricity.
70% of the sun's energy is in wave lengths that cannot be converted to electricity by current technology.
” Even under perfect conditions, the solar panels in use today can only convert a maximum of 30% of the sunlight that strikes a panel into electricity.
70% of the sun’s energy is in wave lengths that cannot be converted to electricity by current technology.”
True, but they do take that much into account. Their starting point for efficiency is 1000 Watts/sq-meter (total power from sun after passing through atmosphere, directly overhead).
From that, typical Solar Arrays for Ground Use have an efficiency of 20% of above number, so 200 Watts/sq-meter. There are more efficient cells (probably up to that 30% number), but the cost is through the roof, so not worth considering.
So figure never more than 200 Watts/square meter of panel space (about 20 Watts/sq-ft), and you’ll have your best day if pointed perfect and the sun being close to directly overhead. Otherwise, you go down from there...