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How to Make the Most Out of Your Solar Panels
From helping you become grid independent all the way to actually making you money, there are plenty of reasons to consider installing solar panels at home.
In our blogs we’ve discussed why you should consider Solar Panels for your home and how to choose your Solar Panel supplier but here’s some ways you can actually optimise your solar panels to get them to produce more energy. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than having your solar panels not produce the amount of energy you want them too.
Keep Them Clean
It may seem obvious but keeping your solar panels clean is our top tip. With this said, more often than not because they’re situated on your roof, you may not think keeping your solar panels clean is an easy task. However, dust, dirt and other particles can build up over time, reducing the amount of energy your panels produce.
According to a report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the solar panels’ power output can drop by up to 25% due to shade.
We’re glad to say though that Solar Panels are pretty much maintenance free and should last for a minimum 25 years from installation. With this said, during this time there may be some upkeep in the form of a replacement inverter, however research has shown that this does not need replacing until around the four-year mark following installation. Don’t worry though, once you’ve had solar panels installed, your installer will provide documentation of any maintenance checks you need to carry out occasionally to check your system is working properly.
Orientation
It’s probably the most frequently asked question we receive, “Will solar panels still work on cloudy overcast days?” The short answer is yes, they do! Solar panels work by converting daylight into energy, so they don’t require direct sunlight to work, which also applies when their orientation is being considered at installation.
However, to ensure you’re making the most of your panels, a regular examination of them to check for obstructions is always advised. If you have trees or other objects near your panels that could cause shade, make sure to keep on top of trimming them back to reduce the risk of them obstructing the sunlight getting to them. Sunlight must be perpendicular to the solar panels to get the best performance out of them.
While production of energy will vary, depending on cloud coverage and small obstructions, solar panels are designed to generate energy in all weather conditions. We explain every detail in plain language rather than in complex, technical terms to ensure our customers are 100% clear on the services and recommendations provided.
Install a Home Battery
It’s very likely that your solar panels will generate more energy than you can use. Storing excess solar energy in a solar power battery can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill and discharging it when there is no solar panel input available.
Installed with solar panels on your roof, the battery charges during the day, so during peak hours when energy costs spike, you can use that power to charge your electricals.
If you’re wondering ‘Is Home Energy Storage Right for My Home?’ check out our blog here that might make that answer clearer. Or check out our blog on Everything You Need to Know About Solar Panels for Your Home.