Solar panels are one of the best ways to save money, lower your energy bill, and reduce your carbon footprint. Now that you have them all set up, you may be wondering, “how do I get the most performance out of them?” Today we’ll go over 6 ways to optimize your residential solar panel performance. Because, of course, you should want to get the most results from your investment! So without further ado, here they are:
1. Position Them Correctly
If you want to get the best production out of your solar panels, they must be positioned correctly. This may seem obvious, but many solar panels aren’t facing the correct way! You want them to follow the sun as it moves across the sky to produce maximum results. The panels need to be positioned perpendicular to the sun’s rays and avoid as much shade as possible. You can also have them adjusted throughout the year, as the sun changes position depending on the season. When hiring a company like Sunlight Solar, we’re guaranteed to position your solar panels for maximum performance.
2. Avoid Using Multiple Appliances at Once
Using too many appliances at once can impact the performance of your solar panels. It’s best to avoid running the washer and dryer at the same time while starting up the dishwasher. Owners could set up a schedule of doing laundry in the morning and running the dishwasher at night (or vice versa). We recommend staggering the use of your more energy-demanding appliances.
3. Clean Them
Dust accumulation on the solar panels can block the photovoltaic cells, reducing their efficiency and power. This is especially common if you live in a dusty or windy area. In this case, you will want to check them often and clean off any dirt. A clean solar panel will deliver the best performance and will prolong its lifespan. You want them to have the most surface area available to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
4. Get Quality Solar Panels
Going for a cheaper solar panel will ultimately cost you more in the long run. This is because you may have to get electricity back up after a year or so of owning it. You want to find the right solar panels that meet your energy consumption needs, especially if you own multiple appliances.
5. Keep Them Cool
This may seem like an oxymoron since they’re sitting in the sun all day, but you don’t want your solar panels to overheat. Solar panels are made of semiconductors, which tend to decrease performance as their temperature increases. Think of how your computer begins to slow down when it’s overheating. To keep them cool and working properly, you want to have 7 inches of space between the solar panel and your roof. If necessary, you can always buy cooling equipment for them as well.
6. Use Better Batteries
If you’re not immediately using the energy the solar panels are generating, the solar panel stores the power in batteries. If the batteries aren’t efficient, you’ll lose energy. Newer batteries have better capacities and longevity, resulting in more energy stored.
Following the 6 ways to optimize your residential solar panel performance above, you should see noticeable changes in your solar panel’s performance. If you have any questions about solar panel installation & maintenance, give us a call at (858) 360-8295 or contact us on our website. If you’re unsure if you should get solar panels or not, we can schedule a free consultation to determine if they are right for you!
