Shading
Avoid any shading over your solar panels as even partial shading can significantly affect the power output. Trim trees, remove other obstructions like nearby buildings or structures that could cause shade to fall on your panels.
Panel Orientation
Placing your panels optimally is an essential factor in maximizing performance. It’s best to set up solar panels facing south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere for maximum exposure to the sun’s rays. Also, try to set up the panels at an ideal tilt angle that is close to your geographical location latitude plus 15 degrees more in winter and minus 15 degrees less in summer.
Maintenance
The clean panels will absorb and generate more energy than dirty ones. Verify that your panels are not covered with dust, grime, leaves, or bird poop from neighboring trees or animals. Regular cleaning with a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent will help ensure optimal performance.
Monitoring
You can use monitoring systems such as inverters or smart home monitoring devices to get real-time updates about solar performance. These monitoring devices also provide you with valuable information on production rates, solar panel temperature, and historical data that you can use for future planning.
Storage
Battery storage systems are becoming more affordable and allow you to store energy generated by your solar system during peak production times to use later when sunlight is unavailable or insufficient. By installing battery storage systems, you can maximize your solar system’s efficiency by minimizing the amount of energy you draw from the grid.
Using clean energy sources like solar power is an environmentally friendly way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, help fight climate change, and save money on energy bills. By following these tips and tricks, you can optimize the efficiency and performance of your solar system, putting you well on your way towards achieving energy independence.