Are you getting the most out of your solar equipment?

It’s no secret that more and more households and businesses are choosing to go solar.

Whether you are already part of the solar club, or you’re considering making the switch, there’s a few simple things you can do to get the most out of your solar system.

1. Keep your panels clean. Things like dirt, dust and bugs can accumulate quickly which can reduce the amount of sunlight your solar panels receive. Dirty panels can even lose up to 20% of their energy output! It is recommended that solar panels are cleaned every 6-12 months to ensure they are absorbing the maximum amount of light possible.

2. Remove the shade. If there are trees, bushes or any other obstacles shading your panels, they are going to have a lot less light to soak up. So, make sure you trim those trees and be strategic about where your panels are placed.

3. Use as much power as you can while the sun is shining. The direction your panels are facing will determine what time of day they absorb the most energy. For example, if they face North, they will get the most light around midday; If they face East, they will get the most light in the morning; and if the face West, they will get the most light in the afternoon.

4. Consider using smart technology to manage your usage. Keeping track of how much power you are using, and when, can allow you to be savvier with your electrical use. Going a step further and using this information to control lights and power through control automation functions will let you schedule your biggest energy using activities at the best times.

5. Incorrect wire sizing. Wire sizing can greatly affect the efficiency of panels if incorrectly spec’d. If you have used the wrong wire size between your panels and regulator, this can cause voltage to drop and a reduction in the power you are generating. If incorrectly installed, this could be as much as 20%.

6. Purchase a system size that’s right for you. Make sure you know your current and future energy needs before switching to solar. If your system is too large, it may not be able to charge fully. If it’s too small, you might be sending much of the power you have generated back to the grid.

7. Invest in a solar battery and store unused solar power. This could be an option for you if your panels are producing more power than you need.

8. Have your solar panels inspected by a professional every 2 years. It’s easy to fall into the trap of ‘set and forget’. Make sure you get your panels serviced to ensure their longevity and keep your power costs down.

If you’d like to find out more about solar, make sure you get in touch with us for a chat.