Looking to Increase Solar Panel Efficiency? Try These Tips
After installing solar panels at home or your place of business, the next task is to find ways of improving solar panel efficiency. Since solar panels are quite a bit of an investment, you want to make the most of them. Now, these panels work based on a mixture of different factors and there are several ways how you can increase the efficiency of solar panels. Read on to find out.
How to Make Solar Panels More Efficient ?
If you are wondering how to increase the solar panel output, here are some easy hacks.
Don’t Install Solar Panels in Shaded Areas
Sunlight is the main factor that drives the performance and efficiency of solar panels. So, it makes sense for you to install the panels in an area that receives the most sunlight. Even if one solar panel is shaded, it can impact the energy generation capacity of the neighbouring cells, reducing the overall electricity generated by the solar panel. Find the best place on your rooftop where you get the least shade and install solar panels there so that they receive enough sunlight.
Also Read: How Shade Affects Solar Panel Efficiency?
Orientation of Panels Matters
Since the sun rises in the east, solar panels installed in a direction like east or north can make for poor orientation. Solar panel orientation refers to the position of the solar panels with respect to the direction of the sun. Certain positions don’t provide optimal sunlight, and thus, it is necessary to install panels in such a way that they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. In different countries, there is a different orientation for the sun and it is recommended to consult a solar panel installer to determine the best position for the panel or use a solar panel orientation machine that can change its orientation automatically as per the movement of the sun.
Clean the Panels Regularly
Solar panels require very little maintenance but that doesn’t mean they require no maintenance at all. Since they are constantly on the rooftop, exposed to natural elements, solar panels can accumulate dirt over time, and this can inhibit the capability of solar modules to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. A module in a solar panel refers to the arrangement of solar cells, either in series or parallel that make up a solar panel. If you live in an area where snow falls, it becomes even more important to keep cleaning the panels regularly so that there is no obstruction to the sunlight falling on the cells.
Also Read: Essential Rooftop Solar System Components—Everything You Need to Know
Monitor the Panels Regularly
Apart from keeping the panels clean, it is also important to keep monitoring your panels for any irregularities or potential faults. A dip in performance or reduced electricity generation can be a sign of your solar panels not working properly. Which means, tracking the solar panel's performance can help you in identifying these issues quite early.
Also Read: Simple Steps to Diagnose Problems in Solar Panels
Consider Using High Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells
As mentioned before, a module in solar panels refers to the arrangement of cells inside the panel that converts the solar energy into electricity. Now, concentrated photovoltaic cells or CPV is a special type of cell that focuses sunlight on a high-efficiency solar cell. Traditional panels have a 22% efficiency at the peak while CPV cells have an efficiency of 46% at the peak. CPV panels can cost 4x than traditional panels but their efficiency can make up for the high upfront cost.
Consult with Experts to Install The Panels
A solar energy system can be a major investment upfront, whether you are a business owner or homeowner. Hence, it is recommended to work with experts in the field while installing the panels to get the best orientation, coverage, ensure menial shading, and ensure maximum efficiency from not just the panels, but other components of the whole system.
All in all, improving solar panel efficiency is the key to making the most out of your solar energy system. If you go about it the right way, solar panels for homes can be a great investment and help you to save on electricity bills and get a positive return on your investment soon after installation.
