Solar energy is a great way to reduce your costs and carbon footprint. If you have already installed a solar power system, make sure you are taking advantage of all the solar energy.
Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your solar system.
Keep those panels clean and maintained.
Tender-loving care can improve the solar panel’s lifespan and increase its output.
Solar panels require very little maintenance because they don’t contain any moving parts. However, they can collect dirt and dust, which can reduce their solar output by 5%.
It would be best to clean your solar panels regularly. You can either do it yourself or hire a certified expert in residential solar panel maintenance.
The frequency of cleaning and maintaining your solar panels depends on a number of factors, including your location and the amount of rain you get.
Adjust Solar Panels
Consider moving your panels throughout the day if they are not permanently mounted. This will allow you to get the maximum amount of electricity. Ground-mounted panels are easier to move.
You should also adjust the panels at specific angles all year round.
You can use a variety of mathematical equations to determine the exact location of your panels. Here’s a rule of thumb.
You should tilt your solar panel in February and August at the same angle that you have set for your location’s latitude. In May, reduce the angle of tilt by 15 degrees and add a 15-degree tilt in November.
Invest In A Solar Battery
Solar panels generate energy only when the sun shines. If you do not want to limit solar power use only during the day, you can purchase solar batteries. These batteries can be used as a backup power source when the sun isn’t shining or at night.
Solar-powered homes had to switch to the local grid after sunset in the early days of solar power. Solar storage solutions allow you to maximize the power produced by your solar panels day or night.
Manage Your Consumption
Batteries can help you become independent from utility grids. However, this is only possible if you balance your production and consumption.
Compare the amount of electricity generated with how much you consume. Then, you can choose which activities or appliances to run when your solar system is producing the most electricity.
When the sun is shining, it’s best to do energy-intensive tasks like washing clothes in the morning or at noon.
Solar energy can be used during the day to avoid paying high electricity prices. You can also check your local utility to see if they offer any incentives for using solar power during peak hours. There are also net metering schemes that allow you to maximize your solar savings by selling the extra energy your solar panels produce back to your utility grid.
Insulate your Home
The heating and cooling of your home are among your biggest energy consumers. Solar panels can save you money and help reduce your dependency on utility grids. However, if you are not using your energy efficiently, your solar energy system may struggle to produce the power that you need.
It would be best if you repaired or upgraded the insulation in your ductwork to improve your HVAC performance and to help prevent air leaks. The more energy you save by reducing the HVAC system’s use, the greater your solar output will be.
Utilize A Solar Monitoring System
Solar monitoring systems let you keep track of the performance and efficiency of your solar panels. You can keep track of how much solar energy is produced by each panel. You can then determine which solar panels need maintenance and if they can be improved in terms of their solar efficiency.
Most systems also provide detailed data about past energy production and consumption so that you can optimize your power use.
The majority of monitoring systems can be accessed via an app or mounted display. This allows you to access updated information about your solar energy system from anywhere.
Conclusion
You’re done! These tips will help you optimize the efficiency of your solar energy system to maximize your savings and impact.