There’s no question that solar power is one of our green-energy sources. But, as anyone living in a sunny part of the world knows, it can be frustrating to see your electric bill increase even though you’ve adopted solar power.
A report published by the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that 1 in 5 rooftop solar panels fail to work efficiently, resulting in thousands of Australians facing higher electric bills than they originally anticipated.
Numerous other factors affect solar panels’ efficiency, including shade, time of day, timely cleaning, choosing solar panel suppliers, etc.
This article introduces 7 ways you can use to help improve the efficiency of your solar panels.
Table of Contents
7 tried-and-tested methods to boost the efficiency of your Solar Panels
You can boost the efficiency of your Solar Panels in Australia by following these 7 tried-and-tested tips.
#1. Choosing the Right Solar Panel
You may be looking at solar suppliers in Sunshine Coast and think they are all the same, but they’re not. It’s important to pick the right one for your needs to ensure you get the most out of your solar panel.
When choosing a solar panel, you’ll need to consider these points:
- Manufacturer and materials used.
- Tolerance of the solar panels
- Quality solar panels will show little or no PID
- Cost and size of solar panels.
#2. Following the exemplary practices during the Installation process
Hiring an expert installer should be your priority. Also, keep these things in mind when installing your solar panels:
- Make sure you have enough room for your solar panels.
- Install them on a flat surface.
- Don’t place them near power lines or other electrical sources.
- You must have enough space between each panel so that they can all get adequate sunlight during the day.
- There should not be any leaks in your roof or gutters because this could affect how much power your solar panels produce over time.
#3. Ensure that your solar panels are not installed in shaded areas
Shading on the panels can come from trees, buildings, or other objects nearby. When this happens, the electrical output of a solar panel drops significantly. To get the most out of your solar panel installation, look for a spot with as much direct sunlight as possible during daylight hours.
#4. Keep the solar panels free of dust and dirt, which can accumulate on your solar panels over time
If you don’t keep your solar panels clean, you’ll have to pay more for electricity than you should. Dust and dirt can accumulate on your solar panels over time, reducing efficiency. Regularly check for dust and dirt accumulation using a soft brush or cloth to keep the solar panels clean. If you find any, gently remove them using a soft brush or cloth soaked in water.
#5. Leverage High Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells
With the advent of highly concentrated photovoltaic cells, solar panels are becoming more efficient than ever before. However, many homeowners are unaware of this new technology and its benefits.
CPV cells have a peak efficiency of 46% compared to standard panels’ 22% peak efficiency. CPV panels can cost up to four times as much as conventional panels, but they are more efficient. Therefore the higher initial cost can be justified.
#6. Charge in a cool place, and limit the usage during charging
The best way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your solar panels is to keep the inverter in a cool place where they won’t overheat and lose efficiency. And while they’re charging up, try to limit the solar energy use to achieve the maximum output with safety.
#7. Choose the best orientation
If you’re planning to install solar panels in Australia, it’s important to make sure you orient them in the right direction.
It is best to place solar panels with their orientation southward and westward at 219 degrees. The southwestern side of Australia receives more direct sunlight than other locations, so it’s a great place to install solar panels!
Conclusion
Even after installing solar power systems, it’s a challenge for many people to get the optimum efficiency. Luckily, with the right know-how and guidance from professional solar installers, it’s possible to have a more efficient solar panel without any trouble at all.