Going solar is an excellent decision for any homeowner because it opens your place to cost savings and sustainability for the long haul. But it is only the first step in the right direction. You need to go the extra mile to reduce your carbon footprint, which is possible by maximizing the system’s efficiency. Ideally, you must get the best productivity from the solar panel to increase its output to the best. Unless you max up on the energy from the sun, you cannot run all your devices on solar power. While things can sound overwhelming, achieving the highest level of efficiency from the installation is easy. Here are the steps you can implement for doing so.
Stick with the bare minimum
When it comes to making efficiency gains, sticking with the bare minimum is the right approach. Calculate your power requirements and consider limiting the number of devices you run on solar power. You can utilize a standard user chart to calculate the individual power requirements of devices. It helps you decide the ones to skip. It makes sense not to run everything at the same time. Also, you can opt for natural lighting instead of turning the appliances on during the day. Work a bit on your habits, and you can make huge energy savings. It translates into higher efficiency of solar installation.
Opt for an efficient model
This one is a no-brainer because an efficient solar panel model will deliver to your expectations. A panel’s efficiency depends on the percentage of energy that the photovoltaic cells convert into electricity. The good news is that technology has come a long way in the last decade, and advanced, high-efficiency models are around. But you must research thoroughly before opting for one. Alternatively, you can seek expert advice for better understanding. It makes sense to spend a tad more on a better model as energy efficiency will compensate for the cost difference.
Choose an expert for installation
Correct installation is crucial to maximizing the efficiency of your system. If the panels are not aligned in the right position, they will not receive an optimal amount of sunlight. It means they will generate less electricity. Installation requires attention to detail, so you must have the best solar company doing it. They will have experts to take care of things such as the orientation and the angle. Similarly, there should be a sufficient gap between the panels and the roof. The tiniest errors can lower the output significantly, and only specialists can do everything right.
Regular cleaning is a must
Another factor that affects the efficiency of solar installation is regular cleaning. Solar panels require very little maintenance because they do not have moving parts. But regular cleaning is essential as they are exposed to the elements. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on their surface, reducing efficiency to a significant extent. The frequency of cleaning depends on different factors such as how often it rains and how much you need to spend on a cleaning service. Cleaning them once a year is a good idea, though you can opt for a service if they seem dirty.
Monitor the output
Going solar often translates into extensive savings right from the start. But it does not mean you should go complacent about the installation, even if the initial output levels are impressive. Keep track of the energy generated by the system so that you can identify efficiency lags. Follow up the smallest issues when they arise because overlooking them can result in problems down the line. Addressing efficiency gaps at the earliest can help you save in the long run.
Install backup batteries
When you opt for solar installation, you will have to invest in more than the panels. Plan a budget to include solar batteries before you go ahead with the installation. They can store solar energy, and you can use it at night or during unfavorable weather conditions. If there is a power outage, batteries will continue to light your home. Apart from the batteries, you can invest in additional equipment such as solar lamps and torches. Charge them with solar energy during the day, and you have appliances that do not load the main installation.
Going solar offers a host of benefits to homeowners, but you need to use the installation smartly. Everything boils down to unlocking the efficiency of the solar panels so that you can make the most with the investment. Follow these tips and make your solar home as efficient as it can be.
