How to Improve Solar Panel Efficiency

Posted by Diane Schrantz on January 7th, 2021

Turning your home solar can be a costly affair. Despite the upfront cost, however, going solar should help you save money in the long run with “free” electricity and low maintenance needs.

However, just because solar panels are low-maintenance doesn’t mean you can simply install and forget them. In fact, regular upkeep can help maximize the efficiency of your solar panels. You can take many other steps to improve your solar panels’ efficiency, some of which should be taken during your home solar installations. Here are some useful tips to make the most of your home solar energy system.

Select the right solar panels

 Not all solar panels are equally efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. A solar panel’s conversion efficiency depends on many factors including the material composition, structure, and wiring of the solar cells inside the panel. So, before you go for a home solar panel installation, be sure to check the efficiency rating of the panels. Most solar panels come with around 15% conversion efficiency, but you can also find panels with over 20% efficiency rating. If you are looking for even higher efficiency, go for the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) panels, instead of the usual PV panels. CPV panels deliver around 45% efficiency. This of course means that they are more expensive than traditional solar panels, but their conversion performance is worth the higher cost.

Avoid shaded areas

 For your solar panels to perform their best, they should get the full sun. This is one of the most important things to keep in mind during a home solar panel installation. Avoid installing your solar panels near any tall buildings or trees that could possibly obstruct the sunlight from hitting them during the peak hours of 8 am and 4 pm. Keep in mind that the photovoltaic cells inside a solar panel are connected in a series. So, if even one of the cells is shaded, it could affect the energy conversion performance of the entire panel.

Ensure correct installation

 No matter the price and efficiency rating of your solar panels, they won’t perform their best if they are installed incorrectly. Professional installers know how to properly set the angle and orientation depending on several factors. For instance, panels installed in the northern hemisphere should be south-facing. They also know how to maintain just enough space between the panels and the roof to avoid overheating. That is why it is always a good idea to have your home solar installations done by professionals.

Do timely cleaning

 As previously mentioned, solar panels do not require much maintenance. However, you should still clean the panels at least once a year. Without regular cleaning, your solar panels can accumulate dirt that could block the sunlight from hitting the solar cells, resulting in a decrease in their energy conversion efficiency. Often, rain does the cleaning for you, however you should still clean any dust or dirt off the solar panels with soap and water. Avoid using a harsh sponge for cleaning. You want to keep the surface clean and scratch-free.