How To Increase Solar Panel Output?

Without any doubt, solar energy is one of the most reliable, clean, and cheap sources of energy nowadays.

The main idea is to convert the free light and heat energy from the sun into electricity by using solar panels.

Due to solar energy’s numerous economical and environmental benefits, many homeowners are now opting for solar systems to help reduce their electricity costs and save the environment.

If you are looking for easily actionable tips on how to increase solar panel output and save more money, then you come to just the right place.

In this article, we are going to talk about the best ways to make the most out of your solar panels so we can maximize your profit.

Table of Contents

1. Get Rid of the Shade

This is considered the major problem in the process of installing a solar panel.

As we said the idea is to get the most amount of light from the sun to convert it into electricity. Therefore, the first thing that you should consider while installing a solar panel is to put it in a clear open area that has a direct connection with the sun.

Things like tall trees and buildings are the main problems that we will face, so make sure to avoid them as much as you can.

Shades don’t only reduce the amount of direct sunlight a panel gets, it, in fact, creates a ripple effect that reduces the whole system output.

This is because solar panels are connected in series and act more like a resistor.

So if any of the panels is shaded, it will affect the panel next to it, and so on.

2. Reduce The Weather Impact

Needless to say, the weather is one of the most important factors that contribute to your solar panels’ output.

Excessive heat, humidity, clouds, rain, snow, all these can reduce your panels’ efficiency.

For instance, snow can cover the solar panels and block most of the sunlight resulting in little to no output.

Also, many studies showed that very high temperatures can decrease the efficiency of solar panels.

A study in the Uk found out that for every increase in temperature above 107.6 Fahrenheit degrees (42 Celsius), the solar panel will lose some of its conversion efficiency.

This is because when the solar panels get hotter, the current output increases exponentially while output voltage decreases linearly, resulting in less power production.

While most of these factors are inevitable – unless you can control the weather, there are a few things you can do to reduce their effect such as removing snow off your panels in winter and install a drain-back system to protect the panels from overheating.

3. Adjust The Direction and Angle Of Your Solar Panels

Like we have said, solar panels need to be in direct contact with the sun, so placing them in a clear open area is perfect.

By orientation, we mean the position and the direction of the solar panel. They should be positioned in a specific way to get the most amount of sunlight.

For example, in the U.S, solar panels are placed to face south and west because the sun rises from the east and this makes sure the panels will face the sun for most of the day. Makes sense right?

So, in order to increase the solar panel output, make sure to face your panels where it gets the most of sunlight.

For more information, check this guide on the best direction for solar panels to face.

4. Opt For High-Quality Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells (CPV)

There are 2 types of solar panels, the traditional or the commercial one and the concentrated one.

CPV panels are high-efficiency panels that use lenses and curved mirrors to concentrate the sunlight, which highly increases the efficiency and output of your solar system.

Of Course, each one comes at a different price. In fact, the concentrated panels are more expensive than the traditional by almost 4 times. But, with that high price comes great efficiency and effectiveness.

On average, the traditional panels come with an efficiency of around 15%, on the other hand, the concentrated one is about 46% which is a huge difference.

5. Regularly Maintain Your Panels

Although solar panels are extremely durable, they require some maintenance to keep them working efficiently. As things like dust, dirt, or snow can affect the performance of the system.

With that being said, it doesn’t take that much effort to keep them clean, all you need is to wipe any dirt on just like you are cleaning your house windows and you are good to go.

Sometimes even rain can do it for you. Just make sure to keep them clean and there are no cracks or major problems that require more attention.

6. Use Software Programmes

The management of your solar panel system is crucial.

By using software programs to observe the performance of the solar panels, you can make sure that your panels are performing alright and there are no major problems.

This method is used in big businesses to make sure they are achieving the max profit. It’s also considered a maintenance method that can help in the management of the system.