Installing and Maintaining an HVAC System

Key Tips to Maximise Your Solar Panel System's Performance

24 October 2017

Aaron Kennedy

Installing a solar panel system on your roof is an excellent way to power your house. Solar panels convert the sun's light energy into electricity, which can be used to meet a household's energy consumption. But whether or not a solar panel system can completely meet your household energy needs is something that squarely depends on your daily electricity demand. 

If you are looking to install a solar panel system in your home, you would probably like to maximise the system's electricity-generation potential. Here is a rundown of tips you can follow in that regard:

Ensure your solar panels are installed at a position where they will receive maximum sunshine.

Contrary to what many people think, solar electricity is produced from the sun's light energy — not solar heat. Cold and sunny are perfect conditions for solar panels to produce power. Hot and bright might not be best for solar electricity generation because the solar cells, which harvest the sun's light energy, work more efficiently when temperatures are lower. During installation, you should make sure your solar panels positioned in such a way that they receive optimal sunshine throughout the day, without being exposed to intense solar heat, which can damage the solar cells. 

For the most part, solar panels face south because that is where they receive maximum daylight as compared to other orientations. A professional solar panel system installer can help you choose the best placement for your solar panels, taking consideration your roof's pitch. If they experience difficulties installing your solar panel installation on your roof, they may suggest ground-mounted installation, as long as it can ensures optimal sun exposure. 

Routine maintenance of solar panels is important.

Like with other HVAC systems, scheduled maintenance is critical to ensuring efficient operation of solar panels. Solar panels are not always self-cleaning when it rains. Over time, dust, leaves, and other forms of debris may accumulate on your solar panels. This will insulate the solar panels' surface, thus inhibiting optimal harvesting of the sun's light energy. Regular cleaning of solar panels will help rid of the layer of insulation and allow your solar panels to operate at peak efficiency. Also, be sure to remove the snow from your panels at regular intervals during the winter season  — solar panels perform better in cooler temperatures, but they may appreciate being covered by snow.

If you experience any performance issues with your solar panels, you will need to seek the help of an HVAC contractor immediately.

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