When making the move to solar power, homeowners naturally want to know how to get the highest performance possible from their investment. This guide will tell you how to do just that. Your solar installer has taken into consideration various factors when calculating your estimated solar energy production, but if you’re looking to get a little bit more out of your system here a few things you might consider.
Limit shaded areas around you home
A great way to increase solar panel performance is to trim away tree branches that could block the sun. Obviously you can’t remove every tree on your property, but selective trimming will give your panels more hours of energy-producing sunlight and keep leaves and debris from falling on your panels and decreasing their production.
Cleaning your panels
If you live in a dusty area or a region with a lot of snow, occasional panel cleaning will allow your system to consistently generate the energy you need to power your home. Check out our guide to solar panel cleaning for tips.
Limit your home’s energy use
As simple as it may sound, the best way to maximize your solar install and energy production is to limit your use of electricity. Turning off unnecessary lights or plugging TVs, cable boxes, coffee makers, etc., into powerstrips that you can turn off at night are quick ways to reduce your energy consumption. You also can replace standard light bulbs with new energy-saving LED bulbs that last longer and use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs.
If you haven’t already done so, consider a home energy audit. These are usually performed for free and often subsidized by your utility company. The home energy audit specialist can make recommendations specific to your home about how to reduce energy consumption and
save money.
These are some ways to ensure optimal performance from your solar installation. The rest is up to the sun, which always does a very good job.
Download our eBook, Solar Post-Install Guide, for the expert rundown on how you can get the most value out of your solar panel system!
