Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and the best way to harness it is by installing solar panels. If you’re unaware, solar panels are made up of lots of small solar cells. The cells are made of silicon, a material that converts sunlight into electricity and the solar panel can vary in quality and, of course, price.
When the sun shines on a solar cell, the energy in the light knocks electrons free from the silicon atoms. These free electrons flow through the cell and create an electric current. This current is what powers your solar panel.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Calculate Potential Savings: Using a solar panel calculator can help estimate your solar potential and potential savings based on variables like location, roof type, and property size.
- Choosing the Right Installer: Selecting an experienced and reputable installer is the first step in maximizing the efficiency and benefits of your solar panel system.
- Selling Unused Energy: Extra energy produced by your solar panels can be sold back to the grid, reducing your overall energy costs and benefiting the environment.
- Other Energy-Efficiency Measures: Besides solar panels, improving home energy efficiency can be done by switching to LED light bulbs and sealing air leaks in windows and doors.
- Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Keeping solar panels clean and having them inspected at least annually ensures optimal performance and longevity.
You should learn as much as you can so you can maximise the value of your investment. Keep reading if you want to find out how to get the most out of your solar panels.
How can You Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panels?
Anyone interested in installing solar panels should start by finding an experienced and reputable installer. They can make recommendations as to where you should install your panels and how effective they will be. They can also tell you more about the wide range of benefits.
If you want to find out how much you could save, you should try using a solar panel calculator. It can use factors like your location, what type of roof you have, your current electricity bill, and the size of your property to determine your solar potential and possible savings.
Sell Unused Energy
Taking advantage of your unused electricity is another way you can get more out of your solar panels. That’s right, if you have solar panels on your home, you can sell unused energy back to the grid. This is an amazing way to reduce your energy costs and help the environment.
When you produce more energy than you need, your solar panels will send the extra energy back. The utility company will then credit your account for the energy you produced.
Solar panels also need to be clean and well-maintained to function properly. Monitor your solar panel system to ensure that it is working properly. You can do this by checking the output of your solar panels and the performance of your solar inverter. So, if you want to get solar in Redmond, for example, it is important to find a reputable supplier, and should you have any problems, talk to a professional so they can address issues that arise.
What Else can you do to Improve Your home’s Energy Efficiency?
Switching to solar panels isn’t the only way to make your home more efficient and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. A simple action you can take is switching to using energy-efficient light bulbs, rather than their traditional alternatives.
Switch to LED Lighting
Believe it or not, LED light bulbs last longer than traditional light bulbs, meaning you will have to replace them less often. They also use less energy, which can lead to lower energy bills. Additionally, LED light bulbs produce less heat than traditional light bulbs, meaning they can help keep your home cooler in the summer.
Fix Air Leaks in Your House
Air leaks can be a serious problem for homeowners. Cracks and crevices in your windows and doors can let in outdoor air, moisture, and even pests. Cooled or heated air can get out through these open spaces, which means your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
This can require consuming more energy, which will raise your carbon footprint and negatively impact the environment. Address any flaws or issues with the condition of your windows and doors as soon as possible to prevent air leakage in your house.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to guarantee that you receive the maximum benefit from your home’s solar system. However, you may need to take some steps so it performs optimally.
That includes working with an experienced installer, selling the unused electricity back to the grid, and being proactive about regular maintenance. Boosting your energy efficiency can be achieved in other ways too, like transitioning to LED lightbulbs and preventing air leaks.
Follow the tips in this article, and you’ll always have a comfortable, beautiful, and energy-efficient home where you love spending time.
How to Maintain Your Solar Panels
Maintaining solar panels is crucial for optimising their lifespan and performance.
Keep the Panels Clean
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your solar panels is regular cleaning. Over time, dust, bird droppings, and leaves can accumulate on the surface of the panels, reducing their efficiency.
A soft brush or a squeegee with a plastic blade on one side and a cloth-covered sponge on the other, coupled with soapy water, can be used for cleaning. It’s best to clean the panels early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid hot temperatures that could cause the soapy water to evaporate quickly.
Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning to prevent any damage.
Periodic Inspections
Another vital aspect of solar panel maintenance is periodic inspections. At least once a year, it’s advisable to have a professional technician inspect the panels and the electrical system. They can identify any issues such as loose connections, corrosion, or shading that could impact the panels’ performance.
In some cases, you might also need to update the inverter or other electronic components. Monitoring system performance through apps or display panels can also help you catch any efficiency drops quickly, allowing for timely intervention.