Many people think that solar panels only work well in blazing sunshine, but that’s not entirely true. While sunlight is essential for energy production, other factors – like sunlight exposure, temperature, panel orientation, quality, and age – can also make a big difference.
Keep reading as we uncover the various factors that affect solar panel performance and what you can do to improve it.
Should you be concerned about solar panel efficiency?
It’s normal for solar energy to fluctuate throughout the day. You should only be concerned when energy production continues to dip for prolonged periods. This usually indicates that something is up, and you might want to get it checked out.
Worried about the conversion efficiency of your solar system? Get in touch with us today to discuss our solar panel maintenance and repair services.
Sunlight exposure
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity for your property and appliances. Some factors, like cloud cover, are temporary and don’t affect the performance too much, but bigger factors, like solar panel orientation, are more permanent and must be considered before installing them.
We rarely recommend installing solar panels on a north-facing roof simply because they receive less sunlight throughout the day. This doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from solar power, though. You just need to find the right products and set up for your needs.
How to maximise sunlight
You need to make sure your solar panels always have access to direct sunlight when it’s available. This means working with a reputable solar panel installer who will assess your property and determine the best place to install your solar system. For north-facing roofs, this could mean getting ground-mounted solar panels instead.
Another great way to maximise sunlight is to install solar batteries to store any excess energy generated. The batteries can then be used to power your appliances when the panel’s output is low, such as during winter and power outages.
Shading
Solar PV panels rely on the sun’s rays to make power. If something is blocking this light, such as trees, clouds, bird nests, or even tall buildings, you may notice they have slightly lower efficiency. Shading is usually temporary and can be easily fixed with a little cleaning or maintenance.
How to mitigate this
The first step is to identify what’s causing the shading. If it’s the weather, then there’s not much you can do other than wait for the clouds to shift. The good news is that, despite common myths, solar panels can still produce energy even on cloudy days. But if there’s something physically blocking the sunlight, such as branches or dirt, you’ll need to find a solution yourself. This usually means cutting back trees or cleaning your roof and panels.
Check your inverter efficiency. Inverters use MPPT (maximum power point tracking) systems to optimise solar performance by monitoring and releasing solar energy as needed. Modern inverters are attached to the individual photovoltaic cells, which means if one cell is affected by shading, it doesn’t impact the entire solar system’s efficiency.
Solar panel quality
The quality of materials and the manufacturing process can have a significant impact on your overall solar panel efficiency. Solar panels with robust frames and weather-resistant materials like silicon and aluminium protect them from harsh rain, wind, and high temperatures.
How to choose solar panels
Choosing solar panels for your home involves considering your current energy usage and your home’s suitability. Then, you can determine how many individual solar cells you’ll need to power your home effectively. Research different manufacturers and installers to ensure you get the best quality products and installation. Read reviews, contact the manufacturers directly, and ask around to find the best products for your solar system.
At Going Green Renewables, we help clients choose the most efficient solar panels based on their home’s current energy usage. We source our solar products from the best of the best in the renewable energy industry, so you can be sure that your installation will meet every expectation.
Learn more about the renewable energy brands we work with.
Dirt and debris
Sometimes, other elements like leaves, bird droppings, or nests can affect the performance of your solar cells. This is why regularly cleaning your roof and solar panels is so important.
How to get rid of dirt
There are a few ways to remove dirt and debris from your solar panels. You can use a long brush to clear away dry debris, such as leaves or twigs, but for more stubborn dirt, a combination of water from a low-pressure hose and a sponge should do the trick. Make sure you avoid using harsh chemicals or materials, as these could damage the cells.
Weather conditions
The UK weather is unpredictable, with some of the wettest areas located in the northwest. In 2023/2024, we received the highest number of named storms since the first season in 2015, and many climate predictions indicate that storms and adverse weather will increase as a result of climate change.
But how does weather affect solar panel performance?
Harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy snow, storms, and hail, can impact solar panel efficiency and may even damage them. And, while solar panels need sunlight to generate electrical energy, extreme heat can actually reduce their efficiency.
How to combat weather impact
Solar panels are designed to withstand some impact from wind and hailstones, and sunlight can still penetrate through light snow coverage. Rain can even be good for your solar panels as it may help clear away dust and dirt.
Dealing with the weather’s impact on solar panels requires careful planning. Invest in high-quality solar products, choose the location and orientation carefully, and use a professional installer to ensure your panels are fitted correctly and have enough ventilation.
If you’re worried about adverse weather and power cuts, you can install a solar battery storage system to preserve any excess energy generated and use it when you need more.
Cracks in solar cells
While they can last many years (even up to 30 if cared for well), solar panels degrade as they age. Constant wear and tear from harsh weather and other factors can weaken the materials over time, affecting the overall efficiency of solar panels.
Microcracks, or microfractures, are tiny cracks in solar cells that are invisible to the naked eye. They can sometimes occur during manufacturing and transportation but often happen over time due to wear and tear and environmental factors.
What to do if there are cracks in your solar cells
If you notice a drop in solar performance and suspect a microcrack in one of the cells, you should speak to an experienced solar panel technician. They will come out and do a visual inspection and carry out some tests using infrared cameras and electrical currents to determine the issue.
Looking to get a solar installation? Choose Going Green Renewables
As expert solar installers serving Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, we’re passionate about helping homeowners cut their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If this is something you’re passionate about but don’t know where to start, let us help!
Get started today and embrace renewable energy with Going Green Renewables. Call us on 01252 560 587 or fill out our contact form for a free quote.
You may also be interested in: