Hillcrest, CA, is one of the sunniest places in the United States, receiving approximately 88% of sunny days in a year. It’s only right to take advantage of this favorable condition to power your home. If you have a solar system installed, you’ll want to take a look at how you can maximize the amount of solar energy you receive.
Keep It Clean
Outdoor solar panels eventually get covered in dust, bird droppings and bacterial growth. These particles build up over time, blocking the solar cells from receiving optimum amounts of light and resulting in less electricity.
Ensure that you frequently clean the solar panels to remove anything with the potential of blocking light. Generally, you should schedule the cleaning once every 6 to 12 months using soapy water and wipes.
Proper Orientation
To produce enough electricity, solar panels’ position should ensure optimal amounts of sunlight, but there have been debates on which position is the best between the south and west. One study posted in Daily Mail found that positioning the panels west generated 2% more electricity than the south. On top of that, panels facing west produced more electricity in the afternoon when power grids were experiencing their peak demand.
Keep the Solar Panels Cool
Of course, for solar panels to work, they need exposure to maximum sunlight during the day, and with that comes great heat. Solar panels contain objects known as semiconductors. These items tend to decrease in performance as the temperature rises.
To reduce overheating, ensure that your solar panels are at least 7 inches from the roof or whichever surface they are on for natural cooling. Ask your installer for other options available for keeping your panels cool.
Getting the most out of your solar panel mainly involves ensuring that it receives the optimal amount of sunlight during the day. If you want to explore how you can benefit from solar energy, contact our expert team at West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar for any solar services you need.
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