Installer Directory
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Janet Richardson

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Updated on

Apr 21, 2023

Read Time : 3 Minutes

How to Improve the Efficiency of Solar Panels

Solar panels are making leaps and bounds when it comes to the technology being improved and researched. We are constantly discovering new ways to make panels more efficient and effective, which is great for those who are looking to invest, as well as those who already have them installed. Of course, solar panels still aren’t quite as efficient as we would like, and research is still being carried out to help improve this. However, there are a few things you can do from home to make sure that your panel is as efficient as possible.

Choose Your Panel Wisely

When you go to select your solar panels, the choices you make can affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient of the three main types, and they are also the most expensive. However, they are also the heaviest ones to install on your roof. Polycrystalline solar panels are the in the middle when it comes to both efficiency and price, and they were some of the first to be introduced to the public. They are lighter than monocrystalline cells, and also don’t create as much waste when being created, so there is less of an environmental impact. Thin film solar cells are the least efficient, but also the cheapest of the three types. They are also the ones that have the most potential for the future, as there is constant research and development taking place to constantly improve this technology. It’s also flexible, and while it takes up a lot more room than the other forms, it is also the lightest one.

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Correct Installation

Ensuring that your solar panel system is installed correctly is actually more essential than you might think. Poor installation from a bad company can lead to incredibly inefficient panels that do not provide a great amount of power for your home. Plus, if you go with a company that is not MCS accredited, you will not be available for the government Feed-in Tariff scheme, which allows you to make money from your solar panels. MCS accredited installers are the best way to go, and you can find an MCS directory online that will show you each of the licensed and qualified companies available in your area. They are professionals with a great deal of experience, which should give you peace of mind when it comes to installation. With an MCS professional, you know that you are going to have a correctly installed solar panel system, and one that works at the correct efficiency levels. Plus, if anything did go wrong, MCS installers leave you with a guarantee – protecting you.

Performance Increase Technologies

You can buy equipment that will increase the performance of your array, from Solar Optimisers, Micro Inverters through to Grid Voltage Optimisers. We can advise you on which is most suitable, some can be retrofit to existing installations such as the Grid Voltage Optimiser (PV ) and some really need installing with your array as the Micro Inverters and Solar Optimisers are fixed to the panels themselves.

Maintenance

As a general rule, your solar panels do not require a great amount of maintenance, and they don’t tend to need any to keep running. However, they do get a little dusty and dirty throughout the year, which means that they need to be cleaned a few times throughout the year to keep them running at optimal levels. If they get dusty or dirty, grab some warm water and a soft sponge to wipe the solar panels clean. Do not use a harsh sponge as this could cause fine scratches on the surface of the solar panels. As a result, rain water can get into the module, which could then cause damage to the panel as a whole. If your solar panel is quite high up on your roof and you feel like it could be a little risky to get up, don’t be afraid to call the professionals. There are a number of expert solar panel cleaning services that will be able to give your solar panel system an excellent clean in no time at all, and with no risk to your safety. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you should also make sure that they are brushed off regularly, as it is not unheard of for some snow to get packed on the panels. This is easier to do if you have ground mounted solar panels.

Avoid the Shade and the Dirt.

The shade can be pretty deadly for your solar panels. When you go to have them installed, you need to make sure that there are no branches, chimneys, aerials, or other items that will cause shade over your solar panels between the peak hours of 9am and 3pm. If you have shade over your solar panels, you can end up losing up to half of your solar efficiency for each panel that is obstructed. This is a huge amount, so take it into careful consideration when you go to have them installed, and make sure that your roof space will be clear of any shadow.  

Solar Concentrator

A solar concentrator can help to concentrate the light that has been absorbed by the sun. Its purpose is to concentrate light that is falling onto large areas into smaller ones, and large mirrors can also help to increase this. The results of this method are that your solar panels will have increased levels of efficiency, providing you with more energy and saving you even more money on your bills.  

Want to Know More?

Have you found yourself interested in solar panels? If you want to know more then make sure you head to our marketplace where you can find our full range of products, each with the relevant information. Or simply give us a ring using the number at the top of this page and have a chat.

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