Get Value Out Of Your Solar PV System

Solar panels provide extremely affordable and environmentally-friendly energy that can power your whole home. When you invest in solar panel installation, you’re investing in a completely clean energy source that will last for decades, as the average lifespan of a residential solar panel is between 30 – 40 years. 

Getting value out of your solar PV system is important in order to optimise its performance and increase the energy yield. Below are our top tips on how to get the most out of your solar PV system.

Check your system weekly

Solar system monitoring is a way to measure how much energy you're using throughout the day. It also supplies alerts to do a daily maintenance check. Your generation meter should show a pulsing red light and the display should increase with these pulses.

Use your free solar power

To maximise the use of your free solar power you may need to make small changes to domestic or business routines. Use appliance timers to turn on during peak daytime hours, stagger machinery or processing schedules to maximise energy taken from your system rather than the grid.

• Stagger your use of major appliances during the day to make sure you import as little electricity as possible.
• Charge mobile phones, laptops, tablets, toothbrushes etc. during the day.
• Set timers, or delay start timers, on your dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer etc. so that they come on during the day – and remember to stagger their start times.
• Consider using your electric oven during the day or using a slow-cooker with a timer.
• If you have a gas hob, consider using the microwave during the day instead.
• Keep an eye on the weather.  If you know it is going to be sunny in a few days, hold off on running appliances.

Heat your water

Devices such as an Eddi solar diverter can be used to divert any excess solar power you have to heating hot water. This powerful device can be fitted to domestic and business premises and can further reduce your overall energy costs.

Improve your overall energy efficiency

Simple and low-cost options such as insulation and LED lighting are an easy win for businesses and households. The Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate completed on your property may provide a list of energy efficiency measures.

Check your system hasn’t become shaded by trees or vegetation

Shading in just one area has an impact on the overall performance of the system. If the shading is unavoidable you may wish to consider a product such as an Optimiser which maximises the output of each panel separately. This is very important if you have problems with dust or bird droppings, or nearby trees.

Clean your panels

A professional solar panel clean using the correct equipment is particularly recommended to those living in agricultural or industrial areas. North Cork Electrical cleans and maintains solar PV systems within the Munster region. Contact us today.

Consider extending your inverter warranty if available

While inverters have a low failure rate, many customers could benefit from extending their warranty as their expiry date approaches. Most manufacturers offer extensions which are less than the cost of an inverter replacement.

Consider installing a battery system to store excess daytime solar energy

A battery system can store excess daytime solar energy for use in the evening.  The battery market is fast evolving and there are a range of options available to suit particular circumstances. If your Solar PV system is large enough to warrant it, batteries would allow you to consume Solar power at night-time.

Get your system serviced

All mechanical and electrical items benefit from a professional service every few years, and solar systems are no different. Preventative maintenance can improve performance by spotting and rectifying system issues before they become problematic. Speak to us today about a ‘Clean and Service’ package for your system.

By implementing some of the tips above can help you to mitigate climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuel.  Contact us today to learn more.