How To Get The Most From Your Solar Panels

If you’re considering installing solar panels, you’ll already know it’s a big, but worthwhile investment. But how do you ensure that you get the most out of your new system?

As with any investment, it’s important to think about maximising it’s value and potential returns from the start. At Purelec Energy, we want to ensure our customers get the most out of their solar panels, so in today’s article, we’re going to take a look at some top tips to ensure that you get the most benefit from owning solar panels.

Maximise Solar Panel Efficiency

From the outset, you need to have your solar panels installed in optimal locations. Ideally, panels should be oriented southwards to maximise exposure throughout the day. However, east and west-facing installations are still advantageous when a southern aspect is unavailable. Whilst a south-facing array yields the highest potential, considering all orientations is worthwhile. East and west elevations, albeit less productive, contribute significantly to energy generation. Given the escalating costs of electricity, utilising all available roof space for solar panels is a sensible approach.

It’s also important to ensure your system is correctly sized for your home’s energy needs, balancing production and consumption effectively. If you choose a system that doesn’t cover your consumption, then you’ll be losing out on potential savings. On the other hand, if you install a system that generates more than you need, you can sell that excess back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee.

Store Energy For When Its Needed

We mentioned above that you can sell the excess energy you generate, but before you do that you should consider storing some to use later. A battery storage solution allows you to store surplus solar energy for later use, such as at night or on cloudy days. This increases your energy independence and saves more money on electricity bills. The added bonus is that once your batteries are full, you can still sell any excess to the grid.

Carry Out Occasional Maintenance

Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them in top working order.

The first is to give them an occasional clean. Just like anything that’s kept outdoors, dirt and grime can build up on solar panels over time, reducing how much sunlight they can take in. Therefore, its advisable to clean them once in a while to maintain peak performance.

Additionally, an expert eye can spot potential issues before they occur. It’s advisable to have a professional periodically check your system to ensure everything is in working order. This can also be a condition of the system’s warranty, so be sure to check when they are required and make a note in your diary.

Transition to Electrical Appliances

Gas appliance usage is still widespread throughout the UK. But if you’re installing solar panels, it makes sense to switch some or all of your gas appliances to electric. This also goes some way towards making your home more environmentally friendly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.