When installing a solar array, it is important to keep in mind that, while solar panels are relatively low-maintenance and can be successfully installed anywhere on the planet, there are several conditions that must be met in order to ensure their continued efficiency. To maximize efficiency and return on investment, your panels should be cleaned on a regular basis, exposed to direct sunlight, kept cool, and oriented in the correct direction for your energy needs. Additionally, many arrays will benefit from the installation of an energy storage system. Fortunately, SolBid can help you maximize efficiency and eliminate the headache associated with system maintenance and monitoring.

Clean your panels
Over time, dust and debris will accumulate on solar panels, partially blocking sunlight and preventing them from achieving their optimum efficiency. Debris can reduce panel efficiency up to 25%, so it is critical to keep them properly cleaned and maintained. Although rain can wash away much of this debris, panels will still need to be cleaned on a regular basis to eliminate some of the more stubborn buildup.

Avoid shade
Solar panels operate most efficiently in the presence of direct sunlight. This means that keeping your panels out of the shade is of the utmost importance. To accomplish this, take into account nearby structures and vegetation that may interfere with the efficiency of your panels. Even if only a portion of the installation is shaded, the entire system's performance may decrease, especially if your system utilizes string inverters. String inverters require panels to be wired in series, therefore if one of the panels in the series is shaded, the output of the remaining panels in the series will be impacted and act as if they are shaded as well.

Prevent your panels from becoming too hot
Solar panels function most efficiently at lower temperatures. This is because electrons in the panel have less energy when they are at a lower temperature. When the electrons in the panel are activated by the high energy of the sun, the greater difference in voltage means the panels are able to generate more electricity. In order to achieve lower temperatures, you can slightly elevate your solar panels from your rooftop, enabling airflow between the panels and the roof. The wind will then be able to cool the panels on both sides.

Take into account the orientation of your solar array
It is important to consider your utilitys net metering policies when choosing the orientation of your solar array. South-facing panels are preferable when your utility provides 1:1 net metering, which means you will receive equal compensation for electricity regardless of the time of day. South-facing panels receive direct sunlight throughout the day, so are generally the smartest choice. However, some utilities will compensate solar owners at a higher rate for electricity produced at times of day when electricity demand is at its highest. This means that purchasing electricity in the afternoon is often more expensive than purchasing it at other times of the day. For this reason, you may choose to install your solar array so that it faces west or southwest so your panels supply more electricity in the afternoon and evening when Time-of-Use prices are at their highest.

Install an Energy Storage System
Solar energy can be gathered and used on cloudy days, at night, or in the event of an electrical outage if you install an energy storage system, such as a battery. Get more bang for your buck by installing a storage technology that will allow you to utilize your stored power in the event that your panels are not producing.

How Can SolBid Help?
Fortunately, SolBid is committed to helping you get the most out of your solar energy system. SolBid offers a 25-year extended warranty operations and maintenance plan to ensure that your solar installation remains efficient and operational. The operations and maintenance plan covers PV modules, Inverters, Power Optimizers, and Data Loggers. It also offers remote monitoring of the solar energy system, virtual system diagnostics (under a limited warranty), and annual system inspections and maintenance. This plan offers numerous advantages, including that systems are continuously operated and maintained, so there is no need for the customer to monitor their own systems for production loss or errors. As a result, downtime is minimized, allowing for maximized production and a greater return on investment. Additionally, the stress associated with looking for contractors to do repairs, or searching for replacement parts is alleviated.