How to Maximize Solar Panel Efficiency in Winter?
Having a solar panel available on your home is beneficial, as it allows you to generate your own power whenever needed. However, you may encounter different challenges upon using it because of several factors. An example would be a change in season. During winter, the solar panel’s efficiency may decrease, which, in turn, affects your daily power output. You have to take different measures in order to maintain a higher power generation rating for your device despite the weather in your area. With that said, here are some ways to maximize your solar panel efficiency during winter.
Tips on Maintaining Your Solar Panel Efficiency During Winter
Keep it clean
The best and most effective way to maintain the efficiency of your solar panel is to keep it clean every single day. Whether you have sunny weather or are in a winter season, you have to keep your solar modules clean because the surface receives the solar energy coming from the sun. If there are a lot of obstructions like ice, water, and dirt, they can affect the ability of the solar panel to absorb solar energy. You can use a cloth to remove any kind of debris from your solar panel and physically take away any object that may be blocking your device. It is good to habitually do it during winter because ice may form on top of your panels.
Remove shading
Another way to maintain the efficiency of your solar panel is to remove any object that is blocking the sunlight from your unit. This can be trees, branches, and leaves. It can also be ice formation on top of other structures. You just need to be careful when removing them so as not to accidentally damage your solar panel. Ice can be tricky at times. You do not want a large block of ice to fall on your solar panel and cause any kind of harm to you or your units. You can also ask professionals to remove huge branches of trees in order to protect your home and the solar panel as well.
Position adjustment
You can also change the position and alignment of your solar panel during winter to increase your current efficiency. If it is possible, you can move the position of your solar panel to another location. You can also adjust and tilt your panel to enable it to receive the highest possible solar power input. Some solar panels have adjustable angles and brackets so that you have the option of putting them at an angle with maximum sunlight absorption. Observation is needed to know where the position of the sun is. You may also utilize your solar panel app to check if you are getting as much sunlight as possible.
Monitor system health
Lastly, you should check your system health. A great benefit right now for your solar panel is its accompanying app. Most solar panel manufacturers have developed an app to monitor the current health of your system. You can check the status of your solar absorption and conversion in real time as well. Through the app, you will be able to check the solar panel efficiency, the battery status, and other parameters that can affect your panel’s performance.
Conclusion
Solar power can still be maximized during winter. It is all about knowing the right and safe ways to monitor your unit. A solar panel can accumulate water and debris in winter, so you should regularly clean the unit. Any obstruction should be removed. The position and alignment of the solar panel should also be checked. This can be done through the use of a system health app to determine the health of your solar panel system in real time.
