The constant rise of energy bills can wreck havoc on your monthly budget. It’s natural to seek alternative ways to save some extra money. If you’ve chosen to install solar systems with us, then you know that they are one of the most affordable (and eco-friendly) ways to save on your energy bills. Incidentally, there are a few things you should be aware of before investing in a solar system such as low power output and what you can do about it.
We know you’d be excited when you are about to have your solar system installed and especially when the inspector comes and approves the switch. Unfortunately, solar installations are not immune to problems resulting in a lower power output than expected. In such situations, you may think that the system itself is the problem. However, there are other factors that commonly affects solar installations.
In fact, we check all our solar systems and ensure they work properly to meet per your expectations, our expectations and manufacturer’s specifications. As a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited retailer and an ethical business, it is our commitment. This commitment also extends to our team of CEC accredited solar installers. In this article we’d like to make you aware of this and what you can do about it.
Common causes of low power output in solar installations
There are four common reasons for a poor solar system’s performance. This includes:
1. Presence of dirt
Dirt accumulation on solar panels does not become a significant problem to most people but when it does, it has a significant effect on the power generated. These can include dust, bird droppings, sea spray which accumulates on the solar panel. Thick enough, a layer of dust can have a noticeable impact on your panel’s performance. Falling objects can also cause cracks; these will damage the solar panel.
Because we live in Cairns, there are many birds that migrate across our city and these birds need to void. This is an unfortunate part of living in a wonderful place. However, you may also be affected by sea spray especially if you live on the northern beaches or in coastal Cairns. Winds and strong waves can carry sea spray as much as 100 meters inland. For our customers living near the sea or who are at risk of sea spray, we install solar panels that meet the IEC 61701 standard. There are six levels of resistance measured by the IEC 61701 and most panels that we use are likely to have the highest resistance; these are panels tested to simulate decades of exposure to a salty environment such as the Northern Beaches in Cairns. Furthermore, to earn the classification, they must have less than 2% decline in the power output.
The much more pressing and common reason for lower power output is due to dust. A publication from the University of Malaga in Spain found losses due to dust can be higher than 25%. To prevent such high losses, we recommend cleaning and inspection at least once every six months. Maintenance that includes regular cleaning and inspection prevents the accumulation of dust and keeps your panels capturing light as expected. It is an opportunity for us to inspect for cracks or wear that can become worse. We also keep an active system monitoring service for our clients that allows us to notify you if a panel or panels are not performing as expected. Using this monitoring tool, we can diagnose for issues that will impact your property.
2. Shading around the installation
While solar panels can still absorb sunlight on cloudy days, it will generate less power compared to when there are clearer skies. However, if there are trees or other nearby constructions, these may consistently block access to the sun, thus reducing the system’s capacity to produce solar power.
Therefore if renovations are being conducted on your property or nearby properties, your contractors should inform you on how they will address the decreased access of your solar panels to sunlight.
If trees or bush has overgrown in your garden then it may be time to consider hiring a pruning service to maintain your garden and your solar system efficiency!
3. Overheating
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels may tend to overheat if there’s too much solar power in it. In fact, solar panels may have reduced power output by as much as 20 percent the higher the heat temperature is. Its overall function may further be affected if there’s absence of outdoor breeze.
Our panels are designed to operate even at high temperatures, however, using our system monitoring service, we are able to detect when there are unusually poor performances that we will contact you to address promptly.
4. The sun’s angle
A solar power’s panel can also be affected depending on the sun’s angle. For example, when the sun seems too low or it is already winter season, expect that power output will be reduced. Fortunately, in Cairns, the angle of the sun is relatively consistent throughout the year. Furthermore, our accredited installers will position the panels in the best position for you.
Having a solar installation has helped our customers save between 50 and 80% from their electricity bill. However, just like an air conditioner that has been operating over a hot and busy summer or your car after a long road trip, it needs to be maintenance with proper cleaning and care. If your solar panels are not producing the power output you expect, it is usually because of –
1. Dirt accumulation,
2. Shading round the installation,
3. Overheating or, because of the
4. Sun angle.
These are the four major reasons why your solar installation power output may appear sub-optimal and what you should consider. If you’re thinking of a solar installation with us, a low power output would likely be due to dirt accumulation or overheating. However, these are unlikely and should they occur, we’ll pick it up quite quickly with our system monitoring service. If you are considering a solar installation to reduce your electricity bills, contact us at (07) 4243 3202 or use the booking form below.