How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panels Investment

Homeowners in the United States are increasingly environmentally conscious. However, installing solar panels is a great way to ditch monthly electricity bills and enjoy tax rebates. Whether you are new to solar energy or installed a custom solar array years ago, you can take steps to maximize your available solar energy.

Below are a few tips from RxSun on how to get the most out of your solar panel investment. Our team provides sustainable energy solutions across Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Positioning Your Panels For Maximum Sunlight

• The placement of your solar panels is critical for optimal energy production. To get the best results:
• Orient your panels towards the sun – In the Northern Hemisphere, this means facing them south.
• Avoid shading – Even partial shading can drastically reduce your system’s efficiency. Trim trees or move any objects that could block sunlight.
• Consider the angle – Match the installation angle of your panels to your location’s latitude for maximum exposure.
• Pro Tip: Use a solar calculator tool or consult with a professional to determine the ideal placement for your specific roof.

Use Solar Energy When It’s Sunny

Do you want the most out of your solar panels? Consume more energy during peak hours of sunshine.  Depending on your solar panels’ direction, they absorb the most energy, either in the morning or afternoon. Pay attention to the direction your solar panels face, and then use major appliances when they are likely to produce the most energy. Awareness goes a long way when maximizing solar energy use.

Increase Efficiency By Keeping Your Solar Panels Clean 

Solar panels can get incredibly dirty in a short amount of time. Pollen, insects, and other pollutants on solar equipment reduce its efficiency. It’s the same with nearby trees that drop their leaves on your roof, covering your solar panels and rendering them unable to generate electricity. Removing debris and trimming nearby trees will increase the solar power your panels absorb daily.

Tip: If you are uncomfortable cleaning your panels, hire a solar professional to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

Stagger Appliance Use As a Solar Solution

Running several appliances simultaneously may deplete all available solar energy and dip into grid electricity use. You can maximize your clean energy use by staggering the use of your appliances, particularly energy-heavy ones. For example, if you need to do laundry and run the dishwasher, do one chore at a time.

Use Battery Storage for Solar Power

Your solar panel investment will work on cloudy days but may create less energy than you need to get through the day. Investing in a solar battery will allow you to store excess energy when needed the most. It is a great way to offset the cost of solar panel installation and enable you to use solar energy even when you have several overcast days.

Why Consider Solar Batteries? They provide added security and convenience by allowing you to use solar energy around the clock, not just during daylight hours.

Monitor Your Solar System’s Performance

Solar panels can last 25 years or more, but regular monitoring is essential to ensure they work at peak efficiency. Many modern systems come with solar monitoring tools that track:

• Energy production
• Panel performance
• Possible malfunctions

Regularly checking your system’s performance will help you catch issues early, ensuring it continues to function optimally for years.

Pro Tip: Some solar companies offer monitoring services that send alerts if something goes wrong, giving you peace of mind.

Use Different Appliances At Different Times

One benefit of solar energy is that you can use appliances during peak sunlight hours, when your system is producing the most energy. However, shifting appliance usage to different times of day can also help you reduce your energy consumption during high-demand periods.

• You can use dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during daylight hours.
• Heavier appliances: Use them when your solar panels generate maximum energy, typically during midday.

Why It Helps: This strategy ensures that solar energy is used efficiently, minimizing reliance on grid power during peak times.

Expand the Advantages of Solar Power With Net Metering

Solar systems are an excellent way to reduce or eliminate monthly electricity bills. If your solar array regularly produces more energy than you need for household demands, ask your local power company about incentives. If your city permits net metering, you can sell excess energy back to the grid to further maximize your benefits from installing solar panels.

Find Financial Incentives And Rebates

Homeowners who install solar panels can take advantage of financial incentives, tax credits, or rebates available in many regions. These programs can significantly reduce the initial cost of a solar system, making it more affordable.

• Government rebates: Check with local and federal authorities for available incentives.
• Tax credits: Look into solar investment tax credits (ITCs) that can lower your tax liability.
• Utility rebates: Many utility companies offer rebates to solar system customers.

How to Get Started: Research available programs in your area and consider working with a solar installation company familiar with these incentives to ensure you receive all eligible discounts.

Use A Reputable Provider To Install Your Solar Panels

Choosing the right solar installer can make a massive difference in the efficiency and lifespan of your system. When selecting a provider:

• Check for experience and credentials: Ensure the installer has a solid reputation and the necessary certifications.
• Get references: Speak with past customers about their experience.
• Compare warranties: Choose a provider with strong product and installation warranties to protect your investment.

Use Insulation to Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature

Controlling the temperature in your home uses more energy than anything else. Thankfully, solar power works wonders to reduce the monthly cost of keeping your home comfortable. But you can take measures to help it work even more efficiently. 

For instance, ensuring the insulation throughout your home is in good shape will help your HVAC system work more efficiently to cool and heat during extreme outdoor temperature fluctuations. Work from the top down, starting in the attic. Check for signs of rodent presence in the insulation, as areas damaged by mice need replacement.

Outdated windows can also play a big part in inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. Why not consider investing in modern windows designed to handle all weather conditions? Better insulated windows will keep hot or cold air from affecting your desired indoor temperature.

Keep Your Inverter Cool

The inverter is one of the most crucial components of a solar system. It converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Keeping it cool can help prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

• Avoid placing the inverter in direct sunlight.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the inverter to avoid overheating.
• Install a cooling system if necessary, especially for larger systems.

Why It Matters: Keeping the inverter at the right temperature reduces the risk of overheating, which can cause malfunction or shorten its lifespan.

Residential Clean Energy From RxSun

Installing solar panels on your roof is a fantastic way to reduce monthly energy costs and help the environment by using renewable resources. Keeping your solar panels clean and in good shape with professional maintenance will increase your return on investment. Plus, cutting back trees that drop decaying leaves on a roof could maximize your panels’ solar power.

Does Your Solar System Produce More Energy Than You Need? 

Your city may allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid. And if you make sure your solar panels stay in good condition for as long as possible with regular maintenance, professional cleaning, and repair, those benefits will only multiply.

If you want a surefire solar panel investment, RxSun installs custom solar energy systems in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida. Please fill out our online form to book a free consultation, or speak to our team directly at 800-607-9786 to save money using pure sunlight.