Solar PV Systems | Great Tips for Increasing the Efficiency of Your Solar Power System

Background on Solar PV Systems

Solar PV systems are becoming more and more popular across the country. After all, solar energy is safe, environment friendly, renewable, and sustainable. However, solar PV systems sometimes do not produce enough energy to power homes and businesses; and most residents are reluctant to install more panels because of the costs. Solar panels can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on their size. Fortunately, there are simple ways to improve the efficiency of solar PV systems. These ways can either improve the manner in which energy is produced or increase electricity production.

Solar Panel Coating

One way to improve solar PV systems is to use solar panel coating, a kind of varnish that increases the amount of sunlight that the solar panels absorb. Light absorption can be increased by 3% during noon and as much as 6% during the early morning and evening hours. This improves the amount of electricity produced; hence, improving the electric efficiency of the solar PV systems and decreasing the cost of wattage.

Improve Solar PV Systems performance with Solar Panel Adjustments

You have to make sure that your photovoltaic panels are in the right orientation and tilt angle. Keeping them in the optimal position ensures that they receive the most sunshine all throughout the year. When the surfaces of your panels are perpendicular to the rays of the sun, they will be able to derive maximum solar energy and efficiently produce electricity. Hence, you will be able to reduce your expenses with the solar PV systems. If you live somewhere in the northern hemisphere, you need to position your panels toward true south and tilt them according to your installation site’s latitude. Your rooftop or a rack is the most ideal location for your panels. Nonetheless, you must adjust them when the season changes. During summer, it is best to lay them closer to horizontal; but during winter when the sun lies lower in the sky, it is best to raise the panels to a higher angle.

Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Kit

Trackers and Concentrators

Concentrators and trackers may also be added to solar PV systems to improve their light absorption. Concentrators are large magnifying lenses that intensifies the light available; thus, increasing the amount of light the panels absorb. Trackers, on the other hand, are devices that are designed to track the sun as it moves across the sky. They keep the surfaces of the solar panels perpendicular to the rays of the sun as well as improve their electric efficiency during the winter season.

Proper Maintenance of Solar Pv Systems

Like most things, solar PV systems will function at their best if they are properly maintained. Make sure that no snow, dirt, debris, and dust particles accumulate on the surfaces of the panels. Small bugs may also stick to them, so you also need to wash the glass surfaces frequently. The accumulation of these elements can dissipate sunlight and reduce solar power efficiency. However, when cleaning your solar panels, it is best to wait until night time when they have already cooled down. In addition, allow air to flow underneath your panels by leaving a gap between their mounts and the roof. This keeps their temperature regulated. Keep in mind that temperature also affects the efficiency of solar panels. If their temperature is too high, their efficiency will drop.

If you are looking for more information on solar power houses you should read this post on solar pv systems.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 10th, 2011 at 6:50 am and is filed under DIY Solar Panels. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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