Are you new to the community embracing renewable energy and want to do it the right way? Or are you just a solar panel user that isn’t exactly sure of their usage? Nonetheless, this article will solve all your queries and possible concerns in regard to using solar panels.
What are solar panels?
As the name suggests, it is equipment developed to utilize solar energy by absorbing the sun’s rays as the source and converting them into electrical or heat energy. It is a given that when using modules like this, you want to make the best of it and use it as much to your advantage as you can. So scroll down to get some tips on the best way to use solar panels:
Run your household appliances when your solar panels are generating electricity. Directly using solar energy to power your appliances reduces the amount of electricity your system exports to the grid. This can save you around 10–30c per KWH, especially if you are optimizing the electricity generation hours by altering your appliance’s usage habits.
Best Time
Find the best time to use solar panel electricity. Generally, households tend not to optimize usage, so energy consumption is low during daytime periods when it is being generated.
10 am–3 am is the typical optimum time for maximum energy consumption, but this can differ as per your roof orientation as well.
For example, with an east-facing panel, the timings are from 8 am–11 am, while west-facing ones optimize solar energy from 3 pm–6 pm.
Proper sizing
Find the proper sizing of your electricity load profile. Your load profile should use electricity during generation hours to make it efficient.
An electricity load profile is basically a pattern of consumer behavior and varies from season to season. It can come in handy for maximizing your output when it comes to solar panels.
All the above mentioned points summarize the optimum timings and maximum usage of electricity during those hours, but that needs to be implemented as well.
The implementation of those points demands a certain level of alignment of your electricity usage habits and timetables to the efficiency guaranteeing hours.
Besides these methods, there are also certain instructions we can provide on how to take care of your solar panels:
- Your panels should be mounted at an elevation of over 12 degrees.
- There should be a monitoring system to indicate in time if there is a problem with the panels by showing a drop in outputs.
- Ideally, they should be on a south-facing roof with access to direct sunlight and no shading.
Even though you will have maximized efficiency during electricity generating hours by following the above-given methods, another important step to take when using solar panels is the installation of a battery system.
This is exactly what it sounds like, as you charge your battery during the day, which can be used later in the evening when electricity isn’t being generated.
Finally!
The importance of these steps is very clear, as solar panels are pretty costly, so you want to make the most of every penny you spend. However, if you are someone who wants to buy solar panels and money is the only problem, don’t let it stop you; they are a great investment. In fact, nowadays, solar companies in San Diego and other areas do offer loans for you to buy such equipment.
