Is Your Solar Panel Running at Peak Capacity?

Most solar panels installed today are very durable and, depending on the model, some can last up to 25 years. But how can homeowners tell if their solar panels are running at peak capacity?

Many factors affect a solar panel’s performance, and there are several methods for checking if they are producing the optimal amount of energy.

Homeowners utilizing solar power need to understand these variables for a worry-free operation.

How to Determine if the Solar Panels are Running at Peak Capacity

It is essential to know that solar panels will never run at 100% capacity – losses can happen due to climate conditions and seasonal changes.

A 5kW panel can produce energy for a maximum of 5kW every hour, but it will not constantly generate power at its peak.

A properly installed and well-designed residential solar panel, such as the ones provided at Fusion Power, is at peak capacity when there are minimal system losses.

Factors That Can Reduce Performance

Numerous factors can affect the performance of solar panels, particularly in the way they receive sunlight – correct installation and regular maintenance can help avoid these issues.

Here are some common causes of degraded solar power output:

• High temperatures: Solar panel components cannot operate well if consistently exposed to temperatures above 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Arizona summer can cause a maximum efficiency loss of 15%.
• Clouds and haze: Panels can still produce energy even with indirect sunlight, but it is optimal if there is no cloud cover.
• System losses: No matter how adequately installed a solar panel is, the cables can cause up to 2% of power loss. The inverter can also lose 3% to 4% power when converting DC to AC.
• Dust and dirt: Tree sap, dust, grime, and even bird droppings can reduce the panels’ output by blocking out sunlight.
• Seasonal changes: As the sun’s angle changes with every season, so does the direct light the panels are receiving. The summer months may offer ample sunshine, but the panels’ efficiency can decrease if it gets too hot outside.

While we cannot prevent most of these factors from occurring, a perfectly maintained solar installation can still operate well with very minimal loss.

Ways to Check Solar Panel Performance

With all these significant factors considered, it becomes easier to understand the different ways of checking how the solar panels are performing.

• Consider the weather:: Solar panels do not always need direct sunlight to produce energy – they run between 10% to 25% of their rated capacity when the sky is overcast. As such, sunny days still give the most optimal power output. Fortunately, sunshine is always abundant in Arizona compared to other states.
• Check the inverter: The “engine” running the entire solar installation at home is the inverter. If the red indicator light on the inverter is flashing, there are issues with the engine. Our solar technicians can quickly troubleshoot these problems to help avoid losing considerable power when converting sunlight to electricity.
• Examine the solar meter: The solar meter collects information about solar power production and sends the data to us. Homeowners use this monitoring equipment to check the amount of power the panels are generating. An increasing kilowatt-hour indicates that the solar panels are working fine.
• Check the panels: Rain cleans up accumulated dust and debris on the panels’ surface. However, the amount of rainfall in Arizona is inadequate. To ensure optimal performance, homeowners need to rinse off the solar panels clean with a hose now and then.

Trust Fusion Power to Ensure Peak Performance of Solar Panels

At Fusion Power, we guarantee that our clients get the most out of their panels. Apart from providing a wide range of solar services, including regular maintenance, monitoring, and inspection, we assure that each solar panel we install consistently produces the expected power output.

Contact us today for any solar panel inquiries and assistance with home solar system maintenance.