Many companies make the switch to renewable energy to reap the benefits of going green. Solar panels save electric costs for commercial businesses, but without the proper maintenance or equipment, you could miss out on additional savings. Lower your energy costs even further by improving your solar panels’ efficiency.
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Keep Your Panels Clean
Clean your panels regularly to remove buildup, especially after seasons with high pollen or heavy rain. Dust, dirt, and debris could block your solar panels and limit how much sunlight hits the system. A soft brush and mild water spray are often all you need to remove the debris from the surface.
Along with debris on the panels themselves, trees and shrubs casting shade on your solar panels could also impede sunlight absorption. Trim any nearby vegetation to prevent shading your grid. Even partial shading on one panel can disrupt the entire system’s efficiency.
Optimize Panel Placement
For most commercial properties in the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels at an angle that matches your latitude perform best. Certain public buildings work best for solar panels, such as ones with flat roofs or expansive fields. As you plan for the installation, place your panels at the appropriate angle and direction based on your building’s location and infrastructure.
Invest in Solar Tracking Systems
Fixed solar panels are effective but may not capture sunlight as efficiently throughout the day. As a solution to this problem, solar tracking systems automatically adjust the angle of your panels to follow the sun’s path. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term energy savings make it a worthwhile option for commercial buildings.
Install a Monitoring System
Solar monitoring systems help track the performance of your solar panels in real time. By identifying dips in energy production, you can quickly address issues like panel malfunction or shading. Simply include this monitoring system in your solar grid and check for any changes in energy input or output and any signs of damaged parts.
Keep Panels Cool
Overheating reduces solar panel efficiency and strains the system. To keep your solar system at reasonable temperatures, install a cooling system that surrounds the hottest points of the grid. Ventilation and open mounting can also help maintain optimal temperatures for areas with a more enclosed environment.
Enhance the System With Solar Labels
Solar labeling your commercial system improves the functionality and efficiency of your solar panels by clearly marking components and safety measures. When properly labeled, technicians can quickly identify electrical circuits and troubleshoot issues. This will boost your system’s lifespan and reduce the downtime during maintenance.
After your initial investment, your solar panels should be reducing your monthly energy consumption and costs. If you notice any changes in your grid’s performance, quickly conduct a routine maintenance procedure to clear debris and fix any issues.
The sooner you notice these changes, the faster you can provide solutions to the cause. Start monitoring your system and tweaking its weak points to get the most out of your solar panels.
