Solar panels make fora fantastic way to reduce the amount of money spent on energy. This renewable energy source can reduce one’s carbon footprint as well as one’s bills. But sometimes people are left disappointed when they see their energy bills because they were expecting them to be lower. So, what could be causing your solar panels to have a lower output than expected?
Dirty Panels
Solar panels absorb sunlight, but when they are dirty or dustythey do not perform to their maximum potential. Dust and other particles on a solar panel will either distract or obstruct light from reaching the solar cells within the panel. So, even on very sunny days, a solar panel might not be performing as expected because the light is just not getting through. It is important thereforeto ensure that solar panels are cleaned regularly. You can clean the panels yourself or hire a solar panel servicing company to come and do it for you.
Overcast Days
While solar panels do still create energy when it is cloudy, they are likely to produce a lower output than they would on very sunny days. In fact, you can probably expect your solar panels to produce only half as much energy as they would on a bright, cloud-free day.
Shade from Trees or New Buildings
The good news is that shade from new buildings is rare as most states have laws in place that would prevent neighbors from erecting any structure that would block an existing solar panel system. Nevertheless, sometimes people find that trees that were quite small when the solar panel system was first installedgrow high and begin to block the light. If the trees are on your property, you can call a tree surgeon to cut some of the higher branches. However, if the trees are on a neighbor’s property, you will need to get permission.
Malfunctioning Parts
The people at Vivint Solar say that solar energy production will inevitably be affected when components of the system are malfunctioning. If your solar panel system is producing less energy than expected and you cannot identify an obvious reason, it is best to contact your installer to have the system checked for faults.
Too Sunny
This might sound like a strange cause of reduced energy because how can it be too sunny? But it is light that generates the energy and not heat. When it is really hot, a solar panel system can overheat, which will then affect the efficiency of the panels. On very hot days, a solar panel system could lose up to ten percent of its efficiency.
Age
The energy produced by solar panel systems naturally declines over time.This is often referred to as degradation. You can expect the output of your solar panel system to reduce by around 0.5% every year.By the time it has reached the end of its expected 25–30-year lifespan, your panels may be producing around 12-15% less than they did when new.
Conclusion
There are a variety of reasons why a solar panel system might not be reaching its expected output. It might be that they are in need of a clean, or it could be that nearby trees have started to block light from reaching the solar cells. Sometimes, a malfunction with an internal part is affecting the energy production of the cells, or it may be the case that solar panel degradation is to blame. If you cannot find a reason for the reduction in energy production, it is best to have the panels checked by a professional.
