Here on Oahu, we’re lucky to have abundant sunlight nearly year-round, which is perfect for enjoying everything the island has to offer. Investing in solar panels is another great way to take advantage of the sunshine! Whether you’re installing the panels for the first time or upgrading your existing array, we all want our solar panels to generate as much power as possible.
Powering your home with more consistent energy and making the most of your investment is easy when your solar system is optimized. Maximize your solar equipment with these easy tips, no matter where you are in your solar adoption!
Plan Your New Installation Carefully
Starting your solar energy journey is exciting, but takes thoughtful planning during your solar panel installation to create a system that keeps your home powered for years to come. These three steps will help you get the most out of your array while extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Choose High-Efficiency Panels
Solar panel technology has come a long way over the years! When you’re deciding which brand and type of panel to install, be sure to research the efficiency and conversion rates of each option. Monocrystalline panels offer better efficiency rates than polycrystalline panels if you can afford the higher price tag per-panel, though you won’t need as many individual panels to achieve your desired energy generation.
Strategize Panel Placement
Careful planning is key to maximizing your solar array’s efficiency and, generally, placement comes with three major considerations:
- Avoiding Shade: Even partial shade from nearby trees or structures can greatly reduce the power generated by your solar panels. Keep nearby plants trimmed and plan your initial installation out of the shade path of nearby buildings.
- Finding the Right Angle: The ideal tilt of solar panels changes throughout the year as the sun moves. The sun doesn’t shift seasonally much here in Oahu, allowing us to maintain a fixed south-facing angle that maximizes sunlight absorption. Installers generally aim for a tilt of 18 to 19 degrees, adjusted for the slope of your roof or other installation surface.
- Maintaining Easy Access: Your panels will inevitably require maintenance, inspections, and repairs. By ensuring they’re easy to access, you’ll save yourself and any teams you hire time and stress when caring for your solar panels.
Ensure Proper Airflow (Manage Heat)
Solar panels operate best in moderate temperatures, meaning it’s crucial to think about airflow and trapped heat when adding solar panels to your home. Equipment installed flush against your roof, walls, or other surfaces can’t get the airflow it needs to keep temperatures down.
Make the Most of Your Existing System
Already have solar panels installed? Energy optimization is even more important as your system ages! Though planned upgrades are always an option to boost your energy resiliency, these three tips help you keep your existing equipment at peak performance for as long as possible.
Keep Panels Clean & Clear
Sounds pretty basic, but every layer of dust and pollen, every leaf, every spot of bird droppings keeps your solar panel from operating at full capacity. For homes near the coast, salt buildup can also impact your energy generation. Keeping your solar panels clean can be as simple as a weekly rinse with the hose or a gentle wipe-down with a soft cloth.
Monitor System Performance
The best way to make the most out of your existing system is to track its performance. Monitoring tools, power control systems, energy management systems, and other integrations help you keep an eye on the amount of energy being generated by your panels. This also helps you identify when efficiency drops, track fluctuations, and keep your power more consistent!
Schedule Repairs Promptly
Cracks, dents, faulty wires, and other damage to your solar panels immediately diminish your power generation. For solar equipment, small issues have a way of quickly escalating into more serious problems that can permanently impact your overall energy goals and even retire whole panels. Get ahead of the problem and don’t put off repair appointments!
Above All, Work with a Team You Can Trust
Your home’s power shouldn’t be left up to just anybody. The team at Holu Hou Energy is dedicated to helping you keep the lights on for less and improve your energy resiliency, especially in the face of persistent power concerns. A company built by Hawaiians for Hawaiians, we believe solar is for everyone and offer the best options for system optimizations and initial solar panel installations. Contact us today to start getting more out of your system!
