7 Ways to Boost the Efficiency of Solar Panels in New Jersey

Solar power has gained immense popularity owing to its nature of producing clean energy.

Solar Power in the United States

An average family in the US generates 14,920 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by using a non-renewable power source. Such an average figure is achieved on the assumption that the household uses nearly 957 kilowatts hours of electricity monthly.

However, a photovoltaic system allows an average U.S. family to slash their greenhouse gas emission by more than 3,000 pounds annually. Solar panels also help minimize electricity bills by 40%-70%. On top of these perks, the prices of solar power systems have plummeted significantly. Between 2009-2013, the prices have dropped by 80%, making this source of clean energy affordable.

A cherry on top of all these encouraging factors is that you can reap better from solar panels if you use them to its optimal. Getting the best yield from something is only possible when it is used to its best potential. This golden rule applies to the solar panels too. The more efficient a solar system is the more advantages that you get.

What is Solar Panel Efficiency?

Simply put, the solar cells in a photovoltaic system take in the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. Fortunately, there is an abundant supply of the sun’s radiation. In fact, the sun’s energy that strikes the earth yearly transcends the annual global consumption of electricity.

The direct radiation received depends on your location though. If you are near the sun, then you get a fair share of sunshine. However, countries that tend to be near the earth’s pole do not get as much radiation as countries away from the poles.

An example is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The people living in the countries in this region are near the sunbelt. Subsequently, they get more than 6 kWh/m2 of radiation daily. This is what makes the MENA region a productive area for solar energy generation.

The solar supply in New Jersey tends to be good too, specifically, in the summers. To get to the point, solar cells need more sunshine to produce more electricity. This enhances the output of solar arrays, thus, boosting their efficiency.

How To Boost the Efficiency of a Solar PV System?

As a mean to the end of maximum solar efficiency, you don’t have to invest a substantial sum. There is no doubt that a highly efficient solar system shows a good output. However, you can also multiply the yield by following some simple tips concerning the installation and maintenance of solar panels.

Let’s walk you through some of the best ways to boost the efficiency of solar panels:

1. Choose solar panels wisely

When you go solar shopping, you need to pay attention to the details. There are three kinds of solar panels to opt from. Each of these showcases their own sets of ayes and nays. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be a more efficient choice for the three types of solar panels. However, they are on the costly side and are also the heaviest when it comes to installation.

Polycrystalline solar panels come in the middle of the other two types of solar panels concerning both their pricing and efficiency. The panels are lighter than monocrystalline solar panels but heavier than thin film solar cells. Likewise, they are more expensive than the thin film solar cells but cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels.

Lastly, thin film solar cells are the cheapest of the three options available but are the least efficient as well. Technological advancements are constantly improving these panels though, which is why they hold the most potential for the future.

2. Correct installation from solar companies in New Jersey

An essential step that guarantees maximum efficiency of solar panels is their proper installation. There are two factors to consider namely the angle and location of your solar panels.

Your chief concern should be to ensure that the solar panels receive the most sunlight throughout the day. As more light falls on the solar panels, they are able to convert more of the clean energy into power.

In this regard, the panels should be facing the sun at all times during the day. In the US, the best orientation for your solar system is when it faces the south. In that direction, your solar panels will receive the most sunlight.

Furthermore, the solar panels should be titled in a way that they get unhindered sun’s radiation from 9 am to 3 pm. In a solar panel, the solar cells are aligned in a series. A decline in the incidence of sunlight to any one of these cells can pull down the output of the entire panel.

A good solar installation company is well-informed about the best positioning of solar panels to ante up their efficiency.

3. Take the temperature into account

Consider the temperature to take the efficiency of your solar panels up a notch. Temperature determines the work effectiveness of a PV system. The output of solar panels drops if the temperature rises.

Consequently, you should leave sufficient space between the solar panels and the roof. This would encourage more air ventilation, as the air can move freely between the gap. Besides, make sure that your solar panels are not in a shaded area. This can adversely impact the overall power output because the incidence of sunlight declines substantially.

4. Install solar trackers

A solar tracker is another excellent way to swell the efficiency of your solar panels. These trackers work to move the panels in the direction of the sunlight. This makes sure that optimal radiation hits the panels, which increases the power output.

As a general rule, the larger the photovoltaic system, the more difficult it is for a tracker to move it. Some trackers have an active circuitry system. They sync the position of the solar panels with that of the sun for max output. Others use a shadow feedback signal mechanism. Still, other trackers are scheduled to adjust the panel positioning by utilizing a clock motor that follows the sun.

5. Get concentrators and performance optimizing tech

You can also boost the efficiency of the solar panels by purchasing equipment that can increase their efficiency. For instance, you can get a grid village optimizers, micro-inverters, and solar optimizers.

You can get concentrators to enhance the output of solar arrays as well. As their name indicates, these concentrate the power of the sunlight from a large area to a small one. To this end, get a lens or large mirrors. These concentrators can increase the solar output by 50%. Therefore, they help produce more energy and cut your bills more.

6. Solar glazing

Solar panels need protection against elements such as bird dropping, rain, hail, and snow. Solar glazing serves the purpose of a shield as it safeguards the panels from such elements. Low-iron glass or polycarbonate are generally suggested as good solar glazing materials.

They boast high optical transmissivity. Moreover, surface coating treatments lessen reflection for high transmissivity. In contrast, an ordinary window glass cuts down the output by roughly 40%, which is not recommended.

7. Maintenance

Lastly, maintenance plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of solar arrays. You can optimize the performance of your panel system by keeping it clean from common congestions. These include dust, leaves, and dirt.

It is important to keep the solar cells clear as dust clouds collect on their surface over time. This can lower the exposure of the sunlight, culminating in a slashed output. Gradually, your solar cells become less productive as well.

Thus, wash the solar panels in every few months. Clean off the dirt with soapy water and wipes. In fact, make it a regular habit to clean the panels to up the efficiency. Some solar systems can self-clean. They can eliminate the dirt with rain. If maintenance is a lot of work for you, then you can purchase such solar panels.

Key takeaway

Summing up, an efficient solar system yields better output by maximizing power generation. Make sure that the panels get the most of the sunlight during the day. Consequently, be careful with the orientation and angle of the panels. Solar trackers can help move them to face the sun directly throughout the day. Don’t neglect the maintenance work and utilize the benefits offered by solar concentrators too.