In Ireland, homeowners and businesses alike are starting to take a more environmentally conscious approach when it comes to their utilities. Going solar is one of many changes they can make in order for them to live sustainably while also reducing monthly bills significantly.
You might have heard about going green: cutting out wasteful habits like using energy-inefficient light bulbs; recycling newspapers and minimising travel distances because driving everywhere takes up too much fuel from fossil fuels (you should walk more and combine trips); and so on.
But what about going solar? The sun is a renewable source of energy, which means it won’t run out anytime soon, unlike fossil fuels that are non-renewable resources. The fact that we can harness solar power for our own use makes it even more sustainable! It’s also a great way to save money in the long run, as solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bill.
How long will my solar panels last? That’s a question that you should ask yourself before investing in this technology. In order to make sure that you are maximising the value of your investment in solar panels, it’s important to understand how long they will last and if installing a power system at home or business is worth doing.
EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE
There are many factors that can impact the efficiency or performance of your solar panel system. Understanding these in advance will help you optimise their full potential for maximum output and savings on energy bills. There are thousands of panels on the market at the moment, all with different efficiencies, power outputs and lifespans. We always recommend using European panels as they go through a more stringent process and need to adhere to higher standards in relation to health and safety.
MOUNTING POSITION
When you install solar panels on your roof, it’s important that they’re facing as much sun as possible. The more direct light hitting them during different times in a day will make sure those cells are able to absorb all their energy and produce an excellent output for years down the line. We recommend facing your panels south where possible or if this is not possible we recommend opting for an east/west spilt, that way you can get the morning sun in the east and evening sun in the west.
SOLAR IRRADIATION
The sun’s heat is not what makes solar panels produce electricity. It turns out that it’s sunlight/daylight, and UV rays in particular, which provide the energy needed for a panel to function properly.
The generation of power from these cells directly depends on how much light they receive overtime- without enough exposure, those modules won’t be able to generate any current or voltage at all; just like your computer when you leave it sitting with no activity.
TEMPERATURE
The weather in your area affects how much energy from solar panels you get. If it’s too hot, then the efficiency rate decreases because less light is needed for reliable production; however if there are sudden chilly changes which make people wear jackets or hats outside before going into shops, then these same factors will reduce power output due to decreased airflow through system components like batteries & modules.
MAINTENANCE
The energy produced by solar panels is passive and they require minimal maintenance due to the fact that there are no moving parts. Depending on where you live, cleaning might be recommended every few years to remove debris to improve long-term production rates in your area, but that’s it.
SUSTAIN THE EFFICIENCY FOR YEARS TO COME?
To maximise their lifespan, it’s important to take care of your solar panels. The average life span of tier one panels is approximately 30-35 years! To keep them working long into the future and of course working efficiently, you can follow these quick tips:
1. USE A RELIABLE SOLAR COMPANY
When you’re looking for solar panels, the installer is one of the most important factors that should be considered. They’ll have years of experience and glowing reviews from previous customers; they also provide impeccable customer service which makes them invaluable in helping make this big investment go as smoothly as possible — not to mention their track record with getting high-quality products installed quickly.
2. GET YOUR INSTALLER TO INSPECT YOUR PANELS
If you’ve noticed that your production has declined over time, it might be worth checking in with a professional i.e. your installer, to see if there are any issues. You could void the warranty and cause far more damage than what was initially expected by examining this type of equipment without assistance from an expert!
3. COMPARE LIKE WITH LIKE
Always, Always compare like with like, do not take quotes at face value. It is essential to consider things like the installer reputation, accreditations and experience (are they going to be there for you 10 years down the line if you need it) – Not very many reputable installers will touch another installers work, so bare this in mind. It is also imperative to look at things like the panel efficiency, life span and warranties. Last but by no means least remember to have a look into what other components they are using like the inverter, diverter or battery.
4. DON’T LET DEBRIS COVER YOUR PANELS
Even if a professional installs your solar panels, down the line you need to ensure they need are clean and debris free. It’s best for them not to get covered in leaves or dirt because this could cause damage over time that would reduce their energy production which means more money spent on electricity bills! Generally speaking, rainwater and wind is enough to clean the panels but it is always good to vigilant. One other thing to take into consideration is trees, are there trees that have grown and are now causing shading, you may need to trim them back to ensure you are getting the most out of the panels.
CONCLUSION
As the world becomes more and more reliant on solar power, it’s important to understand some of the basics of this energy source. We would like to remind everyone that if you are considering making the switch, you need to make sure it is right for your home or business! For more information about solar panels and how it impacts your energy output in terms of continued efficiency rates – We at NRG Panel will be happy to help you out.
