Efficiency is required in a solar power system. It’s the primary factor that determines whether you’ll get a return on your investment in the system and whether your system can provide the amount of energy your home needs. What can you do to build a system that’s more efficient and provides a higher ROI? 

Install Panels at the Right Angle

One of the most important factors in building an efficient solar power system is installing your panels at the right angle and with the right orientation. Solar panels produce the most electricity when they receive direct sunlight for the longest possible time during the day.

For American solar users, panels typically perform best when they face south, as this allows them to capture the most sunlight all year round. The tilt angle should also be adjusted to match your latitude. For example, a home in a northern state will need a steeper tilt than a home in a southern region. You could also opt for adjustable mounting systems so that you can change the tilt seasonally, tilting panels slightly more in the winter and less in the summer to maximize sunlight exposure.

Use Power Optimizers or Microinverters

Traditional solar systems often use a single central inverter, which converts the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for your home. However, this setup can reduce efficiency because all the panels must operate together as a single system. If one panel is shaded by a nearby tree, for example, it can impact the performance of your entire solar array. 

Power optimizers and microinverters get around this problem by allowing each panel to operate independently. This maximizes the energy output from every panel, even if another one in the system is performing differently.

Minimize Shading on Your System

Speaking of shaded panels, did you know it’s one of the biggest offenders when it comes to reducing solar panel efficiency? Trees, nearby buildings, chimneys, and even debris buildup can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your panels. Before installing your system, evaluate potential sources of shading throughout the day. Professional installers often do this to determine the best placement for your panels. You can also improve efficiency by keeping nearby trees trimmed back from your roof.

If you want a more efficient solar power system, be sure to install your panels at the right angle, minimize any shade that might be falling on them, and opt for microinverters or SolarEdge single-phase optimizers to increase the output of each panel.