Welcome to part two of our newest series at Intermountain Wind & Solar: "You've Installed Solar! Now What?" In part one, we looked at some basic monitoring and maintenance tips for new solar panel owners to keep in mind.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, as one of the top solar companies in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho, we offer several robust options to save on your power rates through solar panel installation and battery backup services. Today's part two of our series will look at a different question: How do you address issues where solar panels are not producing the expected energy output? Let's dive in!

How to Understand Your Expected Solar Output

Before we get into some possible reasons for subpar solar panel output or some ways to address them, let's start by understanding your expected solar output. The total amount of energy produced by a solar panel system is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

There are various factors that can affect the production of kWh, including weather conditions, shading from trees or buildings, and the level of efficiency of your panels. A typical residential solar panel system should produce around 10-12 kWh per day for every 1 kW of installed capacity. So, if you have a 5 kW system installed on your roof, you should expect to generate around 50-60 kWh per day under ideal conditions.

It's important to remember that these numbers are just estimates and can vary depending on location and other factors. But understanding your expected output can help you identify potential issues and address them promptly.

Understanding Your Power Needs

On the other side of the same coin, it's also important to understand your power consumption and needs. If you are consistently using more energy than your solar panel system can produce, you may need to adjust your usage or consider increasing the size of your system.

On the other hand, if you are producing more energy than you need, there are options like net metering that allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid.

Possible Reasons for Subpar Solar Output

Now let's take a look at some possible reasons why your solar panels may not be producing the expected amount of energy:

• Weather Conditions: While solar panels can still produce energy on cloudy days, they will likely not reach their full potential in terms of output. Heavy rain or snow can also affect production.
• Shading: If trees, buildings, or other obstructions are shading your panels for a significant portion of the day, this can greatly decrease their output.
• Dirty Panels: Dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate on your solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency. It's important to clean them regularly to maintain optimal production.
• System Issues: There may be an issue with your inverter or another component of your solar panel system that is causing it to underperform. In this case, it's best to contact your solar company for assistance.

Ways to Address Subpar Solar Output

Some of the above issues cannot really be avoided, namely adverse weather - there are simply certain times of year where solar panel output may be lower. However, there are some steps you can take to address subpar solar output and improve the overall performance of your system:

• Regular Maintenance: As mentioned above, keeping your panels clean and free of debris can greatly impact their efficiency. It's recommended to have them professionally cleaned at least once a year.
• Tree Trimming: If shading is an issue, consider trimming trees or other obstructions that may be blocking sunlight from reaching your panels.
• Professional Assistance: If you suspect there may be an issue with your system, don't hesitate to contact your solar company for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Importance of Quality Installation

And as many solar power clients quickly realize, much of this really comes back to the initial installation of your solar panel system. This is why it's crucial to work with a reputable and experienced solar company like Intermountain Wind & Solar for all your installation needs. Our team has years of experience and expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining high-quality solar systems that meet and exceed our clients' expectations.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we understand that investing in solar panel installation is a significant decision. That's why we are committed to providing not only top-notch products but also ongoing support and guidance for our clients throughout their solar journey. With proper monitoring, maintenance, and prompt action when needed, you can ensure that your solar panel system continues to provide clean, renewable energy for years to come.

Stay tuned for part three of our series, where we will be discussing how to claim tax credits or incentives for your solar panel installation. Contact us today for help with solar panel installation or other services around SLC, Utah and Boise, Idaho!