Basic Tips for Maximizing Solar Panel Efficiency

There are several terms or themes that are naturally going to be important among those who own or utilize solar panels on their homes or buildings, and one of these is efficiency. An efficient, streamlined system will save you money while also making your structures more sustainable and eco-friendly, and there are several ways to go about ensuring you have the most efficient solar panel setup possible.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to help. We happily provide a huge range of both residential and commercial solar panel services, from panels themselves to battery backups and several other important related themes that help you design, install and maintain a highly efficient power supply. With the term efficiency in mind, what are some simple tips we regularly offer our clients? Here are a few.

Work With a Great Installer

If an efficient system is truly your top priority, one of the first steps in your process is also one of the most important: finding a great solar panel installer. This team will become your partner as you work to get your system up and running, and they'll also be there for maintenance down the line. A good installer will help you select the right products, optimize your system's design and ensure that everything is installed properly.

For instance, when you work with our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar, we'll help you with several basic themes during the design and installation process:

• Panel type selection: There are a few different robust solar panel types on the market, each with their own advantages. We'll help you choose the one that makes the most sense for your specific project.
• Mounting and racking: How your panels are mounted and positioned can have a big impact on how efficiently they operate. We'll make sure everything is installed correctly and positioned in the best way possible.
• Inverter selection: Inverters are a crucial part of any solar panel system, and there are several different types to choose from. We'll help you select the best inverter for your needs and ensure it's installed correctly.
• Proper shade considerations: If your property has a lot of trees or other objects that could create shading issues, we'll help you find the best way to work around them.
• Orientation and tilt: The orientation and tilt of your panels can also affect their efficiency. We'll make sure they're positioned in the best way possible to maximize output.

These are just a few examples of the many ways working with a great solar panel installer can help you create a more efficient system. If you're ready to get started on your own project, we invite you to contact us today. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started.

How Many Panels Do You Need?

Another common question we get is about panel quantity: how many panels do you need to power your home or business? The answer, of course, depends on a few different factors. But one of the best ways to ensure an efficient system is to start by doing your research and getting a clear understanding of your needs and goals.

Some things you'll want to keep in mind as you consider panel quantity include:

• How much power do you use on a daily or monthly basis?
• What are your long-term goals for solar usage? Are you looking to offset all of your power usage, or just a portion of it?
• Do you want to be able to generate extra power and sell it back to the grid?
• Are there specific items or appliances in your home that use a lot of power?
• Do you plan to add more solar panels in the future?

Asking yourself questions like these can help you get a better idea of how much power you'll need to generate and how many panels will be required to meet your goals. Once again, working with quality professionals is a huge connector here.

Ownership Tips

In addition to proper design and installation of your solar panel system, there are some basic themes you can cover once you own your panels to keep them working efficiently:

• Regular cleaning: Solar panels need to be kept clean in order to work their best. Be sure to clean them on a regular basis, especially if they're located in a place where they might get dusty or dirty.
• Proper maintenance: In addition to cleaning, your panels will also need some basic maintenance from time to time. This includes things like trimming back any branches or foliage that might be shading them, and making sure they're free of debris.
• Smart uses of home power: In whatever ways possible, it pays to be mindful of your power usage and to make smart choices that will help you save. Some basic things you can do include turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they're not in use, and encouraging family members to do the same.
• Using LEDs or other energy-efficient items: Within your home, there are plenty of opportunities to switch out old, inefficient items for newer, more sustainable options. One great example is using LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs.

These are just a few tips to help you get started with making your solar panel system as efficient as possible, something that can easily be done with a little bit of planning and effort. For more specific advice, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar. We'll be happy to help you every step of the way, from design and installation all the way through to maintenance and optimization. Contact us today to get started!