Solar panels are an amazing way to produce clean, renewable energy for your home, but in order for them to work efficiently, you need to make sure they have been installed correctly and in a way that maximises efficiency.
- Each solar panel needs roughly 25m2 of roof space, therefore it is essential that there is enough roof space for multiple solar panels to fit
- The area of roof space you are adding your solar panels to needs to be unshaded. This means it cannot be too close to trees or buildings that will block out sunlight
- For full efficiency it is best to place solar panels onto a south facing roof. North facing roofs are not recommended as they will get very little sunlight. Solar panels on an east or west facing roof will generate electricity however they will not be as efficient as those on a south facing roof
- The solar panels you use must have black cells in order to absorb as much light as possible to generate electricity
- Make sure when your solar panels are fitted, they are tilted to around 45 degrees. As solar panels sit on your roof, they can be difficult to clean, as debris, such as leaves and dust, fall onto it. Debris can lower your panels efficiency as it will begin to cover the solar cells that generate the electricity and block sunlight from getting to them. If your panels are tilted there is an increased chance that rainwater will remove the debris as it runs down
- As your electricity generation will peak during daylight hours it is advised that you use your appliances during the day. This includes using your washing machine, dryers, dishwashers and even charging your devices
- What is under your roof is just as important, as the panels you put on top of it. Make sure that your roof is well insulated to ensure that you maximise the reduction in CO2 generation from your property.
