Maximising Solar Panel Efficiency in Ireland: Expert Tips

Maximising the efficiency of your solar panels in Ireland involves understanding the optimal placement, regular maintenance, and choosing the right technology. By ensuring your panels are free from obstructions and keeping them clean, you can significantly boost their efficiency. Learn expert tips to get the most out of your solar investment.

What Factors Impact Solar Panel Efficiency?

There are a lot of variables to consider when investing in solar energy in Ireland, and there are quite a few factors that can prevent your solar panels from working effectively. Here are some of the factors that might be affecting your solar PV panel efficiency.

Weather

Solar PV panels work by converting sun rays into usable electricity. So of course, that means that when there is less sunlight (less on rainy or overcast days), solar panels are slightly less efficient. That doesn’t mean that poor weather conditions stop solar panels from working entirely – they’ll just be extra effective on bright days!

Temperature

Depending on the type of solar cell within your solar panels, their efficiency will vary with the temperature. Temperature can have a big impact on how well your solar panels can work, so it’s important to understand the science behind it all so you can maximise your solar power! Monocrystalline solar cells work the best in high temperatures and thin-film cells work better in cooler climates. For more moderate temperatures, polycrystalline solar cells might be the most efficient. To ensure your solar panels will work all-year-round, it’s worth considering the climate in Ireland and the UK and the amount of energy you need.

Solar Panel Direction

The output of your solar PV system will depend on the pitch and direction of your roof. This is because the panels need to be able to capture sunlight as the sun moves across the sky! In Ireland and the UK, solar panels on a south-facing roof will generate the most power. South-west and south-east roofs will produce slightly less electricity, and due east or west roofs will produce less again. North-facing roofs receive much less sunlight compared to those on the south-side, but they can still be effective in generating electricity.

Sunlight

The intensity, direction and angle of the sun can all play into your solar panel productivity levels. Solar PV panels convert sun rays into electricity that we can use to power our homes and businesses. Too much or too little sunlight can impact how well the solar cells can operate.  

Shade

Solar panels work on just that – solar. When a solar PV system can’t get enough sunlight, due to overhanging trees or other buildings, its efficiency will be reduced significantly. It is vital to consider shading factors when planning for solar panels. There are special solar cells that can help a panel operate better in the shade, but these are generally more expensive and less accessible than regular cells.

Age

With proper care, solar panels can last for decades, providing clean, effective energy. Typically, they can operate 20-30 years without any major reductions in efficiency. As the elements within solar panels age, the materials will begin to degrade, producing less electricity from the same amount of sunlight. If your solar panels are not working as well as they once did, consider how long it has been since they were installed, and if it might be worth getting replacement panels.

Condition

Just like your car and your garden and your weatherboards, solar panels need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure they can operate effectively and maximise their energy output. You can clean your solar panels by yourself, but MarVal Power offers a professional cleaning and maintenance service to protect your system against the perils of dust and age.

Expert Solar Tips to Maximise Your Solar Power

Ready to maximise your solar potential? These expert tips will guarantee that your solar panels can operate effectively, optimising them for the unique weather conditions within Ireland and the UK.

Regular Maintenance

Scheduling regular professional maintenance cleaning services for your solar panels is one of the best ways that you can optimise their solar power potential. By ensuring they are free of dust and grime, are not damaged in any way, and are not at risk of becoming damaged, you can expect your solar panels to last for years. 

Consider the Environment

The weather in Ireland in the UK can be pretty grey. Installing your solar panels in an optimal position to absorb maximum sunlight can be vital to ensuring they can operate effectively in every season! 

Plan Ahead!

If you’re thinking about getting solar panels installed, it’s worth thinking about your space and how to optimise the area to get your solar panels as effective as possible. Will your solar PV system be blocked by trees, buildings or anything else? How will you plan for that? Will your panels work in every season? Which direction should they face? Fortunately MarVal Power can help with these questions and more.

Contact MarVal Power for Expert Advice

Get in touch or leave your details and we’ll get back to you with clear answers to any solar power questions you might have. MarVal Power can help. Contact us today to optimise your solar panel system!