You've finally decided to go solar and had panels installed on your roof. Congratulations! Installing solar panels is a big investment that will pay dividends for years through lowered electricity bills and reduced carbon footprint. But the work doesn't stop once the final panel is in place. Here are five key things you need to do to make the most of your new solar panel system.
1. Understand How Your System Works
The first step is familiarizing yourself with the components that make up your photovoltaic (PV) system so you can monitor its performance. Your solar array consists of interconnected solar panels, which absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. That DC power travels through wires to an inverter, which transforms it into the alternating current (AC) electricity used to power your home.
The system connects to your home's electrical panel, often through a net meter that tracks how much power is used from or sent back to the grid. When your panels produce more energy than your home is using, the excess gets exported to the grid in exchange for credits from your electricity provider. When household demand exceeds your solar energy production, you simply pull power from the grid.
Most installers will walk you through the basics, but take time to understand the whole process from sunlight to switch. Knowing how your system operates will help you evaluate how efficiently it is working.
2. Inspect and Maintain Panels Properly
Like any appliance, solar panels require regular maintenance to function at optimal efficiency. Start by carefully examining all exterior equipment, wires, and mounting structures after the first heavy rain or windstorm to check for issues. Spot check connections to make sure nothing has come loose. Scan panels and frames for damage, looking closely at edges and junction boxes. Report any problems immediately so they don't worsen over time.
Beyond initial inspections, regularly follow your installer’s recommendations for maintenance. That may include spray washing panels two or three times per year to remove dirt, dust, bird droppings, pollen, and other debris that creates buildup reducing energy absorption from sunlight. Only use plain water and a soft brush or cloth to avoid damaging the tempered glass surfaces. Also trim back overhanging tree branches that may cast shadows blocking sunlight.
Proper maintenance helps solar panels continue performing at their rated capability over their 25+ year lifespan. Keeping your PV system in excellent working order maximizes return on investment.
3. Monitor System Performance
One of the best parts of having rooftop solar panels is seeing tangible proof of how your investment is paying off each sunny day. Monitor kilowatt production from your system to evaluate real-world output compared to expected performance based on panel tilt, orientation, shading elements, and your site’s typical weather patterns.
Data monitoring has gotten easier thanks to intuitive graphical interfaces that accompany most new equipment. Monitoring provides insights like:
- Daily, monthly, and annual energy generation
- How weather impacts output
- When and how much excess power is exported to the grid
- Alerts for underperforming equipment
Watching metrics over time can reassure you that everything is running smoothly. It also highlights opportunities to improve efficiency, like testing batteries that store surplus energy for overnight use.
4. Understand Safety Considerations
While today's solar PV equipment meets stringent safety certifications, heightened awareness helps reduce any risk associated with household electrical and rooftop systems. Avoid attempting repairs on your own and ensure any issues are addressed by qualified solar professionals.
Educate everyone in the household about remaining safety conscious around solar panels. That means keeping debris off panels, not tampering with ground-level equipment, and understanding how the system disconnects from the grid in an emergency. Place laminated operating instructions for emergency responders near your home's electrical panel detailing the solar system and any batteries.
Also check that your homeowner's insurance policy appropriately covers solar equipment, including details like the value of panels, type of mounting, and how batteries are secured. Standard policies often limit payouts for roof-mounted equipment damaged in weather events. Purchasing riders or a specialty policy may be wise depending on your specific installation.
5. Track Financial Performance
Beyond the eco-benefits of shrinking your environmental footprint, economic savings are what make solar power so appealing. By generating your own electricity from the sun rather than purchasing it from the power company, you pocket the difference. Monitoring financial metrics ensures your panels keep paying back through electricity bill reductions.
Review monthly statements from your utility provider in conjunction with solar meter readings to calculate savings after switching to solar power. Compare seasonal figures as well to account for lower winter output depending on your climate. Some homeowners even track recycled energy sent to the grid to understand total production. Consider tallies over a full year to offset variability from weather events affecting generation.
Crunching the numbers provides satisfying confirmation that your solar panel investment is financially sound over the decades ahead. If output falls below expectations early on, underperformance can be addressed right away. But in most cases, the data will prove your new energy strategy is right on target!
Go Solar and Don't Look Back!
Following these five tips positions you to benefit the most from your solar panel installation. A few preventative measures paired with regular monitoring allows decades of clean, renewable power generation and cost savings from your rooftop system. We hope this guide helps you make the most of joining the nation’s booming solar movement.
Waaree Solar Systems is proud to be one of India's pioneering and largest solar panel manufacturers serving both residential and commercial clients across the country. For over three decades, we have spearheaded making solar energy affordable and accessible to homes and businesses focused on reducing their carbon footprint. Waaree continues driving innovation in high-efficiency solar products paired with exceptional customer service as a leading solar brand. Please contact us to learn more about our award-winning solar panel solutions tailored to meet your specific energy needs while also caring for the planet we all share together.
