Humanity is in dire straits climate-wise due to the alarming temperature increase of our planet’s surface. Sadly, the main culprit is our collective carbon footprint. If not mitigated, we can expect devastating effects such as powerful typhoons, widespread drought, and other freak weather disturbances. Not to mention the rising ocean water temperatures that could annihilate ecosystems both underwater and aboveground.
It’s high time we do our part in the fight against climate change. The responsibility solely rests on our shoulders to save the only life-sustaining world we know of.
That is where solar energy comes in. It remains a viable option for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills at the same time. Plus, you’re assured of technology that has improved due to decades of advancements, resulting in maximum efficiency.
However, as efficient as they already are, there are ways to further maximize solar energy.
9 Practical Tips on More Effective Use of Solar Panels
Here are practical tips on how to use solar panels.
1. Always make sure to maintain and clean your solar panels
An unclean solar panel surface means sunlight absorption is compromised. When dust and other elements obstruct or hinder the function of a solar panel, it’s called shading. This runs the risk of a significant loss in a solar panel system’s maximum capacity for energy generation.
Thus, it’s crucial to keep up with scheduled maintenance. Learn how to diagnose potential problems and nip them in the bud.
2. Try to reduce electricity consumption
Just because you generate electricity via a renewable energy source does not mean you must be wasteful. You have already taken the first step to reducing your carbon footprint. It won’t hurt if you go the extra mile by saving energy.
Conserving energy will be good for your solar panel system since it won’t be overused. To decrease power consumption, you may start by using energy-efficient home appliances. Don’t forget to look for the Energy Star stamp of approval.
3. Switch to LED bulbs
Whether residential or commercial, around 20% of a building’s energy consumption can be attributed to lighting. It follows that if you want to reduce energy consumption, you must switch to energy-saving lighting fixtures—in which case, you can’t go wrong with LEDs.
Old light bulbs waste up to 90% of their consumed energy in the form of heat, while LEDs stay cool. That’s because all the energy that goes into them is used for generating light, which is not something you can make light of.
4. Use high-efficiency solar panels
You might get tempted to buy cheap solar panels thinking that doing so will save you money. However, a low-priced solar panel system might be due to low efficiency, which can cost you more in the long run. So, do it right from the get-go. Favor high-efficiency solar panels even if they cost more than their subpar counterparts. More importantly, purchase from a credible supplier.
5. Change your energy-consumption habits
In the past, you wouldn’t mind charging gadgets at night or doing your laundry while the rest of the neighborhood was asleep. Once you begin using solar energy, it’s best to schedule energy-consuming activities in the daytime. That way, you maximize sunlight, and you let your solar panel rest come nighttime.
6. Get smart
If you haven’t come across the term “smart home” yet, it refers to a household managed by smart technology. Think lights you can switch on and off using your smartphone or voice command, or an air conditioning thermostat that you can set according to your preference.
This type of home technology will allow you to get smart and more efficient with your energy consumption. That would mean your solar panels get the help they need from you.
7. Use solar electricity for gardening
Power generation via solar panels is at its peak during spring and summer. Understandably so, given how much sun you get during those seasons. And it’s also during these months that you do most of your gardening. Supplement your green thumb with green energy by using solar power for gardening.
8. Keep your solar panels cool
Solar cells are designed to absorb solar radiation efficiently, which makes them generate heat. While solar panels are most efficient at certain temperatures, they tend to compromise this efficiency when they overheat. This is why you need to keep your panels cool, making strategic installation vital. Ensure to leave at least seven inches between the roof’s surface and the panels to allow natural cooling.
9. Use energy storage devices
Come those days when the sun doesn’t shine, be ready to use stored energy. It is during these times that a storage device proves practical. With it, you will have an energy source even on days when you can’t harvest solar power.
Be Empowered By Solar Power
It’s easy to feel helpless with how the world is handling our climate crisis. It makes you think that the only means of salvation is through the colonization of another planet. However, that solution is far from practical or eons away from becoming a reality.
The best way to address this is to keep your feet on the ground and tackle the problem here and now. Solar power is at everyone’s disposal.
Rest assured, the technology has covered more ground over the years. And if you follow the tips cited above, you’ll get to maximize solar energy in the most empowering way.
The best time to make the transition to solar energy is now. For inquiries about solar power installation, you may reach out to SolarNRG.
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