Solar energy usage has been growing exponentially in the United States over the past decade. In fact, the use of solar energy has increased 688% from 2014 to 2023 in the United States alone. In 2024, there are projections for this growth to continue well into the next ten years. This suggests that there is clearly no shortage of projects and job sites for solar energy installers. However, not all locations are created equal when it comes to solar energy efficiency. So, how does location play a role in solar energy efficiency? At Sun Farmer’s Group, we have helped clients around the US implement solar. In this article, we will discuss how environmental factors can affect solar efficiency and steps you can take to make your panels more efficient throughout the year.
What Does It Mean for Solar Energy to Be Efficient?
The technology used in solar panels is rather simple. Photovoltaic cells or “PV” cells take solar energy from the sun and convert it into usable energy. When we talk about efficiencies in solar energy, we are talking about how efficiently or inefficiently a system is able to convert a given amount of sunlight into electricity. Tests are conducted in controlled environments to test the efficiency of a cell to make adjustments so that systems as efficient as possible. Of course, there are favorable conditions and unfavorable ones in nature as it pertains to solar energy.
How Geography & Local Climate Can Affect Solar Energy
Believe it or not, where you have your solar panels installed and what your local climate is like can greatly affect the amount of energy you’re producing. Let’s look at a couple of factors that can impact the output of your solar system.
Extreme heat: Contrary to popular belief, solar panels do not perform at their best during the heat of summer. Although summertime often brings abundant sunlight, the photovoltaic cells are most efficient when they are kept cool. This means that places where it does not get too hot during the summer are ideal for efficient solar panels.
Sun exposure: While panels are not as efficient in the heat, they do need adequate sunlight to perform their best. Places with unobstructed sunlight and less cloud cover are going to yield the best results for solar energy. This also means that latitude and longitude of any location play a major role in solar panel efficiency when considering the position of the earth in relation to the sun.
Topography & Landscape: Heavily wooded areas or mountainous regions can be challenging for solar panel efficiency. Since sudden changes in elevation can cast more shadows than wide-open fields, it’s considered best for solar panels to be positioned in areas that have few natural obstructions to ensure optimal sun exposure.
What Can You Do To Get More Out of Your Solar Panels?
While you can’t control the elements, there are still things you can do to ensure your solar panels are operating as efficiently as possible. Here are a few tips to keep your system working at an optimal level for you.
Keep your solar panels clean. Dirty solar panels can make them less efficient. It’s important to clean them regularly to keep them free of dust and debris. Cleaning them is easy and usually can be done with just water from a hose. This can also temporarily cool your panels and make them more efficient during hot summer days.
Make sure your panels are angled properly. The angle of your panels is critical to ensure they get the most sun exposure during the day. For those in the northern hemisphere, this means angling your panels to the south. In the southern hemisphere, you need to be angling them to the north. Panels that have been incorrectly installed or positioned will always be inefficient.
Avoid installing your panels in shady areas. While any reputable installer will know this, you should always make sure that your panels are not installed in an area that gets shade from trees or mountains and hills at any point of the daytime. Depriving your panels of direct sunlight will greatly reduce their power output.
Use solar monitoring software or apps. Most modern solar energy systems come complete with software or apps you can use on your smartphone. These apps will give you real-time data on how your solar panels are performing so that you can make adjustments or perform maintenance if necessary.
Upgrade your system to more efficient panels. The solar industry and technology is constantly evolving and advancing. The truth is, the system you installed 15 years ago might not be the most efficient on the market today. Spending the extra money on a better performing system could produce more energy and save you money down the road. This is also important when choosing the quality of your system before your first-time purchase.
Final Thoughts on How Does Location Play a Role in Solar Energy Efficiency
While solar technology and professional installers can work hand-in-hand to create a solar solution for almost any location, some locations will always be better than others. If you want to install solar panels on your farm, business, or industrial site, it’s best to get in touch with experts who can help you survey the land to come up with a custom solution specifically for you.
Sun Farmer’s Group Turnkey Solution
Sun Farmer’s Group is the first true turnkey solution for agricultural solar energy. Our proprietary program has brought all of the in-house expertise to the table in grant writing, financing, tax credit monetization, installation, and so much more. Unlike other companies, Sun Farmer’s Group empowers farmers with a no-money down solution that greatly reduces and eventually eliminates your power bill altogether. The future is as bright as the sun, and we’ll help you turn it into power!
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to learn more about how Sun Farmer’s Group can help you put more money in your pocket, call 877-417-3222 today!
