Investing in solar energy is a smart move—but to get the best return, it’s important to maximise your system’s efficiency. Whether you’re planning a new installation or looking to get the most from an existing setup, a few key strategies can make a significant difference. Let’s explore the best practices for boosting solar panel output and ensuring your system delivers peak performance all year round.
1. Install with the Right Orientation and Tilt
In the UK, solar panels perform best when they face due south. This orientation ensures they capture sunlight throughout the day.
Tilt angle also matters. Ideally, panels should be angled to match your location’s latitude—generally around 30–40 degrees in most parts of the UK. Installers will usually optimise this during your solar panel installation, but if you’re using a flat roof or ground-mount system, adjustable mounts can be used to fine-tune the angle seasonally.
2. Avoid Shading at All Costs
Even a small amount of shading—say from a nearby chimney, tree, or neighbouring building—can dramatically reduce your solar panel output. That’s because when one panel in a string is shaded, it can affect the performance of the entire array.
To avoid this:
Choose a location with maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
Trim any overhanging trees or vegetation regularly.
Consider using microinverters or optimisers, which can isolate the shaded panel and reduce losses.
3. Keep Your Panels Clean
Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and debris can reduce a panel’s efficiency by up to 25–30%. While UK rainfall helps naturally rinse off grime, regular cleaning is still advised—especially after long dry spells or pollen-heavy months.
Use a soft brush and clean water for DIY maintenance, or hire professionals for hard-to-reach systems. Avoid pressure washers or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the panels.
4. Maintain Good Airflow
Solar panels can get hot—and when they do, they lose efficiency. That’s why it’s important to allow ventilation underneath your panels. Proper airflow helps keep them cool, especially during warmer months. If you’re mounting panels directly onto a flat surface, ensure there’s enough spacing to allow for heat dissipation.
5. Monitor Performance Regularly
Using a solar monitoring system or app allows you to track your system’s real-time performance. This is a useful way to spot any sudden drops in output, which could signal shading, dirt, or technical issues.
Compare performance over time to spot long-term trends. For example, if summer production is consistently lower than expected, it might be time to inspect for dust build-up, growing vegetation, or equipment wear.
6. Choose High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Not all panels are created equal. Monocrystalline panels, though typically more expensive, offer higher efficiency (18–24%) compared to polycrystalline or thin-film alternatives.
If you’re planning a new solar panel installation and have limited roof space, high-efficiency panels will allow you to generate more power in less space. They’re also a smart investment for homeowners looking to maximise long-term energy yields.
7. Use Microinverters or Optimisers
Traditional systems use a single central inverter, which means one underperforming panel can drag down the entire system. Microinverters and power optimisers overcome this by managing each panel individually. This can improve your solar panel output by 5–25%, particularly in areas with partial shade or varying roof angles.
8. Embrace Advanced Solar Technologies
As technology advances, new panel types—such as perovskite solar cells or concentrated photovoltaic systems—are emerging. While not yet mainstream in the UK residential market, these innovations offer promising boosts in efficiency, especially in low-light conditions.
Staying informed about emerging options can help you make smarter upgrade decisions in the future.
9. Book Professional Inspections
Even if everything looks fine on the surface, internal faults like loose wiring, inverter issues, or panel microcracks can reduce your system’s performance.
An annual inspection by a qualified solar technician ensures that your panels, mounts, inverters, and wiring are in top shape. Preventative checks like these can help you avoid costly repairs and optimise your return on investment.
10. Time Your Energy Usage Wisely
Generating solar energy is one thing—using it smartly is another. To make the most of your system:
Run high-energy appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during daylight hours.
Consider installing a home battery system to store excess energy for evening use.
Use smart home tech to automate energy usage during peak solar production hours.
This practice increases self-consumption, reduces your reliance on the grid, and improves your overall savings.
Get a Personalised Solar Panel Estimate
Want to know how much a solar panel system would cost for your home—and what kind of savings you could expect? At Solar Edge Solutions, we offer a fast and easy tool to help you get a solar panel estimate tailored to your property.
Simply enter a few details, and you’ll receive a clear breakdown of installation costs and expected return on investment. It’s the best way to understand your solar potential before making the leap. Click here to get your Solar Panel Installation Estimate.
Conclusion
Maximising your solar panel output is about more than just choosing the right panels. With proper installation, ongoing care, and smart energy habits, you can ensure your solar system operates at peak performance for years to come.
At Solar Edge Solutions, we’re here to help you make the most of every ray of sunshine. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your existing system, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.