How to use solar panels in summer

We know that solar energy comes from the sun, which makes solar systems particularly beneficial in the summer months. However, although the warmer months are full of sunlight, they are also full of heat, which can affect the efficiency of solar panels.

Solar energy and temperature

It is easy to think that the hot summer days are the best time for solar panels to collect energy. However, solar panels convert light energy into electricity, not heat. In fact, it is a good idea to prevent the panels from overheating. Make sure your contractor installs the panels a few inches above the roof to allow for convective airflow, which helps keep the panels cooler. You can also ask for light-coloured panels to help reduce the amount of heat they absorb.

Solar energy storage

During the summer months, we have more hours of sunlight. Taking advantage of the long-lasting light can help you store the electricity generated by the solar panels. One way to do this is to include solar cells. Solar cells help to store additional solar energy for later use. So if your solar panels produce more energy than you need, the extra energy will be used to charge the batteries. Another way to store energy from solar panels is to change the time of day when energy is consumed from evening to daytime. As solar power is only generated during the day, use appliances such as washing machines and air conditioners during the day rather than at night.

Keeping your solar panels in tip-top condition during the summer months can significantly reduce or even eliminate your current electricity bill