Maximizing Solar Energy Generation: Harnessing the Power of Summer

July 11, 2023

Simply put, more sunlight means more power. During the summer, the days are longer, and the sun is higher in the sky, resulting in more direct and intense sunlight. This higher sunlight intensity increases the solar energy received by solar panels, leading to higher energy production. Plus, the extended daylight period provides more time for solar panels to generate energy, maximizing their output.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS SEASONAL ADVANTAGE:

Optimal Placement of Solar Panels: Position your solar panels to face south with an optimal tilt angle for your geographical location to receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Stated in a recent Forbes article, “Homes that have solar panels facing directly east or west will produce around 20% less energy.”

Regular Maintenance: A clean solar panel system is a more efficient one. Keeping your solar panels free from dirt, debris, and shading can increase energy production. According to The National Renewable Energy Laboratory dirty solar panels can lose 25% of their energy output.

Time Energy-Intensive Activities: By shifting energy-intensive tasks like running the dishwasher, doing laundry, or using high-power appliances to the peak sun hours, you can directly utilize the solar power you generate. This can result in a substantial reduction in energy consumption from the grid during those hours.

Energy Monitoring and Management: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that energy monitoring can reduce energy consumption in U.S. households by up to 15%. By tracking energy usage in the Powerley app, you can identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced or optimized, leading to more efficient energy usage.Powerley enables homeowners to see their energy use in real-time and integrate with solar generation and other distributed energy resources (DERs) to get a complete picture of their energy usage.

Utilizing Solar Batteries: Solar energy storage has revolutionized the way we accumulate and utilize solar power. With advancements in battery technology, storing excess solar energy during the day for use during the evening or cloudy periods has become more feasible.

While solar energy production is typically higher in the summer, it’s important to note that solar panels still generate electricity during the winter months. Though the output may be lower due to reduced daylight hours and weather conditions, solar energy remains a viable and sustainable energy source throughout the year.

Solar generation was 3% of U.S. electricity in 2020, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects it will be 20% by 2050.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, Electric Power Annual, Short-Term Energy Outlook, and Annual Energy Outlook

Renewable energy sources are proving to be less expensive sources of power than coal and natural gas. To that end, utility companies and homeowners are investing in solar energy generation. Solar has the capacity to lower energy bills and allow communities and homeowners to take control of their energy. You can act today by contacting your utility company about home energy management and monitoring solutions like the Powerley app. You can also take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act to get tax credits for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home. By incorporating the above strategies and leveraging the summer season’s solar potential, we can maximize solar energy production and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sources:

https://www.viridiansolar.co.uk/resources-1-2-seasonal-variation-solar-energy.html https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=50357

https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/special/summer/2022_summer_electricity.pdf

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-28/solar-and-wind-cheapest-sources-of-power-in-most-of-the-world#xj4y7vzkg

https://www.whe.org/blog/the-skys-the-limit-on-solar-production-during-summer-wh.html#:~:text=The%20summer%20months%20are%20the,out%20why%20with%20this%20blog.&text=May%2C%20June%2C%20July%20and%20August,longer%20during%20the%20summer%20solstice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_in_the_United_States#cite_note-15

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/best-angle-for-solar-panels/

https://www.solar-panel-cleaners.com/why-clean-solar-panels/

https://www.ecologycenter.us/green-gadgets/monitoring-and-controlling-household-energy-usage.html