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July 2020

Roof Orientation + Shading: How Does It Affect My Solar Panels?
Roof Orientation + Shading: How Does It Affect My Solar Panels? 683 1024 Active Energy Group

Roof Orientation + Shading: How Does It Affect My Solar Panels?

Solar systems generally consist of solar panels and an inverter. The panels absorb sunlight, which is then converted to electricity through the inverter. If your panels don’t receive direct sun during daylight hours, will they still produce energy? The short answer is yes. There are factors that will contribute to poorer performance, however this can often be avoided or overcome before the panels are even installed.

We’ll explore the effects of shading and roof positioning, as well as other factors like seasons and day-to-day weather that may decrease the efficiency of your solar panels.

Roof Orientation

If you’re on the fence about switching to solar, chances are you’ve been deterred by the fact your home isn’t north facing. While the most ideal positioning for solar panels is usually north, east and west are efficient too. Every roof needs to be assessed individually, however it’s often beneficial for some homes to install a combination of north facing and either east or west facing panels. Thankfully, this is not something you need to worry about. Your team of solar installation experts will conduct a pre-solar assessment to determine where panels need to be positioned to run most efficiently for your home. This is heavily impacted by your power usage patterns. For example, if you’re away from home for work during the day and your peak hours of consumption are at night, west facing panels may be more beneficial as they’ll be exposed to more sunlight in the afternoon.

Orientation does affect the performance of your solar panels, however your home doesn’t need to be completely north facing to reap the benefits.

Shading

Solar panels perform at their best when they are unshaded. The level of shading surrounding your home is something that is assessed upon initial inspection. If it is identified as a problem, it’s usually something that can be overcome. It’s important to pay close attention to the potential shading of your solar panels as even partial shade on the cells of one panel can affect the output of the entire panel.

Innovation in solar power technology is gradually lessening the impact of shade on solar conversion. Prior to the installation of your solar panels, our team will use a range of mapping tools to identify the level of shading your roof receives year round.

A significant part of solar panel maintenance is to monitor vegetation growth around your home. Your solar panel system has a lifespan of up to 25 years, so a tree that may not be a problem at this point in time, could grow to become one in a decade’s time.

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Seasons

The reality is that solar panels will produce less energy during winter. When the sun is lower in the sky, less power is produced. However, at the same token, panels tend to be less efficient if outdoor temperatures are soaring. Essentially, if the days are longer and your panels receive more sun, they’ll produce more energy. However, severe heat can limit conversion. While there are both positive and negative outcomes for your system in both summer and winter, their performance isn’t jeopardised significantly in most parts of Australia. Spring and autumn, the seasons that rarely incur weather extremes, will lead to the most consistent energy production.

Weather

It goes without saying that a cloudy, overcast day is less cooperative than a clear blue sky. The intensity and the hours of sunlight exposure will affect your system. Luckily, solar panels do continue to convert power during overcast or rainy weather. While it may be at a reduced rate, the panels will still perform. When determining the best system for your home or business, we’ll form a recommendation based on year-round energy production. What does this mean? It means we’ll install panels that are designed to thrive year-round under your circumstances and you won’t be forced to use energy from the grid when the sun isn’t shining in all its glory.

All of the points listed above will be covered during pre-solar installation checks. You’ll never make the investment only to discover that the elements aren’t going to work in your favour. Our team will ensure your system is set up to perform at its best from day one.

If you’re interested in learning more about how solar can benefit your home, contact our team today.

Contact Us

Contact us today to get a free consultation and find out how much
you could save on your power bill!

Phone : 0456 800 232

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Save On Your Power Bill This Winter
Save On Your Power Bill This Winter 1000 664 Active Energy Group

Save On Your Power Bill This Winter

Colder, shorter winter days can often have more of an effect on our lives than we realise. As the temperatures drop, our habits gradually change and we instinctively search for ways to keep ourselves warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, this often means turning up the heater, taking longer showers and using the dryer more frequently. The reality is, while it may not be an upfront cost, we pay quite the price for these comforts and conveniences.

However, winter doesn’t need to be all doom, gloom and expensive power bills! A few simple changes or an investment or two could set you up for smooth sailing in cooler months. Let’s explore ways you can stay warm and keep costs down this winter.

Heat Smarter

Home heating and cooling systems combined are the largest energy consumers in Australian homes. The best way to avoid the cost of heating your home in winter is to ensure your home is appropriately insulated for the climate you live in. However, this is easier said than done and it may not be an option for this winter. If you plan to buy a portable heater, ensure it’s a smart purchase and do your research first. When using a portable heater to warm your home, remember:

  • Shut all doors and windows of the rooms you’re trying to heat
  • Let natural sunlight into your house during the day and close curtains or blinds at night
  • Choose a heater that’s appropriate for the room you are trying to heat (this is where the research will pay off!)

Make Small Lifestyle Changes

You don’t need to freeze in your own home to maintain a sustainable lifestyle during winter. Make small changes like washing your clothes on a cold cycle, cut back time spent in the shower and layer up according to the temperature. The right bedding (we’re talking wool quilts and flannelette sheets) can make the world of difference when it comes to staying warm and comfortable at night.

If your home runs on solar energy; you can also look at your energy usage habits to ensure you’re supporting your system in the best ways possible. Try to use all major appliances during hours of peak energy conversion. This will prevent the need to draw energy from the grid.

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Switch Off Appliances

You might be under the impression that a light switch or a small appliance doesn’t have a major effect on your energy consumption; however you’d be surprised! Switch off lights that aren’t in use, turn off your devices instead of switching them to standby mode and turn off the heater once the room feels warm. It’ll make a bigger difference to your energy consumption than you realise.

If you’re running some older appliances, calculate their average consumption to determine whether they’re serving their purpose efficiently. It could be time to upgrade to appliances with a higher energy efficiency rating to ensure your power bill is reduced year round.

Use Clean Energy

If you’ve been spending more time at home recently, chances are you’ve thought once or twice about how solar power could benefit you. If you’ve been working from home, studying online or running your business remotely; your home’s energy consumption will inevitably be higher. Assess what the future at home looks like for you and consider whether investing in solar could set you up for clean and smart energy consumption in the future.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits and learning more about how solar power works, get in touch with our team today.

Make smart choices this winter! Take a balanced approach to how you heat your home and adopt habits that will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.

Benefits of solar installation

Solar power is a great way to overcome the cost of rising power bills and it should also add significant value to your home or business if you decide to sell in the future. The benefits of solar stretch beyond the bank account and are an important step in working towards a more sustainable future. If you’re living circumstances are suited to solar, you will reap the rewards for many years to come, with very little maintenance required.

Contact Us

Contact us today to get a free consultation and find out how much
you could save on your power bill!

Phone : 0456 800 232

Main contact form