Autumn brings in shorter days and changes in temperature so, those with solar panels may notice a drop in the amount of energy their panels are producing.
With this reduction in electricity homeowners may ask can their solar panels power their home in autumn?
Read on to find out if solar panels can power your home in autumn.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, are a renewable technology designed to convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic cells in the panels.
This electricity can then be used by appliances and devices in your home that require it. Alternatively, it can be stored using a solar battery for later use such as through the night when they aren’t generating electricity.
Can Solar Panels Still Power Your Home In Autumn?
Yes! Solar panels can still power your home in autumn.
Firstly, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity. Even on cloudy and rainy days, your solar panels can generate electricity for your home to use. However, that being said, you may see a drop in energy produced.
As well as this, solar panels may generate less electricity during autumn due to the sun being lower in the sky and there being fewer hours of daylight. However, even during winter solar panels can generate enough power for most households.
The drop in temperature shouldn’t affect your solar panels too much as long as it doesn’t drop below freezing. Even then, modern solar panels should be able to function even below freezing.
No matter the season you will save on your electricity bills. As soon as you install solar panels you can help reduce and save on your energy bills for years to come.
How to Maintain Your Solar Panels Efficiency Through Autumn
While your solar panels efficiency may drop in autumn, there are ways to ensure they are performing to their potential during this time.
Keep Your Panels Clean
Cleaning is the most common maintenance you will need to perform. Most of the time, the rain should be enough to wash off light debris from your panels.
However, you may need to give them a proper clean from time to time. This may be needed during a rare dry spell of rain, a build up of bird droppings or even the falling autumn leaves.
Check Nothing is Blocking Your Solar Panels
As the sun lowers as autumn rolls in you may find your panels becoming shaded from objects that they weren’t from previously.
Check your panels You may need to check that your panels are still shade-free. Any shade on your panels can reduce their efficiency.
Get Your Solar Panels Checked Professionally
Solar panels are low maintenance so don’t typically need much maintenance. However, it is good to get them checked from time to time by a professional.
For example, if your panels aren’t generating as much electricity as they normally do – and it’s not because of any weather changes. This may mean there is an issue with your system which may need to be looked at by a professional.
Why Should You Consider Installing Solar Panels In Autumn?
Autumn is a great time to install solar panels. There is still plenty of chance to generate electricity to reduce your energy bills ahead of winter and power your home.
If you install your solar panel system now you will set for summer next year. This means you will miss the spring rush to get solar panels installed before summer rolls around again.
Looking For Solar Panels?
If you are looking for solar panels you can get a free no obligation quote.
At Homeshield Scotland, we have been providing homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been installing renewables such as solar panels, air source heat pumps and batteries in customers’ homes for a number of years.
Get started on your journey to a warmer, cheaper and greener future today!
