Increase the performance of your FTV system
Increasing the performance of your photovoltaic system is essential. Improved productivity leads to a higher production of electrical energy throughout the year, resulting in more money earned through the Energy Account (for those still benefiting from it) or savings on the utility bill. The behaviors to implement are few and simple, and we will outline them in this guide today.
How to increase the production of electrical energy: Firstly, it is necessary to monitor the exposure of the modules, which should always be exposed to sunlight. Typically, installations are done in summer or spring when the sun is high. Technicians use tools to study the solar movement throughout the year, predicting potential shading that may occur during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. However, this may not always be foolproof. Shadows could arise unexpectedly, such as from a streetlight, a tree, or a building. Anything could come between the sun and the photovoltaic module. A shaded panel significantly reduces performance, affecting not only its own but also all the connected modules in the same string. If possible, remove the obstacle or relocate the shaded module.
Secondly, it is advisable to regularly clean the photovoltaic panels, especially after rain or windy days that may have brought sand. Bird droppings can also compromise a module’s efficiency. Simply use a sponge and water to clean the glass of the modules. If they are hard to reach, you can buy a rod similar to those used by street corner window washers. Be careful not to use abrasive products or brushes that could scratch the glass, affecting the module’s proper functioning.
Use high-efficiency photovoltaic panels: At the time of purchasing the modules, one of the indices to consider is efficiency. This refers to the yield: only a portion of the energy from the sun is utilized for electricity conversion. Efficiency values typically range between 13% and 20% for crystalline silicon modules (mono or poly) and 9-12% for thin-film panels. High-efficiency modules, such as Sunpower and Panasonic, are unique as they achieve efficiencies of 20% compared to an average of 15%. This means producing more electrical energy using the same module footprint. Of course, it comes with a higher cost for their purchase.
Solar trackers and production log: An increase in electricity production throughout the year can also be achieved by using solar trackers. Modules are mounted on supports with an electric motor that rotates following the movement of the sun. The panels will always be perpendicular to the sun’s rays, maximizing exposure and production. However, some of the additional electricity produced will be absorbed by the motor itself, which requires power for its operation. Solar trackers also involve higher costs for their purchase.
Always keep a production log: Keep a notebook where you record daily performance. It’s easy to note from the meters how much you have produced during the day. This way, you’ll have control of the situation in case of anomalies or production drops, allowing you to quickly notice that something is wrong and take immediate action. It could be a malfunction in a module, a sudden shading caused by a sheet flying over a panel, or even the theft of some modules. Remember that there are excellent alarms on the market specifically designed for photovoltaic panels to prevent theft.