Summer 2021- PV Solar

Podcast, "Summer 2021 - PV Solar”

Ah - summer is upon us; officially, the summer solstice occurred in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20, 2021, Father’s Day, at 11:32 p.m. EST.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, The June solstice marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. Translation, daylight lasts until after 8:00 p.m. in Southern California.

So, if you have a Photovoltaic (PV) Solar System on the roof of your home, you can expect the best production (usually between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) from your system through the summer and early fall. And - you should bank some credits with your energy provider. Provided that you pay attention to Peak Time of Use (TOU) hours and the following two tips.

Let’s start with peak Time of Use. In California, PG&E's peak rates occur from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., SDG&E and SCE are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. These are the highest rates charged when your PV system is at its lowest production. However, there are a few simple things you should check.

First, when was the last time you had your modules (panels) cleaned? You may not be able to see them from the ground, so it doesn't hurt to climb a ladder and check them out or find someone with a drone to look for you.

Soiled panels can cut the production level of your system by as much as 39% in northern coastal desert conditions. What constitutes soiling? Soiling consists of mineral dust, soot particles, aerosols, pollen, fungi, and other contaminants (that may or may not be visible) on the surface of your PV modules.

I work for Cenergy Power, a commercial solar provider. Our commercial farming customers have seen dust from their dryers' deposits on their modules. An early morning dew turns that dust into a peanut butter-like paste that severely affects their systems production. The solution, keep your modules clean.

Next is shading. What constitutes shading?

Trees that have grown very tall, broken tree branches, leaves, or anything that's fallen on your panels can cause shading. Let's say you have one cell (out of the normal 60 cells in a residential module); the overall output of your entire system may drop by as much as 40%. Why? Shading one cell reduces the production of the whole strings of cells within modules.

When I walk through our neighborhood, there is a house with small twigs and leaves wedged between modules that creates shading. I'm sure if I rang their doorbell and mentioned it, they would probably take me for a nosy (nut) neighbor.

Well, if you haven't guessed by now, I'm a "geek" - one of those guys who loves technology and finds ways to make it work for you, not against you.

Think about this; you have to air-condition, a water heater, washer and dryer, all the electronic devices you’re charging, computers powered on, swimming pool heaters, your electric car charging, and who knows what else.

This summer, take advantage of your PV solar system and do these quick checks. You will be glad you did. Oh, by the way, don't run to Home-Depot and rent a power washer to clean those PV modules; get the advice of an expert before you use any damaging chemicals or brushes.

Can you think of a better way to step into summer than maximizing your alternative energy source for the good of our planet and your wallet?

Ah, summer!

"Won't you be my neighbor?" If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks so much for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

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