Solar panels are a reliable and sustainable source of power for both your residential and commercial properties. However, it is important to keep in check that they are working at optimal efficiency. To extend the lifespan of the solar panels and maximize their performance, it is important to follow certain key practices.
You may be a homeowner looking to cut down 80% of monthly electricity bills or a business owner aiming to reduce operational costs through commercial solar panels. But the tips here should help you increase the efficiency of your solar panels more effectively.
1. Keep them as clean as possible
Solar panels work so efficiently that you just forget that they are there. And that can ultimately affect their performance. The key point is to keep the panels cleaner. Rate the solar panel as your windshield. Just the way you would not see properly through it if it is covered by dust, you need to keep your panels clean.
You can follow these best practices –
- Clean your panels at least once every 2–3 months.
- Monitor for salt deposits (especially near coastal areas in Kerala) or pollen if you live near greenery.
- For commercial installations, consider automated cleaning systems for large-scale solar power plants.
2. Optimise the position
The right angle and directions would matter when it comes to the best lifespan and efficiency of a solar panel. In Kerala, south-facing panels, tilted between 10°–15°, generally maximize yearly sunlight exposure.
Check these practices –
- During installation, trust your solar company in Kerala (that’s us, GSL!) to conduct a site evaluation. We analyse your rooftop, shading, and placement to determine optimum panel orientation.
- After installation, periodic checks ensure that no structural changes — like new nearby construction or tall trees — start blocking sunlight.
3. Check for shading and landscaping
Just 10% shade on one solar panel can reduce the output across the entire system. Shadows from trees, utility poles, or neighbouring buildings are often the “silent killers” of solar panel efficiency.
Follow these tips –
- Trim nearby trees regularly.
- Use micro-inverters or power optimisers in shading-prone areas, which allow each panel to function independently instead of dragging down the whole system.
4. Use High-Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells
The panels you choose should be extremely high efficiency for better results. Traditional PV cells offer about 22% efficiency, while high-concentration cells offer efficiency of up to 46%.
Of course, these high-end PV cells come with a high cost. They may cost you up to 4x higher than the traditional panels. However, the results in terms of efficacy should make them one of the promising changes in enhancing solar panel efficiency.
5. Keep upgrading technology
We keep upgrading our mobile phones and laptops as they improve with each generation. Even with the solar panels, make it a point to upgrade your systems regularly. The panels installed 10 years ago may not be as efficient as the ones installed today.
Check for these best practices –
- Adding newer high-efficiency panels compatible with your existing array
- Upgrading from string inverters to micro-inverters for better shade tolerance
- Exploring hybrid systems with battery integration for uninterrupted power
6. Opt for regular professional maintenance
People keep promoting solar panels as being low maintenance. Of course, they are low maintenance. But low maintenance should not mean zero maintenance. Over a 25-year lifespan for solar panels, small component failures (like wiring faults or inverter breakdowns) can happen. Without timely servicing, these reduce overall efficiency and ROI.
- Avail the annual maintenance contracts offered by your solar company in Kerala.
- Prioritise preventive checks over last-minute repairs.
At GSL, we ensure any repair, replacement, or installation is carefully handled so warranties remain intact while keeping downtime minimal.
Improving the efficiency of solar panels is not just technical. It is a strategic move. From cleaning and positioning to monitoring and upgrading, these steps help you keep your solar panel in Kerala working hard for you every single day of its long lifespan.
At GSL Energy Solutions, we combine advanced technology with hands-on expertise to make sure every solar installation runs at peak performance.
If you already have a system installed with us, think of this blog as your action plan to unlock maximum solar benefits. If you’re still considering solar, rest assured — as Kerala’s most trusted solar company, we design, install, and maintain systems to deliver maximum efficiency and uninterrupted savings.
