Solar panel update & 6 things you might not know about solar panels

In 2019 my family took the plunge and installed solar panels. Over the years I’ve shared about our experience of getting started with solar panels as well as updates on our solar power generation. To read through past posts, check out this link here!

Today I thought I’d share an update on our power generation this year, as well as the totals related to our output over the years. The application related to running our system and tracking output creates some useful graphics to monitor performance – which I love!

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Our generation by month for 2024 is shown “Monthly Energy in Current Year” table below, and it’s been a reasonably good year. I find it interesting to see how much more we generate in the spring and early summer months as compared to later summer.

The reason for this is that the panels actually become less efficient in the relatively hotter weather of late summer; May and June and their temperatures in the low 20C range are actually much better for power generation. This year we had quite a cool July so you can see that we actually generated more power than the sunnier month of August, likely due to the more favourable temperatures.

However you can see in the next chart that our generation is actually a bit less this year than in 2023, largely due to quite a cool spring and early summer.

Looking at year over year trends there is a low year in 2019 when we started with our panels, then a jump between 2021 and 2022 due to adding panels to our array. It will be interesting to see where we end up for 2024 – likely less than 2023 as it has been a cooler year overall.

This is one of the most exciting graphics to me! It shows the equivalent of the energy we’ve generated in various measures. Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions per person were estimated to be 17.7 tonnes which means that it is estimated that our panels have generated enough power to offset three years of carbon emissions for one person. It’s not a lot, but every bit helps!

If you’re curious about dollar equivalent of generation, we have a tiered rate system in our area, however ignoring that and using only the base rate, we’ve generated the equivalent of about $5,500, which is about a third of the cost of the panels. They will last longer than the payback period, so we’ll be generating free energy once the payback period is completed!

As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, many people have become familiar with the basics of solar panels. However, there are many interesting facts about solar technology that might surprise you. Here are a few things you might not know about solar panels:

1. Solar Panels Can Work on Cloudy Days: Many people believe that solar panels only generate electricity on sunny days. While sunlight intensity does affect output, solar panels can still produce energy on cloudy or overcast days. In fact, they can generate up to 25% of their peak performance even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. But they don’t work on snowy days!

2. They Can Increase Property’s Appeal: If looking to sell your home, solar panels may help with marketing as prospective buyers are often attracted to energy-efficient features and the prospect of lower utility bills.

3. Solar Panels Are Low Maintenance: Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and typically come with warranties ranging from 20 to 25 years. Routine cleaning to remove dirt and debris is usually all that’s needed to keep them functioning efficiently.

4. Net Metering Can Save You Money: Net metering allows solar panel owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. When your panels produce more energy than you use, the surplus can be credited to your electricity bill. This can lead to significant savings, especially during peak energy usage times.

5. Recycling Old Solar Panels Is Possible: As solar panels reach the end of their life cycle, they can be recycled. Many components, such as glass, aluminum, and silicon, can be recovered and reused. The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable disposal practices to minimize environmental impact.

6. They Can Be Integrated into Building Materials: Innovative solar technologies, such as solar shingles and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), allow solar panels to blend seamlessly into building materials. This means that roofs and facades can generate electricity without the traditional panel look, offering aesthetic benefits.

Conclusion

Solar panels are more than just a trend; they represent a shift towards sustainable energy practices that can benefit homeowners, communities, and the planet. Whether you’re considering installing solar panels or simply want to learn more, hopefully this information has been helpful!

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