When you have a new solar panel system in Pima, Arizona, tracking power generation is a daily interest. You may be tracking it manually or have software that charts your solar performance for you. That first year, you are going to get the best performance with an average of 0.8% performance drop each year.
Peak power is the best performance of your panels under optimal conditions. You can also measure conditional peak power by identifying the best production days each year. Peak power drops are when your peak power production is lower than before, due to either environmental conditions or system deterioration over time. It’s important to understand power drops, when they are normal, and when to be concerned.
Understanding Peak Power in Solar Systems
Peak power is the best performance of your solar panels under optimal conditions. Factors that affect peak power output are the combined effects of your solar panel efficiency due to age and environmental conditions.
The system age and the condition of your solar panel maintenance can influence peak power. Dust and debris on your panels can reduce peak power. So can varying weather patterns that do not perfectly match from year to year or month to month.
Pima also has a few unique solar conditions, including a high degree of solar irradiance and seasonal variations.
Common Causes of Power Drops in Pima
There are several normal reasons for power drops in Pima, AZ that are not cause for concern. Your panels may need cleaning or repair, or it could be the weather or external sources.
- Weather-related factors – The biggest long-term impact on peak power drops in Pima, AZ, is dust cover. Dustier regions should clean panels once a month to maintain performance. Other weather factors include cloud cover, monsoon season, and extremely high temperatures.
- System-related issues – Panels do degrade over time, at a rate of 1%-2% in the first two years and 0.8% per year for many years after. You may also experience inverter problems or have wiring or connection issues.
- External factors – Other factors might include shading from new trees or recent construction.
- Seasonal variations – You will also see different performances depending on the season. Winter has shorter days and each season comes with a different angle of the sun.
When to Be Concerned About Power Drops
When should you be concerned about peak power drops in your Pima solar panel system? There are a few signs to watch out for.
- Persistent drops beyond normal daily and seasonal conditions.
- Sudden and significant decrease in power output without a known cause
- Inconsistent performance compared to similar systems in the same region
- Visible damage to panels and equipment
- Error messages or alerts in your solar monitoring system
- Unexpected increase in utility bills
Monitoring and Maintaining Your Solar System
What should you do to keep your solar panel system performing at its best? Start by monitoring your solar using software or apps that help you track performance over time. Regular system checks are essential, and professional inspections once a year can help ensure that your solar panels remain in good condition.
DIY maintenance for Pima solar homeowners includes cleaning your panels regularly and keeping an eye out for shade issues.
Call a professional if you have fulfilled routine maintenance and you are still seeing a peak performance drop that doesn’t line up with normal conditions.
Maintaining Peak Power for Your Pima Solar
Pima, AZ, has a high solar radiance, which is great for solar power generation. You should enjoy good peak power production year after year, so take action if you notice a sudden drop in peak power that isn’t explained by normal conditions or resolved with routine maintenance. Proactive system management can help you enjoy the most energy from your system. Consult with Solar Optimum for personalized assessment and solutions
Contact us today to get a free quote on a solar panel system.
