Preparing your solar panels for autumn: complete guide to optimize your output

Preparing Your Solar Panels for Autumn: Complete Guide to Optimize Your Output

The arrival of autumn, with its shorter days and weaker sun, raises a key question for solar panel owners: how can you maintain efficient energy production?

Rest assured: a drop in output is normal during this season. However, by adopting a few simple proactive measures, you can not only preserve your panels’ performance but also extend their lifespan.

Solar Production in Autumn: What to Expect?

From October to March, it is common for your solar panels to generate only about 30% of their total annual production. This is not a sign of malfunction but a natural consequence of several factors:

• Sunlight is weaker and days are shorter.

• The sun is lower on the horizon.

• The weather is more unpredictable (clouds, rain, fog).

But this doesn’t mean your panels are on vacation! Thanks to diffuse light, they continue to produce electricity even on cloudy days. Simply anticipate that your reliance on the grid will increase for heating and lighting.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for a Productive Autumn

Step 1: Clean Your Panels

Dirt is the number one enemy of performance. Dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, or even moss can form an opaque layer that reduces the efficiency of your photovoltaic cells. While rain helps, a manual cleaning at least once a year is still essential.

Our tips for effective cleaning:

• The right time: Clean on cloudy days or early in the morning to avoid thermal shock on hot panels.

• The right tools: Use clear water (demineralized or rainwater to avoid lime stains) and a telescopic soft-bristle brush.

• What to avoid: Never use high-pressure washers (which can damage seals) or harsh chemical detergents.

• Frost alert: Never clean frozen panels or panels covered with frost.

Step 2: Adjust the Tilt (If Possible)

To capture the rays of the lower autumn sun, the ideal angle is between 40 and 45 degrees. A steeper tilt offers two benefits:

1. It maximizes exposure to the sun’s rays.

2. It facilitates natural shedding of leaves, water, and snow.

Not all installations allow for this adjustment. If yours is fixed, don’t worry— the following steps become even more important.

Step 3: Monitor and Remove Obstacles

Shading directly reduces production. Be vigilant:

• Vegetation: Trim tree branches that, with the lower sun, may now cast shadows on your panels.
• Debris: Regularly remove piles of fallen leaves, especially from the lower corners of the modules.
• Snow: If it snows, use a foam squeegee or soft-bristle broom to remove it. Never use metal shovels or hard tools that could scratch the glass.

Step 4: Optimize Your Consumption

Since you are producing less, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you generate has greater value. It is therefore crucial to adjust your consumption.

• Synchronize your appliances: Schedule your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher to run during the day, when production is at its peak.

• Take advantage of your battery: If you have a home battery, it will store excess daytime production to use in the evening, reducing your reliance on the grid.

• Go one step further: An energy management system can automate this process, directing solar electricity to the most energy-intensive appliances in the most efficient way.

Step 5: Safety and Overall Maintenance

Maintenance should never compromise your safety.

• Roof access: Never climb onto a wet roof or without proper safety equipment (harness, non-slip shoes).
• Visual inspection: From the ground, check the general condition of your panels. Do you notice cracks, leaks, or discoloration?
• Professional instinct: In case of doubt, difficult access, or technical inspection, always call a qualified installer.

Quick Checklist: Your Solar Panels Ready for Autumn

To ensure everything is in order, here’s your memo:

✔️ Panel cleaning: Scheduled or done.

✔️ Obstacles removed: Leaves, branches, and debris cleared.

✔️ Shadows checked: No new shadows on the installation.

✔️ Tilt adjusted: If your system allows.

✔️ Consumption optimized: Appliances scheduled during the day.

In conclusion, while a drop in production in autumn is inevitable, it is not a catastrophe. Proactive maintenance and smart energy management will allow you to get the most out of your solar installation, even during the least sunny months. This way, you will prepare for a fully powered spring!

FAQ:

Should I clean my solar panels every year?
Yes, annual cleaning is the minimum recommended. In dusty, polluted, or tree-surrounded environments, cleaning 2 to 3 times per year may be necessary to maintain optimal performance.

Can I clean my solar panels myself?
Yes, but only if access is completely safe (flat roof or ground-mounted installation). Always use the proper tools (soft brush, non-limescale water) and take no risks. When in doubt, a professional is the safest option.

Is rain enough to clean my panels?
Rain rinses off dust and light pollen, but it is ineffective against stubborn dirt such as dried bird droppings, lichen, or greasy deposits.

What should I do if my panels are covered with snow?
If the snow is light, it often slides off by itself. Otherwise, use a soft squeegee. Avoid metal tools or de-icing products at all costs.

Do panels produce electricity in cold weather?
Yes, and they are even more efficient! Cold improves the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. A clear, sunny winter sky is therefore great news for your production. It’s the light intensity that matters, not the heat.

Is it really worth adjusting the panel tilt?
If your system is designed for it, yes. The increase in winter production, while modest in absolute terms, is significant in percentage terms. Additionally, it helps keep the panels clear, which is a notable advantage.