Nameplate rating vs. actual production

If you’ve installed a solar panel system, you might be curious about how much power it can produce. For example, you might think your 6 kW solar panel system will always produce 6 kW of power whenever the sun is shining. In fact, 6 kW is the maximum power the system could produce under ideal conditions. This could happen on a summer day with the sun directly overhead and panels positioned at the perfect angle — which is possible only for a few moments every year. Here are some major factors that impact your solar production.

Roof orientation

Your solar panels are likely installed at different angles and planes, depending on your roof planes. The position and strength of the sun significantly in relation to your roof planes directly impact production. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing roofs generally receive the most sunlight throughout the day. West and east-facing roofs receive sunlight during specific parts of the day, while north-facing roofs receive the least sunlight, resulting in the lowest energy production.

Seasonality

In summer, the sun is higher in the sky, and the days are longer. This means sunlight hits your panels more directly, like a flashlight shining straight down for a longer period of time. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky. Sunlight hits the panels at an angle, like shining a flashlight from the side. The days are also shorter, which means your system generates less energy.

Weather and environmental conditions

On a sunny day, your solar system will likely operate close to its peak capacity. On cloudy, foggy, rainy, or snowy days, solar production is much lower. Trees, buildings, and other obstructions can cast temporary or permanent shadows on the panels and reduce energy production. Even partial shading may drastically reduce the solar output on a sunny day.

Produce and consume more solar with Lunar

Many solar systems today optimize solar output on an entire string of solar panels. If one panel gets shaded, it impacts the solar production of the entire string. With Lunar Maximizers, each panel can operate independently. It helps your panels make more energy, even if some aren't getting the best sunshine. 

Solar panels generate energy during the day, but if you don’t use all that energy right away, it goes back to the grid. With the Lunar Battery, you can capture, store, and use every ray of sunshine — day, night, and even during an outage. Learn more about the Lunar System and start enjoying endless energy.

‍