SOLAR PV
OPERATION, PERFORMANCE & MAINTENANCE FAQS

Answers to frequently asked questions about getting the most from and caring for your solar products.

Learn more about the best positions to install solar panels on your house, obstacles that might affect their performance and connecting the array to your home electricity supply.

Your solar performance and care questions answered!

If you don't find the information you need please also refer to our products, installation and battery FAQ pages or contact us directly for further advice.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity on cloudy and overcast days. Modern solar panels function reasonably well in poorer conditions, despite lower levels of light due to the clouds. Rainfall can also play a part in maintaining the performance of solar panels through washing away any dust and dirt that might be blocking light.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Solar panels produce electricity throughout the year and in all types of daytime weather conditions. Solar panels tend to generate less energy in winter, largely down to short daylight hours, increased levels of cloud and the lower position of the sun in the sky. In most cases in the UK any snow should simply side from correctly mounted panels with little or no intervention.
Will orientation affect the performance of solar panels?

In the United Kingdom south facing roofs are best overall for solar energy generation. However east-facing and west-facing roofs can also generate comparable returns, particularly when panels are installed on both aspects, as electricity can be generated throughout the day. North facing roofs can also be used, albeit performance will not be as optimal.

In the absence of a suitable roof space ground-mounted panels facing south can be a viable alternative.

Will shading affect the output of my solar PV system?

Yes. Shading should be avoided, where even a small amount can cause a reduction in the performance of a solar PV system.

Shading can be caused by a variety of objects such as tree branches, leaves, buildings and poles. ‘Self-shading’ is a term used to describe shading caused by neighbouring PV panel rows. Shading across a single panel can adversely affect the overall performance of your solar array.

How much energy will my solar PV system generate?
There are several factors that will determine how much energy you will receive from your solar array. This includes:
  • The size of the PV array (the total number of panels)
  • Their output; a higher wattage will obviously produce more electricity
  • The direction and angle that the panels have been mounted
  • The amount of light and weather conditions experienced in any period
  • Shading from neighbouring buildings etc. (see above)
Electricity output is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours). Most panels on sale today are rated to produce between around 250 to 400 watts per day (with those from The Solar Outlet at the higher end of this scale). The typical capacity of a home solar PV system would range from 1kWh to 4kWh. Therefore over a period of 12 months a 4kW solar PV system can produce upto 3000 kWh of electricity.
Will my solar PV system allow me to go ‘off grid’?
A solar PV system by itself will not provide enough electricity 24 hours a day, since electricity is only generated during daylight houses. An additional source of energy or battery system would be required to achieve this.
How can I monitor the performance of my solar PV system?
Yes. In most cases the inverters for sale via The Solar Outlet include monitoring capabilities, either via the screen on the inverter or an app.

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