This week we are having the landscapers trim the trees to minimize the shading on our solar panel installation. Our neighbor is allowing us to trim the top of her tree as well. Our neighbor’s tree partially shades only one of our panels but because it is on a string inverter, it has the potential to decrease the efficiency of all the panels on that string. In our case, that is 11 of our 66 panels. That could potentially have a big impact on the amount of energy we are producing throughout the course of the year. I’m really excited to see how much of a difference it makes on the solar energy production of the modules that are affected.

When shading is an issue, using a solar module with a micro-inverter or enPhase inverter can make a difference. Each module is independent of the others so if it gets shaded or dirty, it does not affect the efficiency of any other module. We opted not to do this because of the minimal amount of shade and our environmentally conscious neighbor. Another benefit of enPhase is the ability to track your production and efficiency online.

Julie King

I’m excited to see my electric bill! In years past, I have dreaded that monthly bill, but now I can hardly wait until it comes. Our photovoltaic system, installed by Harmon Solar of course, went online at the beginning of September and I’m counting the days to see my solar energy savings. Although when the bill comes, I shouldn’t be surprised. Each day I check the meters to see if I’m getting the most out of the panels on our roof. So far, we have exceeded the expected energy produced and as long as we maintain our panels, keep them free of dust and debris, I fully expect to have a nice energy credit by the end of the year.

Getting solar panels has also opened my eyes to other ways I can conserve energy. When looking at my family’s energy usage, you could say we were considered “energy hogs.” Now, my goal is to become energy independent. That means I need to pay close attention to other ways I can conserve. Stay tuned for more… I’ll let you know my first month’s savings.

Julie King