Have you heard of “clipped energy”? If you want to maximise the efficiency and output of your solar power system, you need to have an understanding of it.
So, what is Clipped Energy?
We sometimes get asked: What is clipped energy? Clipped energy is the portion of potential solar energy production that is lost due to limitations in a solar inverter, the inverter being a vital component of a solar power system. Its job is to convert the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) to be used or fed into the grid.
Solar panels can occasionally generate more power than the inverter is capable of handling, particularly during peak sunlight hours. When this happens, the inverter “clips” the excess energy, leading to a loss of potential power generation. This situation is most common during the summer months when the days are longer, and the intensity of sunlight is at its highest.
Why Should Clipped Energy Be Avoided?
- Maximising Efficiency and Return on Investment (ROI): Clipped energy represents a lost opportunity. When investing in a solar power system, most people’s primary financial goal is to achieve the highest possible efficiency for the best return on their investment. Every watt of energy that is clipped reduces the overall efficiency of your system and extends your payback period.
- Optimising System Performance: Solar power systems are designed to perform optimally within specific parameters. Consistent energy clipping can indicate that your system is not ideally matched; either the inverter is too small for the solar array, or the array is too big for the inverter’s capacity. A good system design will ensure that all components are appropriately sized to enhance system performance and reliability.
- Environmental Impact: The key environmental motivation for adopting solar energy is, of course, to reduce your carbon footprint. By avoiding clipped energy, your system generates the maximum possible amount of clean energy, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and helping the environment.
How can Clipped Energy Be Avoided?
- Designing A Fit for Purpose System: Working with a reputable solar energy provider like Bright Spark Energy to design a system that is appropriately sized for your energy needs is the best start to a project. Following advice on the right inverter capacity to match your chosen solar panel array will minimise the potential for energy clipping.
- Upgrading Your Inverter: If you already have a solar power system and are experiencing significant energy clipping, it is worth considering upgrading your inverter. Modern inverters are more efficient and capable of handling higher capacities, thereby reducing the likelihood of energy clipping.
- Choosing Good Quality Energy Storage Solutions: Incorporating good energy storage products, such as SolarEdge batteries, can help mitigate the effects of clipped energy. Excess energy that would otherwise have been clipped can be stored for later use, ensuring that no generated power goes to waste.
- Maintaining and Monitoring Your System Regularly: Regular maintenance and monitoring of your solar power system can help identify and address issues that may lead to energy clipping. Bright Spark Energy offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently.
As you can see, it’s really important to understand and minimise clipped energy when designing a new solar system. By doing this you can maximise the efficiency, performance and environmental benefits of your solar installation.
Experts like Bright Spark Energy ensure that your system is optimally designed and maintained, providing you with the best of both worlds – an excellent return on your investment and contributing to a more sustainable future.
If you’d like to get in touch to arrange a free site consultation, please see Bright Spark Energy or call us for an informal chat on 01903 443321 (Littlehampton office) or 01392 799277 (Exeter office).
