The melt from New England’s deep freeze has begun and solar installation owners in Massachusetts can look forward to the 6 best months of solar production in the year starting with March.
In a start to the year characterized by nearly consistent below average temperatures and above average precipitation, systems from Cape Cod to Boston to the Metrowest area and to the Berkshires are beginning to achieve strong production. Low pitch solar installations, which are most susceptible to snow cover, have completely melted in most cases based on Suntility’s solar monitoring services. The beginning of February was especially challenging for many solar installations as cold temperatures trapped snow on solar panels and many systems almost used more energy than they produced for the first two weeks of the month.
With the snow dissipating and better weather ahead – we can hope – months like March, April and May are typically very strong for solar production. These spring months have limited tree cover (less shading), are cool (solar panels have a negative temperature coefficient which means they function better in colder weather), the sun is higher in the sky and the daylight hours are longer. For example, March historically offers 15-25% better solar production than February based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory solar data for the Northeast.
With the best months ahead it is important to have the right services in place to make sure that your solar installation is well maintained; performing at its best; and that you’re receiving the full and proper value for your net metering credits and maximizing your solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) or REC revenue streams. To learn how to make the most of the months ahead for your solar array get started with a free consultation by contacting Suntility.
Suntility is your trusted partner in success. Suntility provides renewable energy maintenance services, utility credit services, owner’s agent services and consulting solutions to optimize facility reliability, performance and value.
To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322
