Your solar system is designed to harness the power of the sun and help reduce your energy bills — but like any system, its performance can vary over time. While some factors are out of your control, others can be managed or improved to help your system perform at its best.
☀️ 1. Sunlight Exposure
The most important factor impacting your solar system's performance is how much sunlight it receives. This is influenced by:
Direction the panels face
South-facing panels typically receive the most sunlight overall.
If your home has Time-of-Use (ToU) billing (where electricity costs more at certain times of day), west-facing panels may be better suited to help offset afternoon energy costs.
Shading
Trees, buildings, or other obstructions can cast shadows on your panels and reduce output. Trimming trees or adjusting your landscaping can help improve exposure.
🧼 2. Dirt, Dust, and Debris
Even a thin layer of dust or debris can significantly reduce your system’s output. For example, dust buildup alone can cut your production in half.
Pro tip:
Clean your panels occasionally with a hose or soft broom (if safely accessible). Avoid using harsh cleaning tools or chemicals.
❄️ 3. Snow and Weather Conditions
Snow covering panels temporarily reduces or stops production, but typically melts off quickly. Cloud cover, rain, and other inclement weather can also reduce sunlight availability, but your system is designed to accommodate short-term changes.
🌡️ 4. Temperature
Solar panels work best in cool, sunny conditions. When panels get too hot, their efficiency drops due to increased electrical resistance.
Higher-quality panels tend to be less affected by heat, so your system's components can make a difference, especially in hot climates.
⚡ 5. Panel Efficiency and System Design
Not all panels are created equal. High-efficiency panels can generate more energy in a smaller area — a major benefit if your roof has limited space.
A well-designed system by your installer will factor in panel quality, layout, and your specific energy needs to optimize performance.
🧠 6. Monitoring and Maintenance
The best way to keep your solar system running at its peak is to monitor its performance regularly. That way, if something changes — like reduced production — you can catch it early.
Freedom Forever customers benefit from:
Ongoing performance monitoring
A 25-year production guarantee
Proactive service if production dips below expected levels
Compensation for lost production if the issue is due to our fault
✅ Summary: What You Can Control
Factor | Can You Control It? | What to Do |
Panel cleanliness | ✅ Yes | Rinse or clean panels periodically |
Shade from trees/buildings | ✅ Yes | Trim trees or relocate obstructions if possible |
Panel orientation | ❌ No (after install) | Handled during installation design |
Temperature | ❌ No | Choose high-quality panels with good heat performance |
Weather/sunlight hours | ❌ No | Allow for seasonal variation in production |
Monitoring | ✅ Yes | Use your monitoring app and rely on Freedom's support |
Need Help With Your System?
If you notice reduced performance or have questions about your solar system, Freedom Forever’s Customer Support is here to help. You can also check your system’s status anytime through your monitoring portal.
We're committed to keeping your system producing — today and for decades to come.