"Renewable energy expert, David Hilton, first installed solar panels on his house in 2010, when the Feed in Tariff (FiT) of 40p for every unit generated caused a solar panel rush. At the time, they were sold as a fit and forget technology with a guaranteed return on your investment. So, was it simply a case of installing them and then sitting back and reaping the rewards?"
"Everyone knows that solar PV systems need light, as this is what they absorb and convert into electricity. And while it's a solar panel myth that they only work with sunlight, not working when there's lack of daylight isn't a myth. Consequently, one of the biggest problems solar panels face is a lack of light caused by shading. The worst culprit? Trees. Trees grow, and what may not have shaded the panels when they were installed could quite easily cause shading a few years later."
Solar panels saw a surge in installations around 2010 driven by a 40p Feed‑in Tariff that promised strong returns. Reduced Feed‑in Tariffs and extended payback periods have made returns less certain. Solar PV systems require light to generate electricity, and shading significantly reduces output. Trees can grow and later shade panels that were initially unshaded. New or modified nearby structures, chimneys, dormers, aerials, flues and other roof fixtures can also cast shade. Seasonal changes in sun angle mean panels should be checked in spring and autumn as well as summer.
Read at Homebuilding
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