The Great Summer Solar Tune-Up

How to Get Your Panels (and Your Power Bill) in Shape Before the Heat Hits

Is your solar system ready for 95-degree days, time-of-use pricing, and round-the-clock AC?
If it’s been a few seasons since your last check-in, now’s the time to make sure your setup is optimized for summer.

Your solar panels work hardest when the sun is strongest—but only if they’re clean, unobstructed, and supported by smart energy habits at home. Whether you’re new to solar or already a seasoned system owner, this refreshed summer readiness checklist will help you maximize performance, reduce waste, and avoid surprises during peak energy months.

🌞 Solar Evol’s Summer Solar Readiness Checklist

We’ve organized this guide into three smart categories:

Let’s get your solar ready to shine.

🔧 SYSTEM CARE & PERFORMANCE

1. Clean Your Panels for Maximum Output

Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can reduce your panel efficiency by up to 20%. A gentle rinse with a soft-bristled brush and hose often does the trick. For steep or hard-to-reach rooftops, always call a professional.

✅ Check your manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines before doing it yourself.

2. Inspect for Shade Encroachment

Trees grow fast. What was full sun last year may now be partially shaded during peak hours. Even minor shading can significantly lower output.

🌳 Check for overhanging branches and trim as needed.

3. Check the Inverter and Connections

Your inverter converts solar energy into usable electricity—and it’s often the first place performance issues show up. Review indicator lights, look for unusual activity, and compare your system output to last year’s.

🛠️ When in doubt, contact a certified technician for a quick diagnostic.

4. Schedule a Professional System Check-Up

Preventative care goes a long way. A licensed solar technician can spot panel wear, wiring issues, or underperforming components—before they turn into summer outages.

🧑‍🔧 Annual inspections protect your warranty and your savings.

⚡ SMARTER ENERGY USE

5. Review Last Year’s Utility Bills

Compare past summer bills to current trends. Is your usage changing? Did your utility sneak in new fees? Knowing your baseline helps you budget and adapt.

💡 Track year-over-year savings and detect utility changes early.

6. Time Your Usage to Match the Sun

Time-of-use (TOU) pricing makes your energy costs fluctuate by hour. Run appliances during peak solar hours—typically 10 AM to 4 PM—and avoid heavy evening usage.

⏰ Laundry, dishwashing, EV charging—shift them to midday.

7. Use Your Monitoring App Strategically

That app isn’t just for show. Use it to spot dips in production, track daily trends, and catch anomalies early. Don’t ignore alerts—treat them like solar check engine lights.

📲 Need help understanding your data? We’re here for that.

8. Boost Your Whole-Home Efficiency

Solar is powerful—but pairing it with an efficient home amplifies its impact. Check insulation, seal windows, install blackout curtains, and use reflective films to reduce cooling demand.

🏠 Small upgrades = major efficiency gains.

💰 SAVINGS, SUPPORT & SHARING

9. Stay Informed on Net Metering Changes

Net metering policies are evolving—and not always in your favor. Understand how your credits are calculated and whether any rule changes are coming.

📑 Not sure? We can help you decode your agreement.

10. Explore Summer Incentives & Rebates

Each season brings new opportunities—from federal tax credits to local battery storage rebates and energy-efficiency programs.

💰 Ask Solar Evol what’s currently available in your area—we’ll do the legwork.

11. Consider Adding Battery Storage

Adding a battery gives you control over when and how your solar energy is used. Store excess power for the evening, power through outages, and dodge peak rates.

🔋 Rebates may make this upgrade more affordable than you think.

12. Share the Solar Advantage

You’re already making a smart energy choice. Why not help someone else do the same? Invite friends or neighbors to learn from your experience. Our referral program makes it rewarding—for them and for you.

🤝 You inspire. We thank you. Everyone benefits.