Solar power generated units will perform differently during the changing seasons but can be adjusted accordingly to ensure maximum performance.

Positioning

In most cases, if you are in the northern hemisphere they should face due south and if in the southern hemisphere, they should point due north.
You may need to vary this slightly if you cannot avoid a hill or high trees etc blocking the sun at one end of the day. If a hill to the west results in you losing the evening sun early, then use your judgment to point your panels SLIGHTLY towards the east.
We emphasise slightly as it must be remembered that the early morning sun will be of little value as it is so low in the sky.

The Angle to the Horizontal

The general advice here is that the angle of your panels relative to horizontal should be the same as your latitude in spring and autumn, 15 degrees less in summer, and 15 degrees more in winter. If at all possible, it will be worth mounting your panels so that you can change their angle at least 4 times per year.

If you have to mount them so that they are fixed then go for the same angle as your latitude. You may however wish to vary this according to which part of the year is your need the greatest. Ensure that the panel is pointing at the middle point of the suns path.

Clean

Check the panel for dust and dirt – wipe with a clean damp cloth. A layer of dust will significantly affect the panel’s ability to absorb the sun’s rays.

Unobstructed

Ensure there is nothing obscuring the path of sunlight (trees/fences etc) and that the sunlight is hitting the panel directly. Avoid shade - small areas of shade on a panel can have a significant effect on the power produced. A shadow falling on a small part of a panel can have a surprisingly large effect on output. Not only will the cells that are shaded be producing less power, but as the cells within the panel are wired in series, the shaded cells affect the current flow of the whole panel.

Reflections

The panel must be outside. Charging through glass is not effective. When using indoors do make sure the panel in situated outside in unobstructed light. The solar gain can be reduced by up to 95% if situated behind glass.

Life

Consider a battery change. If your batteries are more than 1 year old they may have been weakened by colder months. Standard AA sized RECHARGEABLE batteries can be inserted by removing the screws on the back of the panel.