You both got solar panels. You both experience the same UK weather (so, yes, a lot of grey). Surely your neighbour is somehow sending thousands back to the grid meanwhile you are wondering if your panels even work!
What are five factors that can cause one solar system to perform better than another even while installed on the same street?
- Roof direction and shading
Small changes in roof pitch, trees nearby and chimneys or an annoying taller neighbour all shade the output lowering it well below expected.
- System size (and panel quality)
Not all installs are like-for-like. Maybe your neighbour has more panels, higher wattage panels or a newer, better model. For Dorset Solar Panels, visit /solarpanelsdorset.co.uk/solar-panels
- Inverter setup and optimisation
An ordinary string inverter is OK, but if one panel gets shade the entire line burns down. Systems employing optimisers or microinverters are more effective on tricky roof layouts.
- How the household uses electricity
Solar is not only about generation – it’s about when we use that power. Someone running daytime appliances such as the dishwasher, washing machine or EV charging will benefit according to how they use most power – in particular if it’s at night.
- Maintenance and monitoring
If no one bothers to check the app, a fault; an isolator that has tripped; dirt on our inverter filter or a system quietly not working, it can go unnoticed for months.
The takeaway
Just because your output is low it doesn’t mean solar “doesn’t work”. Check shading, settings and activity patterns (and a professional inspection if required) as they can make a significant difference.
