After installing home photovoltaics, my monthly electricity bill dropped from 500 to 50!

As a veteran of three years of photovoltaic installation, I’d like to share three tips for maximizing power generation. First, the installation angle. The optimal tilt in the Northern Hemisphere is ±5° from the local latitude. For example, in Shanghai (31° north latitude), a 35° tilt can increase winter power generation by 15%. Second, clean the panels regularly. Wipe them once in spring and autumn. Bird droppings and dust can reduce power generation by 10%-20%. Use a soft cloth and clean water; avoid detergent (which can corrode the coating). Third, choose the right grid connection mode. If your household uses a lot of electricity, choose “self-generation for own use, surplus power to the grid.” If your household uses less electricity, choose “full grid connection.” My household chose the former, and our monthly electricity bill dropped from 500 yuan to 50 yuan, and we can even sell the excess electricity for over 200 yuan.

Many people worry about power generation on rainy days. However, unless it’s a heavy downpour, water on the panel surface actually reflects sunlight, reducing power generation by about 30% compared to sunny days—perfectly sufficient. Now I can turn on the air conditioner and floor heating at home as I please, and I don’t have to worry about the electricity bill anymore. This feeling of “making money while lying down” is really great!