When considering solar power for your home or business, you might hear the term “solar clipping.” It may sound concerning, but clipping is actually a key part of effective solar system design. Let’s explain how it works and why a slightly oversized system can deliver big benefits.
What Is Solar Clipping?
Solar clipping happens when your solar panels generate more electricity than your inverter can process at any given time. Here’s how it works:
- The Solar Panels: These capture sunlight and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity.
- The Inverter: This converts DC electricity into AC (alternating current), which powers your home or business.
- Clipping in Action: When the panels produce more DC electricity than the inverter’s maximum capacity – for instance, 6 kW from the panels when the inverter can only process 5 kW – the excess energy is “clipped” and not used.
While it might seem like this wasted energy is a problem, it’s actually part of a carefully planned system to maximise efficiency.
Why Oversize Your Solar Panels?
It might seem counterintuitive to install a solar array larger than your inverter’s capacity, but there’s a good reason for this approach:
1️⃣ Maximise Energy Output:
Solar panels rarely operate at peak efficiency due to shading, temperature, weather or the angle of the sun. By installing a solar array that’s slightly larger than your inverter’s capacity, you ensure the inverter can consistently run at its maximum output, even during less-than-ideal conditions.
2️⃣ Improved Cost Efficiency:
Solar panels are typically less expensive than inverters. By installing a slightly larger array, you can generate more energy at a lower overall cost.
3️⃣ Optimised Performance in Low Light:
During cloudy or winter days, oversized panels compensate for the reduced sunlight, ensuring consistent power generation. This helps your system to remain productive throughout the year.
Why Clipping Isn’t a Problem
While clipping means some energy isn’t used during peak production times, it’s an acceptable trade-off for greater efficiency overall. Here’s why:
- The “wasted” energy is minimal and occurs only during optimal conditions, like midday on sunny days.
- The inverter runs at maximum capacity more consistently, generating more usable energy over the course of a day or year.
- A well-designed oversized system often achieves a shorter payback period, meaning you’ll see returns on your investment sooner.
Reduce Clipping Losses with Batteries
If you’re concerned about unused energy, a DC-coupled battery storage system is an excellent solution. It captures the clipped energy for later use, reducing wastage and increasing self-consumption. A DC-coupled system, such as the SolarEdge Home Battery, can store excess energy for later use, reducing wastage and increasing your energy independence, compared to AC-coupled systems. Contact the Sunlit Solar team if you would like to find out more about battery storage.
A Sustainable and Smart Investment
Oversizing your solar system might sound inefficient at first glance, but it’s a proven strategy to maximise energy production, save costs and lower your carbon footprint. The occasional clipping ensures your inverter operates at its best, delivering more power to your home or business when you need it most. The long-term gains in efficiency, cost savings and sustainability far outweigh the losses. It’s all about creating a system that works harder for you year-round, not just during perfect sunny days.
Ready to learn how solar power can transform your energy usage and sustainability? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
🌞 Sunlit Solar
📞 01458 834 936
📧 info@sunlit-solar.co.uk
🌐 www.sunlit-solar.co.uk
Let’s make 2025 your year of clean, efficient energy! 🌍
