You might be asking yourself whether solar panels are the right choice for you. Many homeowners are concerned about whether solar panels can work in the winter and on cloudy days when considering upgrading to solar energy. They do, and that is the good news.
Solar panels get energy from the sun. However, this doesn’t mean that solar panels work only on sunny afternoons and long summer days. Solar panels can still benefit from the sun’s natural energy throughout the year, even during cloudy mornings or short winter days.
How does solar power produce energy?
Each panel comprises solar PV cells, also known as solar photovoltaic or solar photovoltaic, which generate electricity from sunlight, heat or light. They are made with semiconducting materials, such as silicon. The light that shines upon them causes electrons and particles to move and create electricity 1. This means that solar PV panels can generate electricity during daylight but not at night. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you have a rechargeable battery.
Solar PV cells are sensitive to sunlight, so that more sunlight will produce more electricity. The best time to get sunlight for your solar panels is around noon when the sun is high. When the light is the brightest, the panels will receive the most light on a sunny day. Even the low-light grey of winter afternoons can still produce enough energy to generate electricity.
Are solar panels able to work in rainy conditions?
Even though cloudy days are less intense, modern solar panels can still work well in cloudy conditions. This makes sense, as the sun does not suddenly stop working just because there is a little cloud.
Surprisingly, even rain can make solar panels more efficient by washing away any dirt or obstructions to light.
Are solar panels able to work in winter?
Solar panels can work in all four seasons, rain, shine, hail, snow, and even light snow. However, solar panels generally produce less energy during winter. Because the days are shorter and the sun is less visible, solar panels produce less energy in winter. The plus side is that solar panels perform better 2 in cold weather than during hot.
You don’t have to worry about snowy days. While a snow-covered solar panel can’t absorb light to generate electricity, it will melt due to residual heat.
What power can a solar PV array produce?
The amount of power that a solar PV system can produce depends on many factors. These include the size, direction, and angle of your roof and the weather patterns throughout the year. The electricity used by each household will also vary.
A 12-panel solar system can generate enough electricity to power a Tesla Model 3 for 17,660 miles of driving 3. It could also run an A++ dishwasher for 4,465 loads 3. You could save more than PS534 per year on your electricity bills 4.
A professional installer will advise you on the best system for your needs based on your electricity usage patterns and the house’s design.
Why do I need a solar battery?
Solar panels produce less electricity than homes that use more energy during the day. A solar battery system can be added to your solar panels to solve this problem. Even if your solar panels are already in use, you can still get a replacement battery.
You can store any unused electricity to use later.