How Efficient Are Solar Farms in the Winter?
When we see photos of solar farms, they are usually on bright, sunny days that look like spring or summer. Because solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, it makes sense to visually associate a solar farm with a bright, sunny day. However, we all know that the weather is not always sunny, especially in the northeastern United States. In fact, in the winter months, the weather is often overcast, and the days are short. So, how efficient are solar farms in the winter?
Can solar farms still operate efficiently in the winter months? Here’s a look at how winter weather affects the output of solar panels.
Increased Efficiency vs. Reduced Sunlight Hours
Two factors affect the performance of solar panels in the winter: colder temperatures and reduced sunlight hours. Despite what you might expect, these factors have different effects on solar panel performance. Solar panels actually perform better in colder temperatures, increasing their energy output. However, the days are shorter in the winter, reducing the overall amount of sunlight hours. Whether these two factors cancel each other out depends on the circumstances, but solar panels are still a viable energy source in the winter.
Panel Angle Optimization
The angle of the solar panels has a huge impact on their efficiency at any time of the year. The sun’s relative position changes throughout the year, so optimizing the angle of the panels is essential for maximum efficiency. However, the best angle for the solar panels depends on more than just the time of year. The geographical location and altitude also have to be taken into account to maximize sun exposure.
Snow Accumulation
Snow can benefit and hinder solar panel performance. If snow accumulates on the panels, it blocks sunlight. On the other hand, snow on the ground can improve energy output because sunlight reflects off the surface of the snow. While we don’t have any control over how much snow is on the ground, we can control the buildup on the panels. Solar panels are installed at an angle so snow and debris can slide off. Sometimes, it’s necessary to have technicians manually remove snow from the panels.
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