Do solar panel need direct sunlight? It isn’t surprising that solar panels are getting much successful at changing the energy from the sun into electricity while its costs continue to decrease. Most people can now buy and invest in moving into the solar world, not only for their homes but also for their businesses. But a question arises to most of the customers that Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight? Not only is solar energy renewable and poses no harm to the environment, but it also reduces the energy bill and lets you sell back your unused energy to the utility company.
Unfortunately, today different questions are being unboxed relating to the efficiency of the solar panel when the sun isn’t bright at its full potential as far the solar panel facts. What if the weather goes bad? What if a tree in my backyard grows and creates shade for my solar panel? Will my solar panel still be at its full power?
There are most situations in which the solar panel may not be exposed to direct sunlight. They may be blocked by shade from buildings around it or trees and cannot receive sunlight or be affected by bad weather conditions like snow, rains, or even clouds. I know some of you might be curious and want to ask many questions like do solar panels need direct sunlight? , don’t worry; we’ll provide your answers in this blog, but let’s get to know what a solar panel is and its components first for the sake of all.
What is a solar panel?
As we all know, the solar panel is a collection of solar cells which are connected electrically and are enclosed in a frame, converting sunlight into electricity. A switch from other forms of electrical sources to solar has many advantages, enabling you to save money while protecting the environment (pollution and other harms). Solar panels consist of two types;
- The photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity and,
- The solar thermal panel used to heat water by absorbing the sun’s warmth.
For the sake of this study today, we’ll be dealing with the photovoltaic panels. Solar panels are comprised of solar cells made of semiconductors that convert sunlight into electricity. When the light comes directly on the cells, solar panel facts, the electrons are separated from their atoms, and these electrons flow through the cells, producing electricity.
Today, solar panels in homes can convert around 20% of the sunlight into electricity, while those in commercial systems can attain 40% of their solar efficiency. As the world evolves, technology is also advancing, and solar efficiency will also increase with its price on a low.
Solar panels and direct sunlight; is it needed?
Solar panels are good in direct sunlight or do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight? But they can also work without it. They usually take in rays from the sun to convert photons and then produce electricity which is used. There will undoubtedly be a reduction in performance in the absence of sunlight. This is because solar needs 1000W/m3 of sunlight to attain its highest output; this can only be achieved by sunlight where there is direct hit/shining.
Amount of sunlight needed for home solar panels
One of the biggest questions most persons ask before installing solar panels on their property is, “how much sunlight do I need for it to work?” or do solar panels need direct sunlight?. Before moving to answer this, just as a reminder, solar panels work on all days. This means that it can get as much energy from high sun hours on a clear winter day as it will also do on a summer day.
They don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity as they can get electricity from photons in all sunlight. Though these electricity generators can get energy from any sunlight, the amount of energy acquired will depend solely on the type and intensity of light. A solar panel placed at your high rooftop facing directly into the sun will generate more power than the hidden or shaded one. So the answer you have got is the question of “Does solar panels need direct sunlight?”
Getting the most sunlight possible for solar panels
Not minding the location of your property, solar panels can provide you with plenty of solar energy so long they are fixed and positioned well on the property regardless of “do solar panels need direct sunlight?”. Make sure you hire the services of an experienced solar expert to aid you in deciding which spot is the best to install your solar panel to get the most energy out of it.
Some key factors to note when deciding on the position of your solar panels include;
- Trees, buildings around, and other creators of shade close to your property.
- Where can the solar panel be placed and not be noticed daily
- The intensity of the sun at high hours hits directly depending on the latitude of your property.
These three factors listed above are significant to note when deciding on the solar panel position to get optimum results.
Three helpful tips to boost solar panel efficiency when there is a shade
1. Place panels on the ground:
Mounting panels on the floor is an excellent way of avoiding shadow and also arranges the panel in the best way. It helps install the solar panel south facing. Facing this position, the panel gets more sunlight and produces a lot of energy. The panel will also get a good ground clearing which will boost its performance in any weather.
2. Install a DC optimizer:
A DC optimizer helps the panel increase power output and maintains each solar panel’s energy production rate. It boosts the output current of the solar panels with little sunlight and enhances shaded solar panels’ performance. The system also makes sure that the same output comes from all parts of the solar panel. This is an effective way of keeping the solar panel at high efficiency when shaded.
3. Make use of string arrangement:
String inverters arrange the solar panel in parallel series to boost the productivity of the solar panel. It brings the power from different panels and provides it with the same voltage and output. This system brings both shaded and unshaded panels together to create a balance in the power production of the solar panels. It takes note of the panel that produces lower energy and addresses the panel to enhance its electricity conversion rate.
5 Best solar panel products with price comparison
Abt Electronics
Amazon.com
AliExpress
Walmart.com
DHGate
- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at AliExpress, Amazon.com.
- At aliexpress.com you can purchase 220V 200W Solar Generator Battery Charger FlashFish 40800mAh Portable Solar Power Station Outdoor Energy Power Supply Allpowers for only $175.57 , which is 1% less than the cost in Amazon.com ($178.00).
- The lowest price of Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency was obtained on 04/13/2024 6:57 AM.
| Price history for Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights - 27 Ft Vintage Edison Bulbs Create Bistro Ambience On Your Patio - Commercial Grade, Shatterproof - 1W LED, Soft White Light | |
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- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at Amazon.com.
- At amazon.com you can purchase Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights - 27 Ft Vintage Edison Bulbs Create Bistro Ambience On Your Patio - Commercial Grade, Shatterproof - 1W LED, Soft White Light for only $29.99
- The lowest price of Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights - 27 Ft Vintage Edison Bulbs Create Bistro Ambience On Your Patio - Commercial Grade, Shatterproof - 1W LED, Soft White Light was obtained on 04/18/2024 7:30 PM.
| Price history for Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights - 27 Ft Vintage Edison Bulbs Create Bistro Ambience On Your Patio - Commercial Grade, Shatterproof - 1W LED, Soft White Light | |
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| Price history for Outdoor Security Camera System Wireless, Solar Battery Powered, 1080p Wirefree Waterproof 2-Way Audio Night Vision w/ PIR Motion Sensor, Support Alexa/Google Assistant/Local SD, Argus Eco+Solar Panel | |
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- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at Amazon.com, AliExpress.
- At aliexpress.com you can purchase 1080P WIFI Camera Solar Panel Outdoor IP Camera Rechargeable Battery Powered Colorful Night Vision Surveillance Security camera for only $84.56 , which is 1% less than the cost in Amazon.com ($84.99).
- The lowest price of Outdoor Security Camera System Wireless, Solar Battery Powered, 1080p Wirefree Waterproof 2-Way Audio Night Vision w/ PIR Motion Sensor, Support Alexa/Google Assistant/Local SD, Argus Eco+Solar Panel was obtained on 04/13/2024 6:58 AM.
| Price history for Outdoor Security Camera System Wireless, Solar Battery Powered, 1080p Wirefree Waterproof 2-Way Audio Night Vision w/ PIR Motion Sensor, Support Alexa/Google Assistant/Local SD, Argus Eco+Solar Panel | |
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Latest updates:
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- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at Amazon.com, AliExpress.
- At amazon.com you can purchase LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights Motion Outdoor, Super Bright Solar Motion Sensor Light, 5500K White Light, IP65 Waterproof Outdoor Flood Solar Lights with 3 Adjustable Head for Yard, Garage for only $48.99 , which is 16% less than the cost in AliExpress ($58.65).
- The lowest price of 1500LM Super Bright LED Solar Security Light Outdoor Motion Sensor Adjustable Sensor Distance Flood Light with 3 Adjustable Head was obtained on 04/18/2024 7:31 PM.
FAQs
Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
No, solar panels do not require cleaning. The position of the solar panel itself at most times makes it unnoticeable. In bad weather conditions, the solar panel will remain excellent and efficient. When snow covers the panel, with little time, it melts away. Same case as to hail, when dust covers, cool breeze will also put the dust away. Please learn more about Solar Energy.
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
Since solar panels are efficient in daylight solar panels and do not need direct sunlight to function, they will also, work in cloudy weather but provide low power compared to those on high sunny days.
Do solar panels work in the rain?
Yes, solar panels work in the rain. However, the amount of electricity produced would be lesser compared to that on sunny days. They tend to make 7% of what they usually produce in days with sunlight.
What happens when the weather is too hot?
When the weather is scorching, the capacity of solar panels to produce electricity drops by 10- 25%. The power output degrades, especially when the panel’s temperature goes beyond 25 degrees Celsius. To this effect, it has been stated that the optimum temperature for solar power output is 25 degrees Celsius.
Do Solar Panel Need Direct Sunlight?
No, solar panels don’t need to face the sun, but you probably should place your panel in a good position in daylight for optimum power production.
Conclusion
Though solar panels are now more efficient at handling various conditions, they are still affected by any other factor that reduces the exposure to daylight. So if you stay in an area notable for bad weather or your roof or garden has less environment for solar energy production, the solar system can still be advantageous to you. Therefore, as far as the solar panel facts believe that you got the answer to do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight? And you can also check, Best Solar Shower for heating water
