No weather is a threat to solar equipment. Cloud, rain, fog, hail, wind, and lightning – anything can happen, but solar panels will be able to overcome these. It is not a secret that sunny days are the best ones for highly efficient solar collectors. However, the sun cannot be there constantly. It fades away from time to time and mild-to-severe weather conditions cover the residential areas. Assumedly, such occasions may hinder the efficiency of a solar panel system. However, it turns out that even alike occurrences showcase no challenge for photovoltaic (PV) panels. Let’s proceed with the article to see why and how solar panels can accommodate each weather change.
Wind, Lightning, Hail
The readers, who encountered this article, most probably want to find out whether such weather conditions affect the panel’s efficiency that can also come in an affordable, bundled way called a solar panel kit. It is a widespread opinion that PV panels can’t function during such conditions. Indeed, the truth is that they can. The peculiarity of photovoltaic collectors is their capability to withstand hail storms of average size. To picture the powerfulness of the collectors of the sunlight, be aware that they can also withstand a wind of not less than 50 mph. Even though lightning strikes and hail storms can result in unimaginable consequences, solar panel companies like Texas Solar Group provide warranty securing the equipment.
Rainy, Foggy, Cloudy
As long as it is found out that PV panels can function in bad weather conditions, it is necessary to mention that they are not perfect either. During such days, they are not providing energy generation at the maximum efficiency. Yes, they supply power but usually up to 30 percent of a panel’s capacity. Great news – rain aids the functioning of the equipment. How is that possible? Everyone knows that solar collectors require annual maintenance and periodical solar panel cleaning procedures. What can be a better solution for cleaning the equipment than the natural rain?
Snow
It would be hard to believe, but snow enhances the efficiency of the PV panel system. Seems impossible, but it is the reality. The reason behind it is the angle at which PV panel installation gets done. Due to the right angle, consumers get the opportunity not to worry about snow not settling on the roof with the solar device and slide off the roof. Moreover, slight snow leaves a thin blanket on the roof, which gets quickly melted by the sun the day after. The heavy snow creates a bolder blanket, but the sun still finds its way out to the panel. Heavy snowing is to the benefit of the solar collector’s production capabilities as the snow resembling a bold blanket has the possibility to reflect off sunlight; thus, boost the sun’s energy supply to the house. Other than that, snow is similar to rain. Like rain, snow performs cleaning and maintenance procedures. Whenever it melts, it cleans the equipment.
Solar Panel Maintenance Is A Must
Even though solar collectors resist cold weather conditions, they still need to be well-maintained for further efficient operation. There are tips and tricks to bring back the equipment’s efficiency after being exposed to clouds, snow, rain, lightning, hail, wind, or fog. So, let’s explore these to have the best possible solar experience.
- Make sure the solar panel faces the right direction at the right angle.
The angle of a PV collector should be the first concern of a customer. Depending on the season, the angle should be chosen wisely by the company to maximize the panel’s exposure to the sunlight. Another essential factor to consider is the direction in which PV collectors are facing: the south – the sole right direction for the equipment’s efficient operation.
- Pay attention to the proper installation of the equipment.
Installation is the primary step to an efficient solar power supply, especially during cold weather conditions. The company of your choice like Texas Solar Group should maintain the right angle of the PV collector’s placement. This one is not about the maintenance of the maximum exposure to the sun. It is all about creating the possibility of the slide-off for the snow not to accumulate layer over layer.
- Clean the accumulated layers of snow.
Of course! Cleaning and having clear equipment is the best way to withstand assumedly unbearable conditions for the equipment. The systematic approach is a must. What does that mean? Well, every time the consumer sees accumulated snow on the panels, that individual should clean the layer to continue consuming the energy of the sun. Easy as pie!
- Use solar panel batteries.
Such storage equipment helps during weather conditions similar to a storm. The thing is that they give one the opportunity to conserve the extra energy for later use upon demand. Guess in this case which part implies the demand? Yes, storms or similar environmental hazards. As long as a customer has excess energy at storage, that person has nothing to worry about. The reason behind communicating such confidence is the infinite accessibility of power despite the situation.
- Track the energy consumption.
For last, it would be perfect if one keeps track of energy consumption. It is important to know how much power gets consumed throughout a period of time and take out insights into solar equipment efficiency. In case of low efficiency, consulting the company is the number one go-to way. That is, as long as the customer finds out that the productivity of his or her equipment decreased, that individual takes his or her chance and demands support from the equipment’s suppliers. Save time, energy, and money – track the power consumption.
Final Note
Renewability takes up the world, and people need to adjust to the novel ways of surviving during unbearable weather conditions. Knowing tips and tricks on that for the solar equipment is solely beneficial for oneself. So, be knowledgeable to go with the flow and lead a worriless lifestyle.
The author of a publication: Veronika Abrahamyan
