By Alexis Grace
You might be wondering how the changing weather patterns in Florida will affect your solar output. While a sunny, bright day is ideal for solar panels, heat, just like other electronic devices, can also make a difference. Cooler temperatures are more efficient for solar panels.
Solar panels are able to absorb the energy of the sun’s heat and not the light. This means that even those in northern climates can harness the power from solar power to power their homes.
ESD Solar technicians discuss this idea further. Continue reading…
The Key Takeaways
- Cooler weather makes solar panels more efficient
- Solar panels do not require heat to function, they only need sunlight.
- ESD Solar is the perfect time of year to put solar panels in fall!
Lower Temperatures Equal Increased Output
Solar panels perform better in cooler temperatures. This allows the cells to produce more electricity and more voltage. The panels lose efficiency as the temperature increases.
Cooler temperatures will help solar panels convert more sunlight into energy, but racking systems may require you to adjust the direction of your racking system to make the most of shorter days. The sun is lower in winter so you might need to move them around during these short days. If your roof tilt is not sufficient to absorb the sun,
Solar Panels Don’t Require Warmth
Photovoltaic (PV), solar systems do not require warm weather to produce energy. They only need sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) converts sunlight into electricity. When the sun hits PV panels, photons from light energy knock out the electrons in solar cells. The electrons are energized and flow with an electrical current. This is known as a photovoltaic effect and doesn’t require the sun’s heat.
No matter what the temperature outside is, the sun’s rays will always shine down and solar panels can generate electricity regardless of how cold it gets. Problems arise when it gets too hot.
Energy Production On Shorter Winter Days
Even though the days are shorter in winter, this doesn’t affect the efficiency of your solar panels. However, Florida’s abundant sun makes it worth the effort, even on shorter days.
Benefits Of Colder Temperatures
- Increases energy efficiency and production
- A bright, cold day is the best scenario for solar panels
- Even in colder climates like those where it snows the sun can still penetrate solar panels to produce energy.
- Solar panels can be helped by wind chill, which lowers the ambient temperature.
Make Sure Your Solar Panels Are Clean And Clear
Even though we don’t have snow in Florida, it is important to ensure your solar panels are free from any debris like dirt or leaf debris.
You may also want to trim tree limbs that shade your solar system in order to increase your system’s output on shorter winter days.
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is one of the premier Tampa solar companies! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!
