If you think that photovoltaic panels function the best only in the summer weather then you are absolutely wrong. Actually, photovoltaics will function in all types of climate.
A lot of individuals think twice before setting up solar energy systems throughout the rainy weather. This is because they presume that rain will have a bad effect on solar panels.
The energy output from the panels will not be as reliable as it would be on a clear day.
As a part of this post, we’ll look in detailed information at how photovoltaic panels function throughout rainy days. We’ll also look in detailed information how we can enhance their general power generation.
Do Solar Panels Work in Rainy Weather?
If you really want a basic response then, yes photovoltaic panels do function in rainy days, although they are not completely reliable.
If you are going to rely on solar energy alone to run many of the house devices then it is crucial for you to know how reliable they can be on cloudy and rainy days.
Throughout the rainy weather, we get to see cloudy temperature and in this temperature, there is a quite minimal amount of sunshine throughout the day.
Many tests reveal that they can create 20 to 40% of the typical power they must on regular days. The following statistics from ResearchGate will provide you a quick habit of power generation throughout bright, cloudy rainy days.
It would be right to claim that photovoltaic panels do not operate at their best capacity throughout rain. If you look at it from a distinct angle, rain is not all bad.
The rain and wind work as a natural cleaner for your panels that makes your panels more reliable just after the rain.
The amount of sunshine is not the only determining aspect for the setup of photovoltaic panels, the cost efficiency and saving on power costs are two other elements that will really help you pick the setup of photovoltaic panels in your home.
If you compare it with other nations which get quite less sunshine they have high energy rates.. The primary factor behind it remains in terms of big cost savings on electrical energy costs and their fast roi.
San Francesco: In Most Ideal Cities to Utilize Solar Panels
Let’s take an example of a city that does not get sunshine for most of the year, like San Francesco which is familiar for its foggy climate throughout the year.
They are ranking amongst the leading cities to utilize solar panels and I hope the main reason is rather clear by now. This is a fantastic example that reveals that the amount of sun time doesn’t matter in determining the performance of a solar power system.
The fundamental thing you really need to know is that even after rain, photovoltaic panels can operate on truly little sunshine that is being shown through the cloud.
There are specific steps that you can take throughout the rainy weather to boost the entire power generation of your solar panels. Let’s take a look at them.
9 Tips to Increase PV Output throughout Rainy Temperature
Below is the list of the 9 most ideal methods by which you can enhance your photovoltaic panel output throughout rainy climate.
1. Put your Solar Panels Under Clear Sky
Sunshine will not reach the panels appropriately if trees or any other barriers secure your panels.
It is crucial that nothing is protecting the pathway of sun rays to your panels since you already understand that you are not going to get adequate sun time throughout a rainy day, so you need to use the minimal amount of sunshine to its maximum capacity.
Appropriate positioning will make sure that your photovoltaic panels can soak up the most amount of energy. And for appropriate positionings of the panels, you must employ specialists.
A specialist solar installer will take utmost care in setting up the panels appropriately. They will take into notification whether the panels are covered by shades or getting obstructed by any barriers.
2. Utilize an Alternative Source Of Power
You must not rely only on the solar energy system to power your home all the time. Having a grid line system will guarantee that it makes up for the power shortage throughout rain.
You must not stress over the rise in the electrical power expense of the grid line system since rain will not last long and after rain, on a clear sky the solar energy system will make up for that.
Then you will have a tough time at night, if you rely just on solar power to run your gadgets. When the output from the solar power is not enough, having an alternative power source will make sure that it can work.
3. Buy a Much Better Battery Backup System
Instead of utilizing solar energy straight from photovoltaic panels, you must have a battery backup where you can keep energy.
Utilizing a battery backup system will really help you all the time, not just on rainy days. Batteries will charge when the sun is out before or after the rain, and you can use them later on when the sun isn’t out.
I understand setting up a photovoltaic panel system is a pricey method however having batteries to save absorbed energy will be a great addition to your total solar energy system.
4. Decrease the Number of Gadgets
Instead of adding a number of panels on the roofing or getting more batteries, you can simply decrease the number of gadgets that are linked to the solar energy system.
Utilizing less gadgets or low-power gadgets will take in less power so the amount of energy they create will suffice to run the gadget.
If you link more gadgets then the restricted power produced on a rainy day will not be able to run the gadgets for long. Running high electrical use gadgets all at once is not a great strategy when you are not running on complete power.
You need to prepare appropriately and focus on just the crucial gadgets.
You can utilize the energy saved in the batteries for longer if you run just the gadgets that are of the utmost significance.
5. Set Up a Solar Energy Concentrator
As the name indicates a solar energy concentrator really helps to concentrate the solar light and in return optimize the power.
Chain reaction to transform sunshine into electrical energy is not so reliable throughout rain so instead of depending on PV Panels alone, you can get a solar energy concentrator.
The most effective part about solar energy concentrators is they have the power to harness the raw thermal energy straight from the sun.
Then you can take the support of mirrors and position them appropriately which will work as a solar power concentrator, if you do not really want to invest in high-end gadgets.
6. Do Routine Upkeep
Water in the rainy weather works as a natural cleaner however in due time due to wear and tear it leaves shape. I suggest that you do upkeep a minimum of two times a year to keep the panels in their most ideal condition.
Dirt and dust decrease the output level by 5 to 10% and if not looked after then they might even more increase by 20%.
You really need to do routine upkeep to keep it in shape. You can do it yourself, or you can work with a specialist who can do it for you.
7. Take the Support of High-Efficient Innovation
To understand the maximum level of output you should monitor it correctly.
When the performance is dropping, if you do not keep an eye on the output frequently you will not get to know.
In order to keep track of the output level, you are going to really need energy management software program that will examine for irregular drops in the efficiency of solar panels.
You can get yourself some tools like a solar optimizer, solar tracking gadget, or solar charge controller that will really help you even more enhance your effectiveness.
8. Establish Your Solar Panels to Monitor the Sun
Talking about gadgets and innovations Solar Tracker is a must, particularly on cloudy days when clouds totally cover the sun.
With the support of a solar tracker, your panels will route the sun as it shines throughout the sky. Tracking really helps in more time sun time and increases the production of electrical power.
There are two distinct designs of solar tracking gadgets: a double-axis design and a single-axis design. The single-axis design is less expensive and less reliable, nevertheless, the dual-axis is rather expensive, however it is more precise.
If you really need much better output from your solar panel then you will have to sustain expenses in this type of gadget.
9. Utilize High-Efficiency Solar Power Modules
Utilizing extremely reliable solar modules can likewise be a fantastic method to improve general energy production, even throughout the rainy weather.
If you compare the three forms of solar modules: poly vs mono vs CVP throughout the rainy weather, then for sure the general production of concentrated PV cells will be the greatest.
You must constantly choose the most recent photovoltaic panel innovation in the market to enhance your general effectiveness power generation in any weather.
Final Thought
There you have it, a clear answer that photovoltaic panels do operate on rainy days, and with the support of some preparations you can enhance the output of the photovoltaic panels. Then you can take the help of the ideas in this short article to enhance the total power generation, if you currently have a solar power system set up.
If you are still assuming about whether you must set up a solar power system throughout the rainy weather then there is no requirement to stress about it any longer. Since now you understand how useful the rainy weather can be for the general efficiency of your photovoltaic panels. Please watch the following video below to find more detailed answer to your question “do solar panels work in rainy weather?”.
