What Influences Solar Energy Output?

31 Aug What Influences Solar Energy Output?

As cities worldwide prepare for the conversion to renewable energy, homeowners and business owners are working to install solar paneling systems on their property.  This emerging solar technology is seen as the pathway toward the future, providing a clean way of harnessing energy without burning fossil fuels. The solar panels are typically constructed of glass, wiring, metal frames, and silicon material. When placed on a rooftop, a panel’s solar cells will work to absorb sunlight throughout the day; that light energy is then converted to the electricity that powers buildings.

While many people are excited about the switch, others have reservations about solar energy. There’s a question about how reliant sun-based energy is, especially during the winter months. With some homeowners expressing concern over solar panel inefficiency during the colder seasons, we’ll be going over the factors that impact how this type of power is produced.

Geographic Location

Location plays a significant role in solar energy production, with different regions receiving more or fewer amounts of daylight. Southern states like Florida and Texas are ideal for solar paneling, while New England sees less sunlight, solar arrays in this region still are able to produce a significant amount of energy. The landscape will also determine solar absorption, with mountainous regions more likely to block out the sun and taller buildings more likely to shade an area. Solar energy is best harnessed in sunny, flat regions with low-rise buildings.

Climate and Temperature

Atmospheric conditions will also affect how well a solar paneling system can perform. It’s a common misconception that a paneling system will produce less energy in cold environments. However, countries like China, Japan, and Germany have become major producers of solar energy, despite having cold climates. That’s because the creation of solar power has less to do with temperature and more to do with sunlight exposure. In fact, panel overheating can actually cause a system to lose its efficiency.

Roof Orientation and Positioning

When performing an installation, the solar panels will need to be placed in a position that is able to absorb the most amount of sunlight – away from trees and shaded areas. Installers tend to position panels to face southward or eastward, and they try to find the best angle to tilt those panels. Property owners have the option of investing in sunlight-tracking systems, designed to move the panels according to the best angle.

What to Expect After an Installation

In order to achieve the most amount of clean energy efficiency, it’s recommended that you invest in a durable paneling system that’s rated highly in power. Regular maintenance checks are also recommended to stay up-to-date with modern standards. You can also look forward to future technology in this field, as plenty of scientists and engineers are collaborating to improve the way we harness energy. 

Install Your Solar with ACE Solar

Are you interested in installing a solar array on your residential or commercial property? Contact ACE Solar! Our wonderful team has installed all across New England and looks forward to continuing to spread the renewable energy, affordability, and other benefits of solar energy