If you already have a solar power system or are looking for solar installation Sydney, there is one question that you may have in your mind.
Does a Solar Panel Work In The Rain?
Yes, solar panels work in the rain, but with reduced solar panel energy output. Irradiance is a major factor affecting the solar panel energy output on rainy days. A solar power system will only generate a solar panel energy output of 10-20% than it would produce during optimal conditions.
Efficiency of a Solar Power System During Cloudy And Rainy Days
- Rainy days are worse than dark cloudy days. This is because during rainy days, there are two things obstructing the sunlight – rain and clouds.
- If the rainfall is extremely heavy, sunlight will be blocked even further.
- A solar power system will definitely work on rainy days. However, the solar panel energy output will be based on the following factors:
- Density of clouds
- Intensity of rainfall
- Solar power system efficiency
How Does Rain Negatively Impact Solar Power Generation?
- A solar power system makes use of photovoltaic (PV) technology for converting the incident sunlight into photons.
- The silicon PV cells in solar panels absorb solar radiation.
- When photons strike the PV cells, electrons get energized and begin to move.
- The movement of electrons results in the generation of electric current, also known as solar panel energy output.
- On a rainy day, there is minimum availability of sunlight. Thus, the amount of sunlight that is converted into photons is less.
- When it is raining, the solar power system will work, but at a much reduced capacity compared to a bright and sunny day, even if it is installed with the best practices of solar installation Sydney.
Are Solar Panels Waterproof?
- The solar panels are designed and engineered to withstand environmental stresses such as torrential rains, mist, snowfall, hailstones, and sub-freezing temperatures.
- Typically, a solar power system is protected by a thin glass sheet on the front and a polymer-based sheet on the back.
- When combined with metal frames and a sealant adhesive, the solar power system becomes waterproof.
- Thus, the inner electrical wiring and solar PV cells remain protected from rain, but solar panel energy output gets affected by rain.
How Is Light Rain Beneficial To a Solar Power System?
- Heavier the rainfall, the higher the risk of damage to solar panels.
- Light rainfall will wash away the dust, dirt, and pollen from solar panels.
- Washing away dust and debris from solar panels will help increase the solar panel energy output when the sun is shining brightly again.
Why opt For a Solar Battery For Power Storage?
- During solar installation Sydney, you can consider a solar battery installation for using the stored power during a rainy day.
- When it is raining outside, you can power your home with solar power stored in the solar battery, rather than depending on power from the grid.
Even though a solar power system is less efficient on rainy and cloudy days, it makes sense to go for solar installation Sydney to make use of solar energy generated during summer on rainy days.
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