How do Solar Panels work in the cloudy or rainy season?

 

The benefits of choosing solar panels over other forms of electricity generation are undeniable. It is a great renewable source of energy that is also cost effective.

So what about accessibility?

We all know that solar panels use sunlight to create electricity for all kinds of residential and commercial uses. However, when deciding whether to choose solar power as the main source of electricity, we often have to consider how much sunlight will be accessible for the solar panels. What might come as a great consolation to those facing heavy rains or cloudy days is that solar panels can still receive sunlight in those conditions.

The photovoltaic cells in the solar panels absorb solar radiation from the sunlight and then convert into a flow of electric current. This can be done even in the cloudy or rainy season because solar panels are able to absorb indirect sunlight even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. There will always be visible light that can penetrate through clouds and rain even in harsh storms. Solar panels work the same way as they do on a bright day although the direct sunlight is more effective than on a rainy or cloudy day.

Solar panels are generally able to only generate 30-50% of their full capacity due to cloudy weather or 10-20% of their full capacity due to heavy rain. For instance, if a solar power system is able to generate 4kWh of electricity on a normal summer day, it can reduce to generating around 1-2 kWh of electricity on a cloudy day or 0.5-1 kWh of electricity on a rainy day. 

So, what is the solution to managing this reduced capacity of electricity generation?

It all depends on the type of solar power system that has been installed. 

For Utility Grid Solar Power Systems

These systems are connected to a main utility grid operated by the electricity providers. Extra electricity that solar panels generate is sent to the grid, leaving only the electricity that is required by the consumer. This way, in situations where the weather doesn’t allow the solar panels to perform at their peak, the extra energy that the consumer requires is pulled from the main grid. The electricity provider will then charge the consumer for those extra units at the end of the month. Similarly the consumer can earn when solar panels  generate excess power in sunny weather that is supplied to the utility grid.

For Off Grid Solar Power Systems

Although these systems are not connected to the utility grid, they do have a Solar PV Energy Storage System connected in case of electricity shortage. There needs to be adequate storage capacity in these batteries for situations where it rains or is continuously cloudy for multiple days. Extra batteries or a small diesel generator are good precautions for worst case scenarios. It is also advisable to oversize when opting for an off grid solar power system, allowing for a guaranteed supply of extra electricity stored in the batteries. 

Sterling and Wilson Solar

Sterling and Wilson Solar offers a complete range of Turnkey and Balance of System (BoS) solutions for our utility-scale, rooftop, and floating solar power projects. Our solutions include design, solar epc and project management and operations and maintenance.

Common Misconceptions About the Effects of Weather on Solar Panels

 

With the changing climate and extreme weather patterns seen across the globe, it is easy to dismiss emerging hardware technologies that are primarily located outdoors, with the fear of malfunction, damage and the resulting expenses. One such technology - solar power technology - is ironically believed to fall victim to the very climate it is designed to help protect. It is easy to think that these fragile panels of glass will not withstand today's climate extremes. But they're actually more resilient than we give them credit for.

Solar panels are associated with some persistent misconceptions when it comes to its durability. Let's set the record straight.

They don't perform well in cold-weather climates - false.

It is true that solar power systems take advantage of the sun's energy to convert sunlight into electricity. But they rely on the sun's light and not its heat. Therefore, temperature variations have little to do with the efficient functioning of solar power technologies, so long as there is abundant sunlight. 

They can sustain damage due to strong winds - false.

A good quality solar installation is made up of elements that are tested against great stresses. Solar installations are also planned in advance, keeping local wind patterns in mind. Such steps can minimize the worst of the wind's effects. These are highly valuable systems that are designed by experts who are well aware of everything the weather can throw at us in a given region.

Solar panels are fragile and can easily crack in heavy rain or hail - false.

Every element in a solar-powered system's assembly undergoes rigorous testing and must meet with specific compliance standards by governing bodies. Once again, with the right partner to do the job, you can be sure that the system can handle all the stresses of the local weather, as it is certified to.

They have no place in regions that receive snowfall - false.

Solar panels are designed to tolerate extreme temperatures. Moreover, systems can also be outfitted with technology that helps them melt snow on the solar panels, often faster than it otherwise would under the winter sun. As long as solar panels receive sunlight, they're perfectly capable of operating efficiently even in snowy conditions.

All solar installations perform in the same way in extreme weather - false.

The solar installation business is still in its infancy. While established players will make sure to comply with all safety norms in a given region, some newer companies may not be so rigorous in their testing and compliance practices. It is therefore important to do your fair share of research before going green with solar. Without the right expert, there is no right job!

Sterling and Wilson Solar is one of the leading solar EPC solutions providers in the world, with a presence across 25 countries. The Solar EPC Division of Sterling and Wilson Pvt. Ltd. commenced operations in 2011 and boasts of an impressive portfolio of 252 solar power projects with an aggregate capacity of 10.6 GWp across geographies. If you are looking for a solar power system that is efficient, durable, and built to meet all local compliance standards, Sterling and Wilson Solar is a good place to start.