How Does Weather Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels are designed by manufacturers with weather at the forefront. This is reassuring but still raises questions about how likely you may be to run into issues. If you’re investing money into solar panels, you want to know that they’ll work to the best standard! This blog will explore that in a bit more detail, looking at different weather conditions and what they mean for your solar panels.
Do Solar Panels Work in Extreme Heat?
Yes, they do. But when temperatures are over 25 degrees Celsius, they can produce slightly less power, but this isn’t anything to worry about. Due to the days being longer in Summer, there’s more time for electricity to be generated which makes up for this. Solar panels can be found all over the world including in super hot countries so they’re designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. So don’t worry, your solar panels will still work when it’s very hot outside.
What is the Effect of Rain on Solar Panels?
Solar panels are waterproof, so the rain itself cannot damage them. However, the amount of energy created by your solar panels may be reduced in the rain. This won’t mean your solar panels will stop working altogether so you don’t need to panic. The problem is that they work best with a lot of sunlight and rainy days minimise this.
If it’s raining, this might be useful so your solar panels can be cleaned. If they’re dirty because of factors like moss and bird droppings, this can affect how well solar panels can work.
Do Solar Panels Get Damaged by Hail?
In the UK, because hail stones aren’t usually huge, this isn’t a massive concern. Solar panels are designed with weather in mind, so issues caused by hail are unlikely. However, this kind of damage is something to be aware of in rare cases. The glass panel covers can sometimes become cracked if hit by hail. Sometimes this can expose the insides of the solar panels to water which isn’t healthy in the long run. Again though, this is unlikely, so don’t worry. The layer of glass on the outside of solar panels is thick and ready for harsh conditions.
Do Solar Panels Work Better in the Cold?
Yes. Warm weather can stop your solar panels from performing at their best, so cooler temperatures are better. The best conditions for your solar panels are when it’s both cold and sunny at the same time. Sunlight is needed for solar panels to work, but this mixed with warm weather can be unhelpful. Electrons rest when it’s cold so when they’re charged by sunlight, this can make them work better compared to if it was hot.
How Does Snow Affect Solar Panels?
When there’s a light amount of snow on your solar panels, light can still get through. Heavier snow can affect light reaching your panels, but problems are likely to be minimal. The snow on your solar panels shouldn’t stick around for long before sliding off or melting. As it does so, this can help to clean your solar panels. It’s best not to worry about snow on your solar panels as there’s no real damage that it can do. Because it’s white, snow can be a reflector of light which can help the performance of your solar panels.
Your solar panels may have a layer of ice on them from time to time on cold days, but this is okay as it’s clear and the light can still get through. Eventually, as the solar panels warm up, the ice will melt. Just like snow, this is good for cleaning your panels to make sure they run at their best.
Contact Mypower
Mypower is a solar panel company who design, supply and install award winning PV systems. We work with businesses and people across the industrial, agricultural and commercial industries. The solar panels we install are mostly manufactured by QCells or Trina. Both are award winning leaders in their areas of work so you know you can put your trust in us for reliable solutions. Based on the latest research, their designs and technology create high performance and value for money. If you need our help or want to contact us, you can do so here.