Solar panels are arguably the most important part of a solar energy solution. Obviously, without them, the concept of solar energy falls flat, since it is solar panels that receive the sunlight that is then converted into electricity. However, it is important to note here that given their positioning and the fact that solar panels are installed out on the roof, exposed to the weather elements and other instances of extreme climatic conditions, solar panel performance and by transitive property solar energy system performance can be affected by the aforementioned. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the effects that weather extremes like heat and cold can have on solar panel performance and efficiency. With the best quality solar energy systems boasting the best solar panels, you need not worry about the potentially negative effects that extreme weather might have on the generation potential. With the revolutionary INTRIX solar energy solution, Beacon Energy, one of the best solar companies in Pakistan, is looking to bring the best of solar to Pakistan and revolutionise the renewable energy skyline of the country.
Let’s start by looking at the effects that extreme weather has on solar energy generation. Solar energy generation and weather Solar energy systems and solar panels work when a beam of sunlight hits the surface of the panel, where numerous solar cells release electrons, forming a current that is converted to usable AC or alternating current. On the surface, climate has little to do with energy generation, since as long as there is sunlight, the solar panels will generate energy. Even during times when sunlight is minimal, unlike popular understanding, the solar panels still work. However, climatic conditions do affect the potential of solar energy generation. Especially weather extremes since they can potentially negatively affect not just energy generation but also the physical solar panels themselves. Let’s break down the effects that different weather extremes have on energy generation.
I. Extreme heat
Extreme heat, as exemplified by some of Pakistan’s notoriously hot cities in provinces including Sindh and Baluchistan, does not affect the performance of solar panels and energy generation, contrary to popular belief. Extreme heat does not affect the solar panels positively either; an increased energy generation isn’t part of what happens when solar panels are exposed to extreme heat. Instead, normal generation metrics have been observed for solar panels performing under extreme heat situations, and you can expect optimal energy generation during summers.
ii. Extreme cold
Pakistan, aside from its hotter southern areas, also has northern areas which experience extreme cold during the latter months of a year. This includes hailstorms, snowstorms and blizzard-like conditions. This affects both the generation potential of the system and also physically threatens the structural integrity of the solar panels. This is because with extremely cold conditions like snow block the access of sunlight to the solar panels. However, since there is still actual sunlight in the atmosphere, the panels will generate energy, albeit at a very reduced level. Snow that gets accumulated on solar panels exerts increased levels of weight and pressure onto the panels, which may exceed their designed limits and could negatively impact the structural integrity of the panels. Therefore, it is imperative for people living in such areas that regular maintenance and clean up efforts be done to ensure no such adverse effects are visible on the solar panel.
iii. Overcast/ cloudy weather
During overcast or cloudy weather, the conventional understanding assumes that since sunlight isn’t directly hitting the solar panels, the solar energy system will essentially not generate any energy at all. However, that is untrue, or rather, inaccurate. Even during heavily clouded days, there is a sliver of sunlight always present which illuminates the world around us. For good and exceptionally efficient solar panels, this sunlight is enough to trigger the chemical reaction required to generate energy. However, since sunlight is scarce, the energy generated will be too, and one can notice decreased energy generation levels on days with exceptionally overcast or cloudy weather.
Even during rain, the same is true, as water doesn’t affect performance of the panels but the decreased sunlight corresponds to decreased energy generation levels.
Beacon Energy: Impressively efficient solar energy solutions!
Solar energy is the way forward. As one of the only truly clean renewable energy source, solar energy is poised to become the next generation’s fuel for powering the world. As such, for your partner in this solar journey, let Beacon Energy, the best solar company in Pakistan, help you out with its complete solar energy solutions that deliver far beyond your expectations and bring you the best of what the solar industry has to offer.
