Summary:
- Clouds play a crucial role in solar energy production.
- Low clouds can block sunlight, reducing energy output.
- High-altitude clouds may enhance energy capture through “cloud lensing.”
- Weather satellites monitor cloud cover to predict solar energy availability1.
2. Dust and Dirt Build-Up on Panels
Summary:
- Accumulated dust and dirt on solar panels diminishes efficiency.
- Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance.
- Self-cleaning panels are more efficient but still require occasional maintenance2.
- Cleaning can improve performance by around 10-14%
3. Diurnal and Seasonal Variations
Summary:
- Solar panel output varies throughout the day due to the sun’s angle.
- Winter results in lower sun angles, affecting energy production.
- Optimal year-round tilt angles: 35-40 degrees in the UK.
- Summer: Lower tilt; winter: Higher tilt.
The image shows a solar panel angle and performance chart with labels in plain English. It illustrates how the tilt angle and the orientation of the solar panel affect its energy output. The chart has the following labels:
- Tilt angle: The angle between the solar panel and the horizontal plane. The optimal tilt angle depends on the latitude and the season of the location.
- Orientation: The direction that the solar panel faces. The optimal orientation is usually south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere, as this maximizes the exposure to the sun throughout the day.
- Energy output: The amount of electricity that the solar panel produces. The energy output is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. The energy output is higher when the tilt angle and the orientation are closer to the optimal values.
- Optimal values: The tilt angle and the orientation that result in the highest energy output for a given location and season. The optimal values vary depending on the latitude, the season, and the local weather conditions. The chart shows the optimal values for London, UK as an example.
4. Cloud Lensing and Solar Energy:
- Cloud lensing occurs when ice crystals inside high-altitude clouds cause sunlight to appear brighter than usual. These clouds act as a natural lens, focusing light in a specific region.
- Unlike typical cloudy conditions that block sunlight, cloud lensing enhances the amount of light reaching the ground.
- This phenomenon is unusual but can last for hours or even minutes, depending on the specific cloud conditions 12.
Solar Energy and Clouds:
- Low clouds can indeed hinder solar energy production by reflecting a significant portion of sunlight back into space.
- However, the impact of clouds on solar panels depends on their altitude:
- Low Clouds: These clouds reflect most of the light and heat, reducing energy production.
- High-Altitude Clouds: While they reflect less sunlight energy, they also trap more heat.
- Cloud Lensing: Under specific conditions, high-altitude clouds with ice crystals can enhance sunlight, acting as a lens and focusing light in a particular area.
- So, if you live in an area with frequent low clouds, solar panels may produce less energy. However, certain cloudy conditions, like cloud lensing, can be beneficial for solar energy production 1.
- Balancing Solar Energy:
- More sunlight means more energy, but it’s essential to maintain a balance.
- Electrical grids must manage the energy generated and consumed to prevent unexpected surges that could damage devices or cause power outages.
- Producing more solar energy than expected can disrupt this delicate balance.
Further information can be found here: Weather Affects Solar Energy Generation in the UK – RenewSolar
No responses yet