With the start of winter just around the corner, many people may wonder how solar panels will function effectively. However, floating solar is still a viable solution all year round, regardless of the location it is used. Floating solar is one of the best renewable energy sources, functioning during every season.
NP Solar install floating solar to any bodies of water. Using only the best floating solar panels, our installation is available to all areas across the globe.
Importance Of Light
A common misconception is that without heat from the sun, solar panels will not generate enough electricity and energy. However, it is the importance of light that will produce electricity. This means even in the coldest months of the year, solar still produces with enough light. By placing floating solar and solar panels in the correct areas, even on dull days, light can still find them.
Although they will not produce maximum output on cloudy days, they can still create a lot of power. Compared to a sunny day, they achieve up to 40% of the power – quite a remarkable total considering the lack of direct sunlight they will receive. Findings also show that higher temperatures could reduce the effectiveness of panels. Therefore, cold but bright days are perhaps the best option to produce the most power throughout the year.
To maximise the amount of sunlight panels receive, they should face South and not be in the shade of any buildings, trees or other features.
Functionality In Winter
Due to there being less sunlight during the winter months, it is normal to experience a drop in the production of electricity. Despite this, floating solar is still an extremely good option, continuing to produce a lot of power. For regular solar panels on a home, winter months should deliver around 25% of your production needs.
With floating solar, this production could be higher again. As the installation is made to large bodies of water, it will be able to gather more sunlight. Although there is a drop, solar panels still function and will deliver electricity to homes or create power from a floating solar farm. With floating solar farms growing in popularity and more solar panels being used, these installations should continue to create the power we need.
Dealing With Snow
Although in the UK snow seems to become rarer every year, it still occurs across other areas of the world. If you do experience snow with floating solar, it is important to clear the snow off all solar panels. Even if it is a bright day and there is a lot of sunlight hitting the panels, this is unlikely to generate power when snow and ice are covering the panel. Snowy conditions are much more detrimental than a cold or cloudy day.
When you notice snow on floating solar panels, it is important to quickly clear the snow and ice. Hence, solar panels will generate more power for you and you are not left bemoaning the poor conditions. Failing to do this results in a lack of production, until the snow melts for the panels to gather sunlight.
Should I Install Solar Panels In Winter?
Although it may seem like a foolish time to install floating solar panels, the sooner you install, the sooner you utilise the benefits. The winter months will still supply you with a lot of the power and electricity you need. Whether you choose to have a large solar farm or start off small, the extra power will save significant amounts of money in the long-term.
Although during winter, it will not supply for all your energy needs, it still reliable to provide some power. You shouldn’t fully depend on it but installing floating solar panels in winter is still a great option.
To discuss floating solar projects for any bodies of water, contact NP Solar today. We work with all clients to create solar farms and safely install solar panels. Make an enquiry and call 01524 740 790 or fill in our contact form today.