Going solar is a pricey investment — no one can deny that. However, it is an investment that always pays off. The benefits for the environment are numerous, and you get to save a lot of money, too. Still, not everything is black and white. When it comes to money and saving for a rainy day, how seasonality affects your solar savings is an important thing to consider.
Read on to find out how different weather and seasons affect your panels and whether you’ll really be able to save money by going solar.
Different Seasons
Many people have a common misconception when it comes to solar panels. This misconception is that panels only work in sunny weather and that they are virtually useless otherwise. Assumptions like these are what keeps many homeowners from even considering switching to solar energy.
It is true that panels need direct sunlight to be at their most effective. However, that does not mean that they will be useless when the sky is cloudy, or the sunlight isn’t as strong. It means that they will not be able to produce the same amount of energy, but they will indeed work.
Solar panels are designed to absorb any amount of sunlight that reaches them. So, no matter how overcast the sky is or how weak the sunlight feels during winter, your panels will be able to produce energy.
What About Rain?
Rain is one of the hallmarks of autumn in most parts of the country. Though it might seem that rain can only reduce the amount of energy your panels produce, that’s not the whole picture.
Firstly, sunlight can be reflected through raindrops. So, your panels might get a great amount of sunlight even during rainy days, no matter how cloudy it is.
Secondly, rain is also good for your panels because it helps clean them. Regular cleaning ensures that the panels can absorb sun rays efficiently no matter the weather.
Thus, although rain can reduce the amount of sunlight your panels receive, it is actually good for them in the long run.
Does the Temperature Affect Your Panels?
It would seem logical that solar panels work best when it is hot outside, i. e. during the summer. After all, that is when cloudy days are not as common, and direct sunlight is a daily occurrence. However, things aren’t so simple.
In reality, extremely hot temperatures can overwhelm your panels and decrease their effectiveness. They will produce less energy than usual, even though the overall conditions would be perfect.
Of course, you won’t notice these losses unless you live in areas with scorching summers. Still, with global warming becoming a huge issue, it is something you need to keep in mind.
Net Metering Can Help You
No matter what the season is, there is something that can help you save both money and energy: net metering. It is an energy billing mechanism that allows you to use the energy your panels generate anytime you want. Your panels can produce an abundance of energy during sunny days, and then you can use that energy during winter or autumn.
If you get a good net metering policy, you’ll be able to have as much energy as you need, no matter the season. Additionally, you will be able to keep saving money and helping the environment. It is a win-win situation however you look at it.
To Conclude
As we mentioned above, when it comes to money and saving for a rainy day, how seasonality affects your solar savings is an important thing to consider. However, the seasons do not affect your savings as much as you would think, especially if you have a good net metering deal. Thus, going solar is always a good choice, no matter the season.
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