Solar Panels V"s Clouds - You would be surprised at where solar panels are used for electrical power
There is a common misconception that unless you live in cloud free, hot sunny climates, solar panels are a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, solar panels need light to perform their magic, but it's not a simple as you think. In actual fact, solar panels can be used in areas that are thought to be "cloudy", they simply need to be properly sited and installed.
On a recent trip, I was surprised to see so many solar panels in Berlin [http://www.diyecoenergy.com/Solar], known to be a "gray" and cloudy city by all who live there.
The number of hours of daylight is basically a function of latitude and season. Alaska has so many daylight hours that during the summer, there is no night. but the quality of light and winter clouds have a negative impact. As you come further south, the difference between day hours and night hours becomes shorter until you reach the equator, but the sunlight is constant and stronger.
Then there are consideration of local geographic areas where although the latitudes are higher, and weather is should be cooler and cloudier - places like Washington, Wyoming and Colorado can have more day hours than Arizona during the summer.
Most solar sites are quite uncomplicated in terms of shade and aspect. You may already have a good idea of where the sun appears in the morning and disappears in the evening, as well as how low it swings in the winter sky. If your site is partially shaded, it will be necessary to determine the best placement of the solar panels. Remember, when selecting a site for your solar power panels to pick a spot that is clear of shade from a minimum of 10 AM to 2 PM during winter. Even a limb from a deciduous tree will substantially reduce power output. Solar panels connected to deep cycle batteries or feeding back through a grid-tied system so that when it does produce power, it is effectively converted, stored or used is simply a factor of planning.
On a recent trip, I was surprised to see so many solar panels in Berlin [http://www.diyecoenergy.com/Solar], known to be a "gray" and cloudy city by all who live there.
The number of hours of daylight is basically a function of latitude and season. Alaska has so many daylight hours that during the summer, there is no night. but the quality of light and winter clouds have a negative impact. As you come further south, the difference between day hours and night hours becomes shorter until you reach the equator, but the sunlight is constant and stronger.
Then there are consideration of local geographic areas where although the latitudes are higher, and weather is should be cooler and cloudier - places like Washington, Wyoming and Colorado can have more day hours than Arizona during the summer.
Most solar sites are quite uncomplicated in terms of shade and aspect. You may already have a good idea of where the sun appears in the morning and disappears in the evening, as well as how low it swings in the winter sky. If your site is partially shaded, it will be necessary to determine the best placement of the solar panels. Remember, when selecting a site for your solar power panels to pick a spot that is clear of shade from a minimum of 10 AM to 2 PM during winter. Even a limb from a deciduous tree will substantially reduce power output. Solar panels connected to deep cycle batteries or feeding back through a grid-tied system so that when it does produce power, it is effectively converted, stored or used is simply a factor of planning.