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Home Solar Energy Myths — Part 2

By Solar energy | December 16, 2008

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Home Solar Energy Myths – Part 2

Yesterday we began addressing several myths that surround home solar energy use. The first myth was that residential solar power systems are too expensive. Today we move on to myth number two.

2. Solar energy does not work on cloudy days. What about solar energy systems on cloudy days? As long as there is some light, solar panels produce electricity. That means even on cloudy days. Panels do produce proportionately less energy on cloudy days but they still work.

Obviously, solar panels produce more energy from direct sunlight during sunny days. It is true that atmosphere, sun angle, and distance affect the amount of sunlight a solar panel receives.
Weather patterns like clouds, fog, rain, and falling snow diminish the amount of solar energy that can be captured.

Latitude, time of day, and time of year also affect the amount of sunlight. Logically, the Northeastern US needs more panels to produce the same energy as those same panels placed in California where there are more direct sunlight days. Geographic location also comes into play when incorporating solar power.

Yet, consider this cloudy climate. Germany has half the average sun hours as the USA. Two-thirds of all daylight hours in Germany are cloud covered. It rains there year round. Yet Germany managed to become the world’s leader in solar power generation. Last year almost half the solar electricity produced in the world was produced in Germany.

No matter where you live, solar power can be part of your energy source. Work with a local solar professional to determine the best solar options for your home, in your location.

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