Do solar panels need direct sunlight to work?
Not necessarily, solar panels will have their maximum power generation efficiency in direct sunlight. However, on cloudy days or when the sun does not shine directly, the solar panel will still have a certain power generation efficiency, but the power generation efficiency will be reduced. In short, as long as there is sunlight, solar panels can generate electricity
What should we do if the solar panels can’t be installed in a place with direct sunlight?
Increase the number of solar panels: solar panels can not be installed in direct sunlight, at this time, the solar panels may not be enough to generate electricity for our use, we can increase the number of solar panels to increase the amount of electricity. But this method needs more cost and land.
Regular cleaning: Dust or dirt on the solar panels will reduce the area of solar panels that can absorb the sunlight, timely cleaning reduces such problems, and will be able to reduce the risk of hot spot effect.
Add mirrors: Adding mirrors around the solar panels will increase the amount of sunlight that hits the solar panels, increasing the absorption rate of sunlight by the solar panels and increasing the amount of power generated by the solar panels.
Install solar tracker: Solar tracker can detect the angle and direction of maximum light intensity in real time, so that the solar panel can reach the maximum power generation, thus generating more electricity.
How to make the solar panels fully utilize the sunlight?
Orientation: Orientation is an important factor to maximize the efficiency of solar panels. Generally speaking, facing due south is the best direction, but facing south can be inconvenient, facing southwest or southeast is also a good choice. Orientation is also related to your location.
Angle: Generally, the angle of solar panels is 20~40 degrees, but the best angle needs to be combined with the actual, the installer also according to your situation, design the most suitable angle to ensure high power generation efficiency.
Reduce the shadow: When the solar panel is installed, some shadows may affect the solar panel power generation efficiency, at this time we can choose to move the shade, but if the shade is inconvenient to move, you can also choose to install the solar optimizer, the solar optimizer is installed on the solar panels that are shaded, it can reduce the shadows, in order to increase the power generation efficiency.
To summarize
Direct sunlight is of course the best option, but it is not necessary for solar panels to generate electricity. The installer will choose the most suitable installation plan according to your actual situation, you don’t need to worry about this kind of problem.
FAQ
No, you cannot use artificial light. Theoretically, solar panels can use light other than sunlight as long as the light can supply the solar panels with electricity. However, solar panels are currently designed to work with sunlight, so other light may not be utilized by solar panels.
Solar panels should have an average of four to five hours of sunlight a day, with the main determining factor being the peak sunlight hours, which determines the amount of power you can generate. However, there is no strict requirement for the amount of sunlight.
