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Solar power is an excellent investment choice for homeowners that want to reduce energy costs while also living a little bit greener. However, the efficiency and productivity of your solar power system can vary significantly based on your location. Understanding these variables is essential to optimizing your system’s energy production and ensuring a good return on your investment. Keep reading to learn more about how location can impact solar energy production—and why it’s about more than just the weather.
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Climate and Weather Conditions
While not the only location-specific factor impacting solar production, climate and weather are obviously a big variable. They play a vital role in determining the efficiency and productivity of a solar power system. Areas with consistent sunshine year-round tend to have a higher energy production compared to regions that have frequent cloud cover or extreme weather.
The southwestern United States, for example, you’ll get plenty of sunlight throughout most of the year. Those long, sunny days are great for helping solar panels operate at peak efficiency day after day. Regions that have high annual rainfall or persistent cloud cover, such as the Pacific Northwest, might experience lower solar production. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that people in these regions shouldn’t get solar; modern solar panels are able to generate electricity even under diffused light conditions. You simply can’t expect the same high rate of productivity that you would get in direct sunlight.
While cold weather isn’t necessarily a problem for your solar panels, snow can be. Snow accumulation can temporarily obstruct solar panels, leading to decreased production. This loss can be minimized, however, if the panels are installed with the right tilt, helping the snow slide off more easily. Tropical areas can have their own problems too, especially if they’re hazy. Sometimes, those places with high humidity can have hazy hours every morning, diffusing the sunlight and reducing solar productivity.
While none of these factors mean that people in these areas shouldn’t use solar, it is certainly something that you should keep in mind when choosing how big of a system you should get.
UV Index
The UV index in your area can also directly impact your solar productivity, even on cloudy days. Different areas have a varying UV index, with places closer to the equator and places with a higher elevation tending to have a higher UV index. These kinds of areas are going to be able to generate more electricity even when visible light is partially blocked. Those with a lower UV index will not see as much production during cloudy days.
Temperature
Most people think that hot areas are better for solar power. This is a fairly natural assumption since we associate heat with the sun; however, solar panels turn light into electricity, not heat. High temperatures actually increase electrical resistance, which can slightly decrease your power output. Obviously, direct sunlight is super helpful in making a lot of power, but it’s important to try to protect your system from excessive heat wherever possible, and to use equipment that is designed for these extreme conditions and that can reduce electrical resistance. Certain solar panels, such as monocrystalline panels, are better suited for high-temperature environments, and they won’t lose as much efficiency even under intense sunlight.
Net Metering
Net metering is a huge benefit for solar power users. This allows you to funnel excess power back to the city grid for a credit on your utility bill. However, net metering requirements vary greatly in different areas, and that can significantly impact the financial benefits of installing a solar power system.
In some areas, utility companies offer a full retail-rate net metering program; to put it simply, every watt you send to the grid is “banked” for you, and you can use it when your solar power system isn’t producing. Other areas, however, buy those watts from you at a discounted rate. Then, when you need to use the grid, you pay the normal utility rate like everyone else. In still other areas, net metering may not be available at all, so it’s definitely worth doing some investigating about what net metering options are available in your city.
Local Solar Incentives
Finally, in terms of location-specific impacts, you should also consider the solar incentives available in your area. Tax credits, rebates, and grants can make your solar installation more affordable. For example, states like California and New York provide pretty substantial incentives to encourage people to adopt solar power, while other states might offer fewer financial benefits. Do some research so you know just how much of your solar installation can be paid for by these kinds of financial incentives.
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re installing solar panels and Solis inverters, and location is a big one. Be sure to keep in mind all of the ways that your location will impact your solar system’s productivity.
