Solar systems are not luxury anymore, it’s a necessity of most of the house owners in the USA. People who installed solar panels can generate their own electricity so that they can save their expenses. But that doesn’t mean you install solar panels and get unlimited benefits. Your location can dramatically affect solar energy efficiency. You will notice some houses with solar panels can generate more power than others only because of location.
However, solar panels absorb sunlight to receive photovoltaic cells and convert it into electric energy. So, the more sunlight your solar panels will get the more electricity they can produce for your house. That’s why the location is very important for solar panels to perform effectively.
How does location play a role in solar energy efficiency?
The place you put your solar panels makes a big difference in how much energy they can make. So, it’s important which states you live in and how the environment is. Usually, good locations means long days, maximum time of sun peak hour, and less cloudy and rainy days.
If you live in an area which is close to the equator, your solar panels receive more direct sunlight throughout the year. The sun’s path across the sky and its angle relative to the Earth’s surface. This angle is the solar altitude angle which varies significantly with latitude.
In the United States, southwestern locations like Arizona and New Mexico receive approximately 6-7 kWh/m² of solar energy per day. But the areas in the Pacific Northwest only receive 4-5 kWh/m². This difference happens only for geographical location and their environments.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Weather patterns and local climate conditions also significantly influence solar panel efficiency. In the United States, the weather and climate of all states are not the same. Some states have maximum sunny days in the year so they get the highest time of sun peak hour. And some states have more cloudy days that means less sunlight.
Cloud Cover
Solar panels usually produce less electric energy in the cloud cover region. However, some advanced solar panels can still generate electricity during cloudy days. But you will notice that their efficiency drops almost 10-25% of their rated capacity. So, the region with more cloudy days like Seattle faces more challenges to produce electricity. People who live in Seattle get 226 cloudy days per year. That’s why they install extra solar panels so that they can make their required electricity. Compared to that, Phoenix is a relatively sunny state and there are only 85 cloudy days annually.
Temperature
High temperatures decrease solar panel efficiency and affect electricity production. You will see a big difference in the extreme hot days because it’s not friendly for solar panels. However, most solar panels are featured for optimal performance at 25°C (77°F).
Solar panel efficiency decreases by 0.3-0.5% for every degree increase above this temperature. If you live in a desert area you have probably faced this problem with hot weather. So, you have to minimize your electricity usage to balance this issue. By the way, cool and sunny days are more ideal for solar panels than hot, desert environments.
Rain and Snow
When you live in a place where rain and snowfall are regular then your solar panels hardly receive sunlight. As a result, solar panels can’t produce enough electricity this time. On the other hand, regular rainfall can help maintain panel efficiency by naturally cleaning dust and debris. However, heavy snowfall can completely block solar production. If you live in a location with heavy snowfall you will require additional considerations in system design and maintenance.
Topographical Considerations
Elevation
Solar panels can receive better sunlight from higher elevation. If you live in the mountains, you already have the perfect location for generating more electricity. In the higher elevations your panels can get better solar radiation due to less atmospheric interference. Solar radiation increases almost 7% for every 1000 meters of elevation gain.
Shading
As we mentioned, solar panels can’t work without sunlight, so any kind of shading significantly reduces solar efficiency. While it’s rural or urban, both may have some obstacles that can create shade on solar panels. If you live in an urban area you may face some challenges from neighbor’s buildings. On the other hand, if your house is in the rural area you may face shadows from tall trees or mountains.
City vs. Countryside
Most people in cities use their house roofs to install solar panels due to lack of spaces. Usually, roofs are the perfect place to get direct sunlight. In cities, there are so many tall buildings that can block the sun from solar panels. As a result, the electric energy production will be down. However, city people get better power lines so that they can easily connect panels.
Besides, if you live in the countryside, you don’t have to worry about spaces. You get enough space to place your solar panels. Also, you can use your yard, field, or barns, nothing blocks your sun. Trees are usually far away from your home and there might be no buildings that cast shadows. The best part in the countryside is you get the freedom to place your solar panels. But you have to think about other things here like the power lines might be far away. So, you will need extra wires to connect your panels that can cost extra money. Don’t worry, the highest sun hour will cover your extra expenses.
Conclusion
Solar power efficiency significantly depends on the geographical locations. In the better location solar panels can produce better electric energy. Also, weather, climate, and seasons dramatically affect solar energy efficiency. Cool, sunny days are perfect for generating solar power because in these weather solar panels can receive higher sunlight than rainy or snowfall days.
High temperatures and snowfall both reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Sometimes snowfall can completely block solar panels. So, you have to be more careful and keep your panels snow off. Although some locations have harsh weather, advanced solar panels can still generate electricity.
