How Do Solar Energy Costs Change with the Weather?
Whether your business has made the switch to solar energy, costs associated can vary. This is because solar power depends on cooperation from the environment in order to be sustainable. Fortunately, solar mounting solutions from KB Racking are designed to keep your business as efficient and cost-effective as possible. In addition, your costs will always be lower than operating on the grid, regardless of the weather.
Cloud Coverage and Rain
On days when the skies are cloudier and there is less sunlight, solar panels won’t be as effective at collecting energy from the sun’s rays. The reduction of efficiency is influenced from the cloud cover and type.For example, lighter cirrus clouds won’t have any effect on solar power generation, while a dark sky full of rain clouds will result in a temporary drop in energy production.This is entirely normal behavior for solar panels, and many are designed to lower the percentage of reduced efficiency during cloud coverage.
Snow Accumulation
If you operate in an area met with a massive snowstorm, there’s a slight chance that it could reduce the effectiveness of your solar panels. However, as most solar mounting solutions such as those by KB Racking are installed on sloped roofs, this is very unlikely to happen. Solar panels and their mounting setups are designed to allow snow to slide off and keep the surface clear.
Fluctuations in Shade and Voltage
On occasion, solar-powered properties may experience voltage fluctuations from lightning or other natural events. Modern solar power solutions are designed to offset this excess voltage and be spared from damage. Should shade limit a solar panel’s ability to absorb the sun’s energy, then the system will need to work a little harder. Costs can change in these instances, but they aren’t dramatic deviations from otherwise stabilized operational expenses. Weather events impacting solar power performance and cost are often a concern for business owners looking to make the switch. However, there are a couple of aspects to consider. First, no matter what fluctuations occur, the overall operating cost will remain lower than on-the-grid power. Secondly, in almost all cases your solar mounting solution won’t be impacted to the degree that you notice significant cost increases or reduced performance. There are misconceptions with how much of an impact our environment has on our solar power solutions. However, solar energy actually has a positive effect on the world around us. Contact us for custom solar energy projects that are a perfect fit for your business.
