While solar panels generate the most energy on a bright sunny day, it’s a myth that you must have year-round sun in order to reap the benefits of a home solar system. People in all different types of climates are able to power their homes using solar panels. Whether you live in sunny Florida, cloudy Seattle, or a place that has a little bit of both like New Jersey, you can still enjoy the benefits of residential solar systems with the right type of solar technology. In this article, we will go over the type of solar panels that are the most beneficial to a climate that is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Solar panels for low irradiance conditions
Low irradiance simply means not a lot of sunlight. Here in New Jersey we have our fair share of sunny days, but during the winter months we also have many consecutive days where we don’t see the sun. SunPower, one of the most popular premium brands of solar panels, regularly publishes data that shows how well their solar panels work in cloudy conditions.
For climates that have more cloudy days than sunny skies, we recommend solar panels with monocrystalline silicon cells. Other technologies that solar manufacturers use to increase efficiency in cloudy conditions include bifacial panels, half-cut cells, and Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) technology.
While there aren’t any solar panels that are specifically designed to perform better on cloudy days, there are technologies that help make solar panels more efficient. In addition, homeowners can invest in solar storage, so any excess energy generated on a sunny day can be used later, like during a rainy spell.
Contact the experts for residential solar installation in NJ
If you’re interested in a home solar system, but you’re unsure about how much energy it will generate to power your home, contact our team at Green House Solar. New Jersey experiences a range of weather conditions, and we can help you decide what solar technology will work best for you. While roof installation is ideal, it’s not a deal-breaker if your roof isn’t suitable. Alternatively, we can install solar trackers or ground mounts around your property that will have you generating clean energy in no time.
For more information about the best solar panels for cloudy days, or if you have any questions about New Jersey solar panel installation, please contact our team at Green House Solar.