Consistent Light and Capability
Most homes are built in areas with sunlight, because as humans, we tend to like the sunlight and the warmth. Some states have so much access to light that if everyone had access to solar, they could reduce some heavy carbon footprints and reduce emissions equal to planting thousands of trees!
However, lots of homes already have a fair number of trees around them, especially on the east coast of the United States. Trees can be thick and lush, and while they are beautiful and shady, they can cover the open-air space that the panels would need to get enough light to create energy. One or two trees casting a shadow for a couple of hours every day is not a problem, but several large trees that cover the majority of a roof could pose an issue, especially if they are quite thick and leafy.
Another issue with the capability of the home can be the roof quality and size. If the roof is too old and perhaps not sturdy enough, it will not be able to hold the weight of the home solar system and it could cause you damage and more costs, especially if you are in an area that gets heavy snow, which means more weight on the roof.
We are trying to avoid those extras! If the roof is too small, there will not be enough space to place the panels and it would not be efficient for your home or your wallet. Ground installations are an option for some, but they do not usually do well in cities or suburban areas because of the lack of space—they do better on farmland and places with acreage to spare.
If you are worried about snow or bad weather, you can rest assured that these are manageable, and panels can still function at high levels with a little bit of maintenance! Snow removal is possible and quite simple with the right tools, though many people simply wait for the snow to melt off. The panels create a bit of heat, and coupled with the direct sunlight, it does not take too long, and it is still efficient. It will also clean your panels because dirt and dust bind to the snow and melt away with it!
Additionally, solar panels are more efficient in the colder weather because of the way that the electrons need to move. Atoms vibrate faster with heat, so when the electrons are extracted, they have a more difficult time getting through. When it is cold, the opposite happens, and energy is produced more quickly.
Darker, rainy days with heavy clouds can have an effect, but only slightly, because the photovoltaic panels that Blue Raven Solar (and the majority of residential solar) uses can charge with direct and indirect sunlight, so the light that bounces off the clouds will do just fine. In fact, the rain is a pretty good way to clean the panels of dust and debris, so you don’t have to clean them off yourself, and it keeps them highly efficient and receptive.
So, in short, if bad weather is something you’re not sure about, you don’t need to factor it in or worry too much.
Do you live in an area that gets lots of rain like Florida or Oregon? We have representatives that can help near you!
Request an estimate or a phone call for more information!