Converting the energy from a natural source like the sun and turning it into solar energy for your needs is the best and the most affordable way of using electricity. You can get plenty of renewable solar energy using this method, which is easily done with the help of solar panels. But unfortunately, you can also lose that solar energy.
What causes the loss of solar energy, and can that be prevented? SolarDorm is the place with the answers to everything related to solar energy, so let’s start.
What Causes the Loss of Solar Energy?
The sunlight quickly reaches the solar panels, and they easily transform that light into energy. But, some factors might affect the panels and cause a loss of that solar energy. There’s more than one way that can cause the solar panels to lose the solar energy they’ve gathered, and knowing those factors is essential if you’re planning on using solar panels.
The incorrect positioning of the solar panels and the existence of cracks, dirt, or high temperatures can result in the loss of solar energy. Below, each of them explained will teach you how it happens and what you can do.
Position and shades
If you’re located in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels should face north. Conversely, if you’re located in the northern hemisphere, the solar panels should face south. Simple as that. So make sure that you adhere to this rule.
Your solar panels shouldn’t be placed in the shadows, as the light is what they need to convert it into electricity. This doesn’t refer to a small branch or two, but you’ll have a problem if the entire tree shades your solar panels.
If this is not the case and you still notice solar energy loss, check if any of the following factors are the cause. Finding the cause and fixing it is the best way to get the maximum out of your solar panels.
Crack in the panel
Solar panels are strong, and no air or water can enter them. But just a minor crack is enough to cause a solar power loss. If just a small amount of water enters the panel, it might cause internal corrosion.
This is more than enough for the solar panel to stop working properly and for the solar energy to be lost. And if you think about what might cause those cracks and if you can do something, know that it’s all in nature’s hands. For example, extreme temperatures and weather changes like hurricanes can easily damage solar panels, and there’s nothing you can do to stop that.
Related: What to Do With Broken Solar Panels?
Dirt
Solar panels are known for the low maintenance required, so listing dirt as a cause of solar energy loss might sound a bit strange to you. But, because solar panels are placed outside, understandably, they easily get dirty. Thus, excessive dirt can be one of the causes and reasons for solar power loss.
That’s right, sometimes something so insignificant can make a complication. But that’s nothing that you cannot solve. Simply remember to clean the solar panels from time to time, and, at the same time, you’ll also extend their life.
High temperatures
Many think the higher temperatures, the more energy solar panels produce. Well, that has nothing to do with the truth. Solar panels need sunlight to produce electricity, not heat. So when the temperature is high, that can only damage the cells in the panels.
If the temperature gets too high, the voltage between the cells will drop. Also, when the surface of the solar panels gets too hot, the efficiency and the ability to produce electricity will drop, and you can learn more about this by clicking here.
Also read: When Was Solar Energy Developed?
Conclusion
Now that you know what causes the loss of solar energy, it should be easier to pay attention to these things, take better care of your solar panels, and ultimately, prevent solar energy loss.
Some of the causes aren’t difficult to prevent, such as keeping the panels as clean as possible. Whereas the minor cracks and high temperature are out of your hands, so there’s not much you can do. But don’t worry. You still will be getting a lot of renewable solar energy for all your needs.