It has been an unusually wet summer. Here in Maine, we are finally beginning to see the end of several weeks of rain, but all of this precipitation may have you wondering about the extent to which weather impacts solar panels and their ability to produce energy. Let’s dive into how the effectiveness and durability of solar panels can be affected by rain in this blog post. 

Solar Panel Maintenance

Rainwater actually cleans solar panel surfaces of accumulated dirt, dust, and debris. As a result, the panels’ efficiency is sustained over time.  Regular cleaning ensures maximum light absorption and higher electricity production.

Enhanced Solar Panel Efficiency

Despite what many people think, solar panels still produce electricity on overcast or wet days. Even while their effectiveness is diminished under these circumstances, they are not completely dormant. Solar panels can benefit from rainwater’s ability to diffusely reflect sunlight by capturing it from various angles. However, prolonged rain or dense cloud cover can decrease overall energy production.

Build Up on Solar Panels

Rain can clean solar panels temporarily, but there is a chance that it will also cause dirt to build up over time. Rainwater can trap dirt on a panel’s surface when it evaporates. This is especially true in regions with irregular rainfall. It may result in a thin layer of residue that hinders the efficiency of the panel and limits its capacity to absorb light. Regular maintenance and manual cleaning are recommended to mitigate this problem.

Solar Panel Tilt Angle

The installation angle of solar panels has a significant impact on how they react to rain. Rainwater is shed more effectively from panels with a higher tilt angle, which decreases the likelihood of dirt buildup. 

Research

Engineers are constantly working to make solar equipment more resilient to the effects of the weather. By understanding and adapting to the interplay between rain and solar panels, we can harness the true potential of solar energy and move closer to a greener and sustainable future.

Note: You may be able to access information on region-specific solar panel performance through local solar energy companies. They can obtain monitoring information from solar systems that have already been deployed and offer insight to the influence of rain on energy output specifically for your area. 

If you’re ready to make the switch to solar browse our fully customizable shed models. Maine Solar Sheds are cost comparable with traditional solar arrays and have more benefits and value to customers. Contact us today for a quote.