Whether solar panels are reliable or not has been up for debate since the industry first emerged. Some have concerns over the performance of the panels themselves (especially in winter) and others doubt the dependability of solar power as a source of energy entirely.
Though the worries were in fact valid in the early days of solar panel production, these issues have been eradicated in recent years – thanks to advancements in technology and policy. Solar panels have come a long way, prompting 2 million American homeowners to make the switch to solar. But homeowners aren’t the only ones who rely on solar energy – corporations big and small have realized the benefits of solar arrays, as well.
But is solar power reliable enough? Let’s take a closer look to examine how solar energy is produced and whether you should depend on it as your primary energy source.
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Solarman says
The continued article stresses direct south facing panels is the most efficient. BUT, if the roof ridgeline runs North and South, then the roof is sloped East and West. I have found that adding 23% more panel capacity makes up for the efficiency change from due south facing panels and east/west facing panels. The ‘noon time” peak of south facing panels is not there, but one can get a longer daily energy harvest from the east/west installation. This allows one to make and use more usable solar energy every day. Batteries is still an option, and since the east/west orientation allows longer energy harvest hours every day, then battery storage is not necessary, but could still be used.
Automated manufacturing and better sealing products have made the solar PV panels more rugged than in the past. There are still old ARCO 50W solar PV modules made in the 1970’s that can still put out the original specified power and are still being used today. At todays prices, we’re looking at an average of 330W module selling for $285 per panel. The new surge in bi-facial panel manufacturing will enable price drops in solar PV panel pricing per watt and more energy harvest from the same square feet of panel. Over build solar PV power systems and save the over generation of power during the day for night time use.