Why Solar Panels Are More Efficient In Winter (provided you have sunlight)

in technology •  7 years ago 

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How hot and cold temperatures affect power efficiency in solar panels and their power lines:

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The law of thermodynamics when applied to electronics and the transfer of energy states the more heat you have the less efficient the transmission of power is due to the increase of resistance.

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The heat that originates from hot summer days generates resistance in the power lines by pushing molecules away from each other that are needed to allow for the flow of electrons.

This heat causes a back up in the flow of energy which is released in the form of more heat. This causes more resistance and thus more heat. That means less power makes it to the battery storage.

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Also the smaller diameter the power line from collection source to deposit source creates larger resistance levels thus generating heat and reduction of energy transfer. Again less power makes it to the storage battery.

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In winter there is still heat generated from the resistance in the power lines however cold outdoor temperatures keep the line cool and the molecules close together thus reducing any resistance created from heat. That means more power getting to the storage battery.

Here is a great article that gives a lot more information on this topic:

How the Weather Affects Conductors
http://www.dfliq.net/how-the-weather-affects-conductors/

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But the batteries have to be heated, right?

depends on the type of battery?

not all batteries. AGM batteries can go well below freezing. most batteries need to be kept above freezing and work best around room temperature. i use AGM batteries because they need next to no attention.

these graphs will help you decide if your battery needs to be heated/cooled or not. they are for the battery i personally use which is AGM Deka:

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Good article, you explained the law of thermodynamics in a way others can understand. Thanks for the useful chart, we will be saving it for future reference.

Glad you liked it. this article was inspired by @everittdmickey ... he asked me a question and i figured i would answer it for everyone interested...

@fixedbydoc glad you were inspired by @everittdmickey it helped me to get a better understanding. Many others, including myself have a lot of questions when it comes to solar. The graphs in the comments are appreciated and helpful, thanks.

:)

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Your articles are awesome! Packed with great details and clear discriptions.

glad you like them...

The @OriginalWorks bot has determined this post by @fixedbydoc to be original material and upvoted(1.5%) it!

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Excellent information! Very helpful! thanks!😊🎅🎄 🎆🍩

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