The Dark Side Of Home Solar Panels

You're an energy conscious person, and you are doing your best to help conserve energy. You have replaced your windows with more energy efficient ones. All your appliances are also now energy efficient. Even your computer has a good Energy Star rating. However, you want to depend less on the power company, so you look into alternative energy solutions. Before you go out and invest, here is a list of home solar panels' dark side.

Seasons & Mother Nature

'Tis the Season to be jolly! That is what the sang touts, but with solar panels, you're not dreaming of a white Christmas. If your panels get covered with a thick coating of snow, unless you have stored up some power in battery bays, you could be in for a problem. And even with clear winter days, the fact is that the sun is lower in the sky and this means less rays of light every day until spring and summer return. This leads to less power and more headaches if you are unprepared.

Another way home solar panels can be a nuisance is when Mother Nature decides to play around with you. The news report says a slight haze for the morning - well, fog blacks out the light and thus less power is created. The radio says pollution is high today, or the weatherman says it will be a cloudy day? More of the same. And if you or your neighbors have tall trees, let's hope they will not cast a shadow on your panels, or you know what will happen!

Geographic Location, Direction And Tilt

The entire planet is covered with a multitude of people. However, for those who remember their earth science classes, those nearer to the equator receive more sun, while those farther north or south get less. Can you imagine trying to survive with solar power in Alaska? If so, I hope you have a secondary plan for the thirty days of night. Overall, geographic location of the home can make a huge difference in whether or not solar panels are a true option for you, or if you should look for another alternative solution.

Now if you have a roof that faces south, you're a good candidate for solar panels. This is because the south is what receives the most direct sunlight everyday. Of course, it's the exact opposite for those living in the southern hemisphere.

However, if you have an east/west roof, your panels will not be as efficient. And speaking of the roof, a slant of forty to sixty degrees is the absolute best for capturing the sun's rays and electricity. If it is any more or any less, this too can provide a problem.

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