Solar Panel technology is one of the most essential forms of electricity generation because it’s abundant unlike fossil fuel and safer for the environment.
Therefore many advancements have been made since the concept do solar panel need direct sunlight of electricity from sunlight was introduced. In 1876, Richard Evans Day and William Grylls Adams discovered that selenium produces electricity when exposed to light.
This was the beginning of the solar energy era but the cells unfortunately failed to produce sufficient electricity. In 1983, Charles Fritts coated a thin layer of gold on selenium, and the resulting cells produced 1%.
The solar panel technology gained its true potential with the silicon solar cells that led the US government to invest more money in solar energy. As time passed the world witnessed the revolution in the field of solar panels.
Now almost every consumer from every part of the world can access solar panels but scientists are trying to produce more self-sustaining solar systems that do not use direct sunlight.
Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight?
Yes, Solar panels do need direct sunlight to generate electricity. However, some new research is coming into view for a more efficient solar panel that can work without direct sunlight.
Carvey Ehren Maigue a student at Mapua University Philippines, got inspired by Northern Lights to create a technology that harvests ultraviolet rays from the sun. He used waste from vegetables and fruits to make luminescent particles. Naturally, these particles absorb UV rays which then become visible light.
Maigue actually created a film from these particles to absorb UV rays. This film can convert UV rays into light which can generate energy.
Maigue named this technology “AUREUS” after the Aurora Borealis and won the James Dyson Sustainability Award in 2020.
This technology can open doors for real-world applications in solar innovations. As direct solar energy is not required to generate electricity, there will be no lack of energy even on overcast days.
This discovery is not only great for sustainable power but can also reduce global waste and reduce the carbon footprint of the Earth, Isn’t it truly going green?
As this technology is not readily available and more research is needed, we still face the problems of lacking solar energy at night and on overcast days, so what we can do until then?
Do Solar Panels Require Direct Sunlight on Cloudy Days?
Though direct sunlight increases the output of a solar panel thus it generates the maximum amount of energy but what if there is an overcast? Well, it’s not like solar panels can not work with low light its just their efficiency that decreases.
Therefore on a cloudy day, you are likely to get a low amount of electricity. If you live in an area with so many overcast days, your solar panel might not be working to its full potential.
Even on extremely cloudy days, little sunlight reaches the surface, so you will get electricity but it will be half of what your solar panel generates on a sunny day.
So if you are worried about clouds and rain, do not be, because solar panels do not totally depend on direct sunlight.
Do Solar Panels Work At Night?
A solar panel does require direct sunlight to generate electricity even if in a small amount. They are called solar panels for a reason.
Your solar panel can not generate electricity at night but it does not mean you can not use solar-generated energy. The only way to use solar energy at night is by storing it in a battery.
There are multiple types of solar batteries available. These batteries can store solar electricity that you can easily use at night to power your home. Although some batteries are very expensive you can find a good-capacity battery at a reasonable price.
Another way to light your home at night is by staying connected to the grid electricity. Choosing a solar buyback or net metering program will help you get bill credits on excess energy that you send to the grid on sunny days to compensate for the grid energy you use at night or during an outage.
Is Going Solar Worth It?
The sun has been powering the Earth for millions of years without a break. This shows that sunlight energy or renewable energy is the only source that can sustain life on Earth.
With the increased use of electricity from fossil fuels, we are not only running out of our reserves but also polluting the environment. Therefore, the concept of going green is a promise of a healthier future.
Sunlight-generated energy not only helps to reduce electricity bills but also brings energy independence. Therefore, more and more people are now switching to solar energy to avoid the electricity crisis we are going to face in the near future.
Solar installation does cost a high upfront cost but it is a good investment for long-term cheap energy. You are likely to get a timely return on investment while keeping the Earth clean.
We are sure that with more innovations like AuREUS, we will be able to make solar energy much cheaper while reducing global waste. With proper research and more insight into solar energy, we will reach the ultimate goal of sustainability.
Final Analysis
If you want to go solar, this is your time to take a step. We are sure after reading this article, you must be considering solar energy.
Solar panels not only give you cheaper and safer electricity but also add to the value of your property because buyers are not interested in homes with installed solar panels.
Therefore, to reduce the high electric bills and save some money, you must choose solar panel technology. If you think you can not afford high upfront costs, multiple loans for solar power can help you switch to solar energy.
If you have no clue about how many panels your home needs, solar panel calculations will help you. So estimate how many you want, how much you can pay, how much you can save, and see the benefits solar energy brings with it.
FAQs
Does a solar panel need direct sunlight to work?
Solar panels do need direct sunlight to generate electricity, therefore, they do not work at night. However, solar panels can also work if the sunlight is low on cloudy or rainy days.
What exactly do solar panels do?
Solar panels have photovoltaic cells which convert light energy from the sun to electrical energy.
What are the advantages of solar panels?
Solar panels generate clean energy that is independent of other sources of energy such as fossil fuels. Solar panels require low maintenance and work for a lifetime. The major advantage, however, is the reduction in electricity bills by going off-grid.
Who invented solar panels?
Solar panels were first introduced by Charles Fritts in 1881.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels last from 25 to 30 years and work at good efficiency throughout the period.
