Solar Energy
Solar energy is a reliable source of power for stand-alone off-grid systems. Industry leaders in the rail and transportation sectors have relied on solar energy since the early 1980s to maintain power supply at highway crossings, intermediate signals, control points, switch machines, and other wayside applications in remote areas across the country. This technology advances year by year as government agencies, universities, and independent researchers seek to improve design and increase efficiency.
However, challenges and misconceptions around solar energy remain. How do solar panels maintain efficiency with changing weather patterns? For areas of the country impacted by cloudy, snowy winters, are solar panels still viable?
Yes! Despite the challenges of winter, solar panels can still produce energy and hold their own when properly sized and designed for the specific load requirements and site characteristics. Here are three common misconceptions about utilizing solar energy during the winter months.
Myth #1: Solar Panels Don’t Work on Cloudy Days
Solar panels do lose some efficiency on cloudy days, but they are not useless during the winter. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can capture UV rays through the clouds and transform them into energy. Solar panels paired with batteries designed for the unique characteristics of daily cycling will store excess UV energy from long summer days that can be captured and stored to offset lower solar production during winter days. Solar panels can also be combined with Wind Turbines, Stirling Engine Generators, and/or Fuel Cells to create hybrid power systems for added reliability and resiliency.
Myth #2: Solar Panels Won’t Work in Cold Temperatures
While solar panels perform best in areas with lots of sunlight, they don’t require warm, hot climates. If the sun is shining, solar panels are still producing energy, even if temperatures outside are below freezing. In fact, solar panels can even thrive in colder temperatures, as excessive heat can degrade their efficiency and cause long-term damage to the cell.
Myth #3: Heavy Snowfall Will Completely Cover Solar Panels
While a sudden heavy snowfall will cover solar panels for a brief time, solar panels are specifically designed to offset these challenges. They are often installed at an angle, allowing heavy snow to slide off after active snowfall stops. The panels’ black-coated surfaces warm up faster than other surfaces, producing optimum conditions for heavy buildups to slide off. Snow sliding off the panel’s surface can also help remove any dust particles accumulated on the panel’s surface over time, providing a natural cleaning solution that involves no outside maintenance.
Solar Is Still an Important Piece of the Hybrid Puzzle
Despite minor winter-time challenges, solar energy is still a viable option for off-grid power requirements. Alongside wind, solar energy is predicted to be the fastest-growing sector in U.S. power generation over the next two years. The technology is versatile and can be partnered with other alternative power generation technologies like Wind Turbines, Fuel Cells and Stirling Engine Generators to ensure reliable, weather-resistant power supply to rail wayside applications in mountainous and remote areas.