Does solar work at night?
A common question we get here at Power4U, and for good reason, is can your solar panels work at night?
Can solar panels work at night?
It’s probably something we’ve all wondered, especially when you’re looking for a renewable solution to provide your home energy. The simple answer is no, your solar panels only generate electricity in the daylight, so during the night they aren’t producing power. However, there are methods you can use to enable you to make use of the energy you produce in the day. Let’s explore these throughout the blog and ensure you’re using your panels to their full potential!
Night and clouds: what’s the difference?
Firstly, it’s important to distinguish he difference between night and a cloudy day. On a cloudy day, your panels will still be producing electricity, as it’s all about the daylight, not sun! This means it’s still feasible to have panels in countries with less sunlight, like here in the UK. However, as there’s no daylight in the night, the panels can’t produce energy.
Using a battery storage system
To be able to use your solar energy at night, you need something called a home battery storage. This is basically when your excess energy that is produced throughout the day is then stored and used later by charging your battery. Your battery then supplies the stored energy when your panels aren’t producing any to help run your household in the evening. This means that you are no longer reliant on other sources and can become self-sufficient!
In many cases, you can add a battery storge at any time to an existing system. However, it’s important you check with your panel installers first.
Should I get a battery storage?
By adding a battery storage, you are providing yourself options. This is because excess energy isn’t automatically sold back to the grid and instead you can choose what to do with it.
In many cases, having a battery storage is definitely worth having. If you find you use appliances in the evening often, or you’re wanting to become less dependent on the grid, this is the solution for you.
What if the battery storge isn’t enough?
Sometimes you may find that your usage is over the amount produced, even with the excess stored. In this case, you can still receive energy from the grid, much like a house without solar, just paying for the added energy.
How to get more from solar
Understanding the benefits of a storage system for solar panels can help decide if this is a worthy investment for your home.
Use a reputable supplier for your panels and choose Power4U today. We can provide fully fitted systems, with battery storage included. We ca also offer helpful advice, looking at your individual situation and providing feedback on the best solution for you!
