How Trees Affect Solar Panel Production

It s a difficult truth but solar power and trees do not always get along.

How trees affect solar panel production.

There s no denying that solar panels do not operate as well under shade. In a panel individual cells are wired in series so as to increase the module s voltage but they re only as efficient as their weakest link. Trees or more specifically shade from those trees reduces the productivity of your solar energy system. A renewable energy laboratory study found that shadows over pv photovoltaic panels reduce power production by one third.

Knowing what factors affect solar panel production is important to ensure that you get the most savings possible out of your system. Heavily soiled solar panels. At the end of that sunny day i looked at how the clean panels had performed relative to the unwashed panels. The clean panels produced on average 0 7 more than the pollen coated panels.

Researchers are aware of the problem and are looking for ways to boost productivity in shady conditions. Even a small obstruction like a leaf can have a considerable impact on the performance of your system. Branches and leaves can block sunlight from hitting your roof which means your solar panels aren t maximizing their electricity production potential. Trees and buildings or other landscape features such as hills can block incoming radiation and cast a shadow reducing the usable solar radiation.

Trees buildings and even the horizon can create shading on a roof and on solar panels. Shade from features in the immediate surroundings of your home can greatly affect the level of solar radiation reaching your panels. As we have seen many parameters are taken into account. To know the annual production of a solar panel it is necessary to study your particular situation.

Fortunately before deciding to invest it is possible to get simulations that will help you learn about the performance of a solar panel. To put this in perspective a 5 kw array may produce about 30 kilowatt hours kwh on a sunny day. Ironically maximizing those solar benefits may involve cutting down a tree or two. The manufacturers of solar panels state that anything that reduces or blocks the sunlight from reaching the panel surface will reduce energy production.

However as we outline below proper tree placement and pruning can allow solar panels to function in proximity to shade trees. If you have any other questions about solar panel production or would like to speak with one of our trusted solar educators please call 888 454 9979. The heavy ash sediment has been known to reduce power production by as much as 30 or more if not washed off. However as you no doubt know when you cut down trees you eliminate a valuable carbon dioxide co2 capturing organism.