Can My Solar Panels Charge from Moonlight?
If you want to get the most out of your solar panels, you may be wondering if your system will continue to generate electricity if the moon is shining down on your property. This is a common question that we get asked a lot, but the answer isn’t so simple. That’s why your trusted experts at Solar Bear Dallas are here to explain to you whether or not solar panels can charge from moonlight.
The Science Behind Moonlight
What is moonlight, exactly? You may be surprised to find out that the bright shine that we see radiating from the moon is technically sunlight that’s being reflected off of the moon’s surface. Although this is an incredibly fascinating fact, you may be asking if that means solar panels can absorb moonlight since it’s coming from the sun. The correct answer is yes, solar panels can absorb the moonlight…but it might not be nearly as much as you’re thinking.
How Much Energy Can I Get From Moonlight?
Those expecting to power their home solely on moonlight will be disappointed to learn that solar panels generate less than one percent of what they would normally gather during peak sunlight hours. For example, a solar panel that would typically generate around 300 watts of power from a full hour of direct sunlight will only be able to collect a single watt of moonlight energy after an hour. The results will be even lower during a night with a quarter moon, or plain zero during a new moon. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s completely impossible to run your home on solar energy at night.
What Is a Solar Storage Battery?
Any excess energy that your solar panels generate would normally be sent back to the power grid and bring you a lower electric bill in exchange. This is also known as net metering. But if you invest in a solar storage battery, that extra energy can be stored away for later use such as for nighttime activities. If you’re a night owl, you can continue using your appliances and other electronics just as you normally would with your solar battery reserves so that nothing goes to waste.
When Your Solar Battery Gets Full
Solar storage batteries are an excellent way to ensure that you get the most out of your solar panels, but it is possible for them to get full and potentially overcharge the system thus wearing it out faster. To prevent this, you can get an inverter or charge controller to redirect the flow of energy once the battery hits its limit. The best part about this is that you can have your system redirect the excess power back into the main grid so you can continue receiving net metering benefits.
Ask Solar Bear Dallas About Solar Batteries
If you’re interested in a solar storage battery so that you can continue using solar energy at night, you can seek out the assistance of solar professionals at Solar Bear Dallas! We’re the best place in Texas for all of your solar panel needs, all you have to do is call (727) 471-7442 and our friendly staff will be glad to assist you.
