New features include upgraded calculator with cost benefit analysis, and the addition of solar hot water and efficiency projects.  Mobile access to solar information is also added.

(Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2012) – Los Angeles County and Energy Upgrade California are pleased to announce the launch of the LA County Solar Map and Green Planning Tool, the next upgrade to the award winning LA County Solar Map website.

The site brings new visualization and analysis tools for residents and businesses interested in “going green” to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.  Local businesses that install green projects can use the tools to identify properties with the best potential for outreach.

“The site provides a single source for information about solar electricity, hot water and energy efficiency projects, and personalized information about their property, including where panels would go and what their production and savings could be,” said Howard Choy, manager of the L.A. County Office of Sustainability.  “It also allows the public to access Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County through the Green Planning Tool, and connect with solar and energy project installers.”

Recent updates to the map include an improved user interface, graphical ‘calculators’ detailing costs, savings and payback for solar systems,  addition of detailed rooftop shading visualization for panel placement, a birds-eye view option for inspecting rooftops, mobile access to solar data and printable property-level solar reports.

At the heart of the site is the largest high-resolution solar model in the world, covering  more than 3,000 square miles and including over 250 million calculations of solar potential including the impacts of trees, roof pitch and features, and nearby buildings.  The new site, developed by Critigen, BKi & Renewable Funding,  shows the County’s commitment remain at the forefront of improving the lives of County residents and businesses through the cutting-edge use of technology.

A major enhancement to the site is the new cost/benefit calculator, which estimates the cost, payback time, and cost savings over 25 years.  Interactive graphs allow users to change the interest rate and system size and see the impacts on cost and payback.  Users can then find qualified installers from the County’s Contractor Directory.

In partnership with Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles, the new LA County Solar Map and Green Planning Tool also recommends and informs citizens on efficiency projects and associated cost savings to those projects like adding insulation, installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and insulating pipes and ducts.

A free iOS and Android mobile application allows solar potential to be accessed on the go, so that users and installation professionals can view solar potential in the field.

The first solar map for La County was launched on Earth day 2009 and this release will mark the 3^rdversion of the LA County Solar Map.

“This application has evolved to provide citizens with new interactive tools that allow them to gain insight into cost savings and return on investment information for their solar rooftop, solar hot water, and energy efficiency projects quickly,” Choy said.

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Originally organized as Link & Sun Solar Co., AMECO Solar specializes in solar system services including design, installation and repair. As a licensed energy auditor (# 4181), we can provide a feasibility study that encompasses solar and details the complete energy picture for an entire facility. As a licensed solar contractor (# 483280), we do not represent just one manufacturer of solar equipment and reserves its recommendations until after the site is examined.

We are approved by The League of California Homeowners. The League approves only those contractors that meet the following criteria:

• Valid contractor’s license and bond, no outstanding complaints.
• Current Worker’s Compensation and General Liability Insurance.
• Pass a background check for liens, civil litigation, bankruptcy and tax defaults.
• Good business credit verified by the Building Industry Credit Association & Experian.
• Provide at least six satisfactory customer references.
• Provide at least three business references, including material suppliers.
• Abide by the League’s Code of Ethics.

We are a member of the Southern California Better Business Bureau.

We are a member of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA), and currently, its owner is a board member.

We are approved by the Southern California Gas Company to provide financing through the Fannie Mae program entitled: Home Energy Upgrade Finance Program.

We are a licensed Energy Auditor (# 4181). As an energy consultant, we can design a solar system to fulfill the needs of anybody from the do-it-yourselfer to the architectural, engineering and construction sectors.

We are a licensed Solar Contractor (C-46 – # 483289) and have been since 1974.

If you have any questions about solar installations in Long Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Lomita, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos/Seal Beach or San Pedro area, please call AMECO Solar today: 888-595-9570.

Solar swimming pool heating is the most cost-effective application of solar energy. Unglazed collectors (solar panels), which are the simplest and least expensive of all collectors, are used almost universally for heating outdoor pools and spas.

The heating system itself is normally already required for pools, regardless of whether a solar heating system is added.

In Southern California, a typical pool season will cost in excess of $2,000 of natural gas to heat the pool. Installing a solar swimming pool heating system with a life expectancy of over 20 years, and with an average cost of $5,000 makes economic sense. A solar pool heating installation will save a substantial amount of money while providing a warm and comfortable pool.

AMECO Solar has found solar pool heaters to be one of the most cost-effective solar energy applications. A solar pool heating system will save enough money to pay for itself quickly and provide pool heating energy free for your enjoyment and use for many years. AMECO Solar’s thermal division specializes in designing and installing solar swimming pool heating systems in the Los Angeles area.

How You Can Prepare

To get the full benefits of a solar pool heater you must have an area for the solar collectors (panels) that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction should face south. You will need to add more collectors as the angle facing due south varies.

The collector area required will depend on the surface area of your swimming pool, the water temperature you wish to maintain, the amount of pool shading and the direction the solar collectors face. Typically, the area that will be efficient is 60% the area of your pool surface (length x width x .6). For less favorable solar collector orientation the collector area required may be as large as the pool surface area.

The only routine maintenance you will need to do is the same as you should always do for your pool, keep the pool clean and in proper chemical balance. It is advisable to shut off the water supply to your pool sweep and solar collectors if you will be adding pool shock treatment or excessive amounts of chemicals.

SOLAR PUMP:

In almost all cases where the filter pump is currently keeping the pool clean, it is not necessary to change it or to add a pump for the solar heater. The existing pump is usually capable of circulating pool water through the solar panels.

SOLAR CONTROLS:

Solar heating is completely automatic in a properly designed solar heating system. When your pool requires heat, the automatic control diverts the water coming from the filter to the solar collectors, if they are receiving solar energy. This continues until the pre-set desired temperature is reached or until no more solar energy is available. The solar collectors will preheat the water before it gets to the gas heater and the gas heater will use only the fuel needed to make up the difference.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:

Operation of solar pool heaters are extremely simple. Just flip a switch on the control to “Auto” at the beginning of the season and set the thermostat on the control to the pool temperature you want. At the end of the season, flip the control switch to “Off”. If you have a solar system that does not drain water back completely the panels should be winterized by uncapping the lowest solar panel to prevent the possibility of freeze damage.

COLLECTOR LIFE:

Solar swimming pool heating collectors can be expected to last for at least 20 years.

LIMITATIONS:

Solar pool heating cannot keep up the temperature on heavily overcast or rainy days or during winter months. You may need to operate your gas heater to make up the temperature difference, if you attempt to maintain an unusually warm pool temperature. Even if you choose to use your conventional gas pool heater as well, the solar heater will still supply a large amount of free energy.

Have any questions about Solar Pool Installation in Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Huntington Beach or Los Alamitos/Seal Beach area?  Give AMECO Solar a call today: 888-595-9570.

Photovoltaic solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. Compared to nonrenewable sources such as coal, gas, oil, and nuclear, the advantages are clear: it’s totally non-polluting, has no moving parts to break down, and does not require much maintenance. A very important characteristic of photovoltaic power generation is that it does not require a large scale installation to operate, as different from conventional power generation stations. Power generators can be installed in a DISTRIBUTED fashion, on each house or business or school, using area that is already developed, and allowing individual users to generate their own power, quietly and safely.

Rooftop power can be added as more homes or businesses are added to a community, thereby allowing power generation to keep in step with growing needs without having to overbuild generation capacity as is often the case with conventional large scale power systems But even when photovoltaic power is compared to other renewable energy sources such as wind power, water power, and even solar thermal power, there are some obvious advantages. First, wind and water power rely on turbines to turn generators to produce electricity. Turbines and generators have moving parts that can break down, that require maintenance, and are noisy. Even solar thermal energy needs a turbine or other mechanical device to change the heat energy of the sun into mechanical energy for a generator to produce electric power. Photovoltaic power, by contrast, is generated directly from the sun. PV systems have no moving parts, require virtually no maintenance, and have cells that last for decades.

Have questions about PV Installation in Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Huntington Beach or Los Alamitos/Seal Beach area?  Give AMECO Solar a call today: 888-595-9570.

There is no better time than right now to go solar. The Los Angeles City Council recently endorsed a two-year DWP electricity rate hike.

“The Los Angeles City Council approved an 11.1 percent electricity rate hike over the next two years Tuesday, as the Department of Water and Power warned that more increases are coming. By a 10-4 vote, the council approved a new rate that will cost an average homeowner about $3.65 a month. Customers with larger homes or who use more power will see their bills rise about $18.79 a month. Commercial businesses can expect to see their bills increase $15 per month.”

Call AMECO Solar today for a quick quote and turn your utility expense into an investment – 562.633.4400.

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By Susan Montoya Bryan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Pick any stretch of road slicing through the American Southwest. The sun beats down on the asphalt like nowhere else and heat waves distort the landscape.

It’s here, in these open expanses, that experts say is a massive untapped source of energy that could meet the nation’s growing needs. But only if developers can get it out of the desert.

Even as renewable power projects get a boost from the federal government, a lack of transmission lines prevent states such as New Mexico — where the sun shines more than 300 days a year — from converting the obvious potential into real watts that can charge smartphones and run air conditioners thousands of miles away.

Transmission lines are key to developing the region’s solar resources. The problem is existing lines are maxing out, especially as the push intensifies to bring online more renewable energy. Building new lines can take years or even decades of cutting through a tangle of bureaucracy.

SOURCE: http://lubbockonline.com/business/2012-09-19/southwest-needs-power-lines-become-solar-hub

This event is SOLD OUT.  

Long Beach, CA – September 10, 2012 – An informal workshop on how to use the sun’s power to benefit your home or business is being held on Thursday, October 18^th  from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Lakewood Country Club, on 3101 Carson Street in Lakewood 90712. The ‘Solar 101 Workshop- Solar Straight Talk’ will be-hosted by one of California’s oldest established solar companies Ameco Solar.

The workshop will provide truthful, no strings attached, “how-to” resources for individuals who want to consider solar for their home or business. Information will be provided on net metering; the available government incentives; the differences between using cash, leasing or financing; and what to look for when choosing a system. The focus will be to educate attendees well enough to avoid the solar scams highlighted in the October, 2012 issue of Consumer Reports.

There will be one hour a Q&A session at the end of the program.

The workshop is free, but seating is limited. Beverages will be provided. The public is encouraged to register before October 16^th by calling 562-633-4400, or RSVP online at:  https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=pO1hQ3XLN2vYmY-rHBlYZg

According to Patrick Redgate, President & CEO of Ameco Solar, “Solar is a technology that has the potential to help anybody who has a utility bill.  We want to define in a no pressure environment and in layman’s terms, what going solar is all about and how easily it can be done.”

About Ameco Solar
Since 1974 Ameco has been dedicated to the concept that solar energy is the solution to our energy future. Solar energy is unlimited, non-polluting and free. We are committed to providing cost-effective and reliable solar systems and strive to offer the best components available. We believe that using solar energy is simply the best investment available to homeowners or businesses today, since the alternative to solar is just a never-ending monthly expense. Extensive Solar information can be found on their website: https://amecosolar.wpengine.com.

Jim Noss of Anaheim discusses his reasons for choosing Ameco Solar for his residential, rooftop, solar installation. After two years of service he is showing a 3400 kW monthly surplus and his monthly electric bills are in the negative!

Way to go Solar, Los Angeles!

“The Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power announced that solar power on rooftops in Los Angeles has nearly quadrupled over the past two years as residents and businesses tap into more of the city’s famous year-round sunshine.

After long opposing third-party ownership of rooftop solar systems and affordable $0 down lease financing, LADWP loosened its restrictive monopoly policy in 2009 — which has since turbocharged the Los Angeles solar market. 75% of Californians are now choosing to go solar with third-party financing, which has generated over $1 billion in economic growth statewide.”

If you are interested in adding a solar system to your rooftop please call Ameco Solar, the Solar Expert, to answer any of your questions.

Congratulations California, it appears you have passed the solar gigawatt mark.

Rewire is reporting:

“According to live data provided by the California Independent System Operator (CaISO), the agency that manages the state’s power distribution grid, the state of California reached a long-anticipated milestone this afternoon (as I predicted last month). More than 1,000 megawatts of electrical power is coming into the state’s transmission grid from solar sources, making solar the largest renewable energy contributor to the state’s power consumption — at least for a few hours. Statewide demand this afternoon is running at about 41,600 megawatts, so this solar milestone accounts for about 2.4% of total grid energy being used in California.”

Click the link above for the complete article.

“One of the holy grails of solar cell technology may have been found, with researchers at UCLA announcing they have created a new organic polymer that produces electricity, is nearly transparent and is more durable and malleable than silicon.

The applications are mind-boggling. Windows that produce electricity. Buildings wrapped in transparent solar cells. Laptops and phones – or even cars or planes – whose outer coverings act as chargers. It might even be sprayed on as a liquid. The promise of cheap and easy-to-apply site-generated solar electricity might now be a lot closer to reality.”

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Did you know that you will probably blow $68,982 to power your home for the next 25 years. That is a car, a swimming pool, even college tuition.

Don’t blow your cash!

Go solar with AMECO – a sun power premiere partner who has been solarizing California since 1974. Who else can say that? Don’t blow your cash! Go solar today. It won’t cost you a thing. Start today by visiting

Easy to navigate and designed with the conscious of a homeowner looking for Solar resources; Ameco Solar is proud to announce the launch of its new website – www.AmecoSolar.com. The newly designed site offers quick access to extensive Solar information not commonly found on other, newer Solar company websites.

Right at your fingertips; through videos, financial graphs, solar glossaries, photo galleries, and several Solar FAQ sections, AmecoSolar.com offers serious answers to some serious questions thousands of local residents have about going solar.

“The AmecoSolar site is fresh looking, and packed with tons of social, interactive apps which I know appeals to a wide audience.” Ameco Solar President, Pat Redgate adds. “We want people to invite us into their homes through this site because it’s all about building a long-term relationship with solar enthusiasts.”

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at UC Berkeley conducted a study in 2021, revealing that solar panels owned by homeowners are correlated with higher selling prices.

Potential buyers may be willing to pay extra for homes with owned solar systems. However, homes with leased panels may fetch lower prices.

How Do Solar Panels Increase Your Home Value?

A study by Zillow indicates that homes with solar installations can sell for about 4.1% more than those without, with variations depending on location. For instance, New York City homes show a higher increase (5.4%), while Riverside, California homes show a lower increase (2.7%).

Another study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests an increase in resale value of approximately $5,911 for each kilowatt of solar power installed.

Additionally, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests that every $1 saved on electricity bills due to solar power can lead to around a $20 increase in home value.

These findings collectively indicate that installing solar panels can significantly enhance the value of your home as an investment.

What Influences the Property Value of a Solar Home?

Various factors, such as your property's location, local electricity rates, and the value of your solar panel system, can influence whether installing solar panels will raise your home's value.

Let's delve deeper into these variables to understand how they can impact your property value.

Local Electricity Rates

In regions with high electricity rates like California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, and New York, solar power can have a substantial impact.

For instance, if your monthly electricity bill is notably higher than the national average of $117.46, transitioning to solar energy could lead to significant savings.

Homes equipped with solar power systems in areas such as San Francisco, Orlando, or Florida may command higher selling prices compared to properties in cities with lower electricity costs like Chicago.

Local Solar Market

Tax incentives provided by many states aim to incentivize homeowners to adopt solar energy, making the transition more economically viable while also fostering the growth of solar energy within the state.

Properties equipped with solar power systems in states with robust solar-friendly policies and incentives tend to fetch higher market values compared to those in regions with limited solar power development.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) highlights the following as states with the most favorable solar markets:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• New York
• Virginia
• New Jersey
• California
• Georgia
• Arizona
• Nevada
• Florida

The legal ownership of your solar panel system significantly impacts the value of your home. If you've purchased your solar panels outright or paid off your loan, you can include them in the sale of your home, which is the simplest and most profitable option for the seller.

For leased systems, the situation is more complex since you don't own the system outright. In this case, buyers must decide whether and how they want to take over ownership.

One option is a buyout, where you pay off the remaining lease balance, and the buyer can start a new lease under their name. However, this requires paying the remaining balance upfront, which can be substantial depending on the terms of your lease.

The second option is to transfer the lease to the buyer, which is a more cost-effective choice for selling a home with a leased system. However, the buyer must meet the qualifications for the lease, including undergoing a credit check.

Solar System Condition

Homes equipped with updated solar systems command higher prices compared to those with aging systems. Since solar systems typically last between 25 to 35 years, a home with a 15-year-old system may only offer an additional 10 to 20 years of service.

When selling a home with a solar system over 10 years old, it's crucial to consider its age and potential impact on the property value. Homeowners should prioritize regular servicing and maintenance to optimize the system's performance and appeal to potential buyers.

Quality solar panels often come with extended warranties, providing coverage for defects and installation errors. Leveraging these warranties enables homeowners to address any issues promptly and ensure the system's longevity.

Additionally, consider investing in additional coverage like a power production guarantee, which safeguards the system's output and performance throughout the warranty period.

Prospective buyers should thoroughly review all documentation related to the solar system, including maintenance records and warranty details. Being informed about any replacements or upgrades done during the ownership period is essential for making informed decisions.

For homeowners planning to sell their solar-powered homes, maintaining the system in excellent condition is paramount to maximizing its resale value and appeal to potential buyers.

Owned vs. Leased Solar System

To streamline the sale of your home after installing solar panels, selecting the appropriate financing option is crucial. Ownership of the solar panel system is essential for its inclusion in the home sale and for accessing available solar incentives to mitigate panel costs. Sole ownership is granted to homeowners who either purchase their systems outright or secure a loan for their acquisition.

Alternative financing arrangements complicate solar home sales. Opting for a solar lease results in the solar provider retaining legal ownership of the system. To sell your home, you must either buy out the lease or transfer it to the new owner. Depending on the remaining lease duration, this may necessitate a substantial payment. Subsequently, the buyer can initiate a new lease with the solar company.

Alternatively, you may transfer the lease to the new owner, enabling them to assume the remainder of your contract. While this option doesn't entail significant payments, the prospective homeowner must meet the criteria to assume the lease, including a credit assessment. Failure to find a buyer meeting the solar company's lease criteria could prolong the selling process.

How Do Solar Panels Influence My Property Tax?

Installing a solar system increases your property value, potentially leading to higher property taxes. However, 36 states have enacted laws that exempt solar owners from paying increased property taxes.

These exemption laws vary across states, with some offering a 100% exemption, while others limit it to a specific number of years.

To understand the specifics of property tax exemption laws in your area, it's essential to check with your local state legislature.

Our Verdict: Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

Solar panels enhance home value by delivering long-term energy savings, attracting heightened interest from potential homebuyers. Real estate agents frequently assign a higher value to homes equipped with solar panels compared to similar properties without them.

Prior to purchasing a solar-powered home, it's crucial to obtain comprehensive information about the solar system, including its condition and maintenance history. For homeowners contemplating a switch to solar power, obtaining quotes from at least three reputable solar companies

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Every hour, Earth receives an astounding influx of energy from the sun, amounting to approximately 430 quintillion Joules. This remarkable figure surpasses the total energy consumption of our planet over an entire year.

Although a portion of this energy is captured by solar panels and transformed into electricity, the process isn't flawless. The quantity of energy generated is contingent upon various factors, including the efficiency of the panel, its alignment with the sun, and naturally, the prevailing weather conditions.

What influence does the weather have on the performance of solar panels? Factors such as cloud cover and temperature can affect the amount of electricity produced by your system.

Let's consider a few situations. You might be intrigued by what you discover.

Clouds, Rain, and Fog

Despite common belief, solar panels continue to produce electricity even during cloudy, rainy, or foggy weather, although at a reduced rate compared to bright, sunny days. Typically, solar panels generate approximately 10% to 30% of their maximum capacity on cloudy days.

The precise output varies based on factors such as the type of solar panels used, the thickness of the clouds or fog, and the duration for which they cover the area.

Take Germany as an example: Despite experiencing numerous cloudy and rainy days, it leads globally in solar energy installations and production. However, the sunshine received over the entire year compensates for the overcast days, ensuring that the weather does not diminish the long-term benefits of adopting solar energy.

Rain and snow are useful for solar panels as they effectively cleanse them of accumulated dust, pollen, and other particles. Once the solar energy system is set up, no maintenance is required. Nature not only generates energy for you but also ensures the cleanliness of your system!

Snow

Although a small amount of snow helps clean solar panels, their productivity isn't significantly hindered as sunlight can still penetrate through a thin layer of snow.

Additionally, the panels are usually positioned at an angle to aid in sunlight reflection, and this tilt also serves as a slope for the snow to naturally slide off.

Typically, a typical snowfall will cover roof panels with a layer of snow. However, the sunlight that typically follows a snowstorm will usually melt the snow off the dark solar panels, which absorb heat.

A big snowstorm with a large blanket of snow around your home and street could increase your solar production because the sun reflecting off the snow acts as a mirror, boosting the intensity of the sunlight reaching your panels.

Hail, Wind, and Lightning

Most solar panels are engineered to endure an average-sized hailstorm and withstand winds of approximately 50 mph. While there is a possibility of severe weather events like large hail, lightning, or hurricane-force winds causing damage to residential solar energy systems, such occurrences are infrequent.

Lightning strikes pose a minimal risk as solar panels are typically grounded during installation. In the rare event of severe weather-related damage, it's important to note that such incidents may not be covered by solar panel warranties. 

However, homeowners can often rely on their homeowner's insurance to provide coverage.

To safeguard against potential risks, it is crucial to promptly add your home solar panels to your homeowner's insurance policy once the system is activated.

Extreme Heat

Many individuals hold the belief that solar panels perform optimally during hot, summer days filled with sunshine. However, this notion is only partly accurate. 

The truth is that solar panels tend to be more efficient when temperatures are moderate rather than excessively hot. Their productivity hinges more on the intensity of sunlight rather than the ambient temperature. 

A cooler day with ample sunlight is far preferable for achieving peak production compared to a scorching summer day. 

Some studies examining solar panel efficiency in hot weather have revealed that during extremely high temperatures, ranging from 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, solar energy output declines gradually, though not significantly enough to negate their advantages.

The Best Temperature for Solar Panels

Consider the ideal conditions for solar panels. Naturally, one would envision a day with clear, azure skies and abundant sunshine. Surprisingly, however, the temperature on this optimal day is cool rather than warm.

Similar to other electronic devices, solar panels operate with greater efficiency in colder temperatures, enabling them to generate higher voltage and consequently more electricity. 

Conversely, as temperatures escalate, the panel's voltage output decreases, leading to diminished efficiency and electricity production.

The extent to which temperature affects production can be discerned by examining the specifications provided for various panels. These figures are derived from diverse tests administered by the manufacturer.

Generally, for each degree above 77 degrees Fahrenheit (referred to as standard testing conditions or STC), the panel's efficiency diminishes by one percent, whereas for each degree below 77 degrees, its efficiency increases by one percent.

Despite the heightened efficiency of solar panels in cold weather, they may not necessarily generate more electricity during winter compared to summer. Summer typically offers the sunniest conditions, coinciding with warmer temperatures.

Furthermore, with fewer clouds and longer daylight hours, the panels, though less efficient in warm weather, are likely to produce more electricity overall.

Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy Weather?

Anything obstructing the direct path between your solar panels and the sun, whether it's clouds in the sky, fog on the horizon, or shade from nearby foliage, reduces the amount of solar energy your system generates.

However, akin to how one can still get sunburned on overcast days, your panels might still be generating electricity, contingent upon the density of cloud cover.

On partially cloudy days, your energy production may decline by 10% to 25%, contingent upon the frequency with which clouds pass over your system. Yet, an occurrence known as the "edge of cloud" effect can amplify sunlight, resulting in a brief surge in electricity production. 

For instance, when fluffy cumulus clouds drift across the sun, their wispy peripheries act as a magnifying glass, intensifying the sunlight hitting your panels.

As for overcast days, a simple method to gauge whether your system is generating energy is by observing shadows outdoors. If you can discern objects casting shadows, your system is likely producing energy to some extent. Conversely, if shadows are absent, the cloud cover is likely too dense for electricity production. 

It's estimated that solar panels will generate approximately 10% to 30% less electricity on cloudy days compared to sunny ones. However, this shouldn't deter you from adopting solar power. Even if you reside in regions with less sunshine than Southern California and Arizona, investing in solar energy can still be financially rewarding.

For instance, foggy San Francisco and Portland, Oregon both rank among the top 20 cities in the US for solar installations. Moreover, despite Germany being significantly cloudier and occupying just 1/28th of the landmass of the US, it produces 45.9 GW of solar energy compared to the US's 49.6 GW.

When providing a solar quote, installers should consider the impact of cloudy weather on your system's production, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your circumstances. Additionally, if you live in an area with net metering, any surplus electricity generated on sunny days can offset your consumption during cloudy periods.

Will Solar Panels Work in the Rain and Snow?

While rain itself won't affect the functionality of solar panels, the presence of rain clouds is likely to decrease energy production. Nevertheless, occasional rainstorms can benefit your solar system by naturally cleaning the panels without any hassle or risk.

Frequent rainstorms prevent dirt or dust from accumulating on the panels, which could otherwise obstruct sunlight and reduce production.

Although not yet widely implemented, scientists are developing a new type of solar panel known as hybrid solar panels, capable of generating electricity even during rainfall. These panels harness energy from both sunlight and rain, with precipitation hitting the panels converting into electricity. During sunny conditions, they operate similarly to traditional solar panels, albeit currently less efficiently.

Concerning snowfall, unlike rain which typically doesn't accumulate on panels, snow can significantly affect production by blocking sunlight. However, depending on subsequent weather conditions and the tilt of your panels, heavy snowfalls can swiftly melt and slide off the panels.

Despite solar energy's reliance on sunlight, it remains a viable option for many homes, businesses, and farms in regions prone to cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather. To illustrate this, two businesses in Ohio and Upstate New York share their experiences after transitioning to solar power.

For those interested in assessing potential electricity generation in their local climate, obtaining a free solar quote customized to your area's weather conditions can provide valuable insights into your system's payback period.

Final Word: The “Best” Weather

The most efficient conditions for solar energy production are cooler, sunny days. However, in the northeastern regions, such days typically coincide with late fall, winter, and early spring, which also entail shorter daylight hours.

Therefore, while energy production reaches its peak efficiency, the duration of sunlight exposure on the panels is at its lowest throughout the year.

It's evident that there isn't a singular "optimal" time for solar energy production, as various factors such as weather patterns, sunlight availability, and seasonal changes all influence the efficiency of solar energy generation.

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