Nevada is one of the sunniest states in the U.S., surpassed only by Arizona and New Mexico. Few Nevada residents even own an umbrella and the dry air means the sun’s rays come beating down directly on homes and businesses. It’s no surprise that Nevada is a hotbed for solar roof installations.
What you might not know is that the high temperatures and UV exposure can also cause your solar panel system to degrade faster than usual. The following are other factors that impact solar panel efficiency in Nevada.
Heat and UV on Solar Electronics
Solar panels soak up the sun, and sunshine creates heat. While you may assume solar panels deal well with heat, the majority of the system is made of electronic components, which prefer cold. Extreme heat can cause damage to wires, circuits and switch boxes that can be damaged by heat and UV rays. Too much intense heat can damage your system and reduce efficiency.
Dust Storms vs Solar Panel Efficiency
Nevada is a dusty state. It’s surrounded by desert and even the soil is dry and closer to sand than the dark, damp earth of nearby forested or farm-covered states. When the wind blows, dust fills the air and piles up around homes. That dust also coats everything, including your solar panels. You might be surprised just how much photovoltaic efficiency is lost when your panels are coated in a near-invisible layer of dust. A quick wipe or spray with the hose will reveal your panels’ true energy-generating capacity.
Nevada Is Further North Than You Realize
Make sure your panel orientation and angle is just right. Nevada feels like a southern state, but it’s more north than you realize considering all that sunshine and heat. Use the latitude coordinates of your home to determine the correct angle that your solar panels should be facing for maximum sun. An energy expert can help you find the right coordinates for your solar system.
How To Optimize Solar Panels for Nevada
When installing and maintaining solar panels in Nevada, you will get the greatest efficiency by considering these factors:
- Properly orient your solar panels facing south at the right angle for your latitude
- Explore protective coatings and roof colors to reduce UV penetration and heat buildup
- Clean your panels regularly to remove the efficiency-dropping layer of dust
Solar Panel Installation in Nevada
If you have a Nevada home or business ready for solar installation, Solar Optimum is ready to help. We understand the unique conditions of Nevada solar, both the opportunities of intense sunshine and the challenges involved with the harsh climate. We will help you optimize your energy production and keep your Nevada solar panels in good condition. Contact us to get a free solar panel estimate or download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar.
