There has been a lot of effort made to distort the solar energy facts. To help debunk some of the lies, half-truths and misconceptions, here are some realities about solar power:
Solar Power Works on Cloudy Days
Anyone who has ever gotten a sun burn on a cloudy day knows that atmospheric clouds do not block out 100% of the sun rays. Check your average bottle of suntan lotion, and you’ll be reminded that the sun shines through even when it seems overcast.
Opponents to renewable energy try to distort solar energy facts because they distrust science, have a pro-oil agenda, or just don’t understand the truth. While your solar panels can’t collect sunlight at night, they can operate with limited efficiency in overcast weather, and with peak efficiency in direct sunlight.
Some Regions Are Not Suited to Solar Power
Another favorite argument of those opposed to solar power is that some regions of the United States are just not compatible with solar power. The argument suggests that places with heavy snowfall, large amounts of cloud cover, or even those that are heavily wooded might not get enough solar energy to make the investment worthwhile. But solar facts suggest otherwise.
Germany is one of the largest users of solar energy in the world and yet its climate is less suited to solar energy than anywhere in the United States. At the very least, this should give you something to think about when you hear rumors about the lack of power available on cloudy days.