When solar technology is publicize as one of the natural alternatives for the consumable energies with coal and oil, one of the first questions that is constantly asked is: what will happen in winter? Can solar panels run when there is little sunlight? no102klsa

The simple answer is, yes. Even throughout winter, most countries experience six to seven hours of sunshine, and to an extent this can be all a solar panel would need to work. Solar panels, regardless of the name, do not necessarily will need direct, hot sunlight to generate electricity; but what they do require is light. In day time, some of the sun's rays are getting through to earth even when it is cold and overcast. Quite simply, if these rays weren't penetrating through the cloud cover, it would not appear to be daytime!

Therefore, for as long as it is daytime, solar panels can work and make electricity to somewhat of a degree. Temperature is a relatively insignificant consideration in solar panel development; in reality, some experiments shown that the methods and generation systems of solar panels actually operate better when it is colder. All electrical systems slow down somewhat in extreme heat conditions - just like trying to use a laptop over a hot day - and the crisper temperatures of winter enables solar panels to work to their full potential.

While all of the above it is true, it truly is yet also a fact that the output of solar panels is effected by a lack of daylight - something that's a characteristic of winter. One wouldn't get the same effective output on a winter's day as one would on the summer's day, and for this reason other energy generation sources are needed during the winter months. Luckily, in most countries winter may decrease the amount of solar output, but the weather changes in many ways that is beneficial to other renewable energies - just like tidal or wind power, which can be less effective in a much more hotter temperate summer months.