Solar is one of the fastest-growing technologies today. 46% of new electricity added to the US grid in 2021 was solar. That brings the total installed capacity to more than 121 gigawatts. That is enough to fully power over 23 million homes across the country.
Even while the demand and supply of solar continue to soar, many people still don’t fully understand how solar works. Some of the most common questions relate to how solar works in different conditions. Does solar work behind glass windows? Or does solar work indoors?
If you have ever wondered about these questions then keep reading because you are about to find out the answers.
Can a Solar Panel Charge Behind Glass?
Solar panels can charge behind glass. The only difference is the panels will be about 50% less efficient. They will still produce electricity, only just not as much as if they are placed out in direct sunlight.
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This is because of how solar panels work.
Also, find out If Solar Panels Work Underwater? & Will A Solar Panel Work Through Clear Plastic? Why Cover Solar Panels!
How Does a Solar Panel Generate Electricity?
Solar panels generate an electric current through a process called the photovoltaic effect. In terms of this process, the light particles in sunlight, or photons as they’re called, charge the electrons in a solar panel. These electrons then flow and power an electronic device.
Can You Use a Solar Panel Through Glass?
The answer is yes. A solar panel can be used through the glass. It will still produce an electric current because solar panels use a broad spectrum of both visible and invisible light to produce electricity.
Why would you put solar panels behind glass?
There are several reasons why you might do this. Here are a few:
- For security. A small solar panel that isn’t permanently fixed to your home or motorhome for example can easily be stolen. In this case, you would want to place it inside.
- When traveling. It could be you’re on the road and you want to charge your devices while moving from one camping park to another. In this case, it makes sense to charge from the inside of your vehicle if you’re using a small solar panel that isn’t mounted.
While a solar panel will still produce electricity behind glass, it will produce considerably less. There are two main reasons why you will get less electricity. These are reflections and refraction caused by glass.
Reflection of light by glass
The more light a solar panel receives, the more photons there are for it to produce an electric current. An obstruction, even a transparent one like glass, you will have less light reaching the solar panel. Some of the light is reflected away from the solar panel by the glass.
Refraction of light by glass
Light is also refracted by glass. This means it changes direction so that instead of traveling in a straight line, it breaks off at an angle. It’s similar to what happens when you shine a light through a prism.
This further reduces the rate of absorption of light by the solar panel leading to its reduced efficiency. The effect of glass on solar panels increases when you factor in how transparent the glass is. Tinted glass will let in less light and further reduce the efficiency of the solar panel.
On a side note, find out What Is Solar Panel Glass Made Of & Why ?!
Will Solar Panels Work Indoors?
Solar panels do work indoors. They can still be used to charge and power up most devices. Naturally, they will not work at their optimum performance because they are receiving less light. This is down to several reasons that affect their performance.
The primary reasons why you would get less electricity from a solar panel indoors are:
Shading
As the solar panel is set up indoors there will be some shading. We will look at the effect of shading in more detail below.
Orientation
Incorrect angle orientation of solar panels will reduce light absorption. If the windows in your home are oriented toward the north or south, then there is less available light from the sun which is always either in the east or west.
Find out Why Solar Panels Face South? Brief Panel Orientation Guide!
Temperature coefficient
Solar panels have what is called a temperature coefficient. Solar panels work best at lower temperatures of 25oC or lower. Every 1oC degree increase over this reduces the solar panel’s efficiency by between 10-25%. (Source)
Indoor temperatures, especially on the dashboard of a motorhome or campervan get very high.
Can solar panels work with indoor light?
It’s worth mentioning that solar panels can also work with artificial light sources like light bulbs. Both incandescent and LED light bulbs produce light that can be converted into electricity. LED light bulbs produce more electricity since they produce light on a similar wavelength as the sun.
Typically, you need a bulb of about 100 watts for an incandescent light bulb. For an LED bulb this can be around 20 watts. While this does work, it’s more suited for smaller devices. The size of the panels is also a factor in determining how well it works.
The type of solar technology used is also a factor with thin-film solar panels more suited for indoor use than silicon solar panels.
Do Solar Panels Work in The Shade?
Yes, a solar panel does work in the shade although at a reduced output in terms of electricity generated. More shade means less light which in turn means less electricity.
Shade can come from obstructions like trees, chimneys, other panels, and of course clouds. The important thing to remember though is that even while the panels are shaded, there is still light from which energy can be produced.
Do Solar Panels Work in Rain?
Yes, solar panels do work in the rain or cloudy weather. This is because light still reaches the solar panels from behind the clouds. Naturally, since it is less light, there will be less electricity generated by the panels.
A solar panel’s ability will be reduced by anywhere between 50-70% when it’s cloudy and anywhere between 80-90% in heavy rain. (Source)
Rain is also a good thing in that it’s a natural and cheap way to clean the dirt off the solar panels!