How is the income from solar panels distributed during the year?

The yield of solar panels varies significantly during the year, and this variation is mainly due to the amount of solar radiation, which varies according to the seasons. In Finland, where there are clear seasons, the yield of solar panels is particularly dependent on the season. In this article, we will look at how the solar panel yield is distributed in different months and what factors affect this distribution.

Effect of the seasons on the yield of solar panels

In Finland, the yield of solar panels is at its highest in spring and summer, when the days are long and the sun shines high in the sky. In winter, when the days are short and the sun is low, the yield is significantly lower. Below is how the yield of solar panels is typically distributed in different seasons:

  • Spring (March-May): Spring is an excellent time for the profit of solar panels. As the days get longer and the sun’s radiation increases, the panels produce more and more electricity. From March to May, the income increases steadily.
  • Summer (June-August): In the summer months, the yield of solar panels is at its peak. From June to August, the panels produce the most electricity because the sun shines long and high. In the summer months, up to 50-60% of the total production of the whole year can be achieved.
  • Autumn (September-November): In autumn, the yield of solar panels starts to decrease, as the days get shorter and the sun’s radiation decreases. In September, the return is still reasonable, but from October to November it drops significantly.
  • Winter (December-February): In winter, the yield of solar panels is at its lowest. Short days, low sun and possible snow cover significantly reduce the electricity produced by the panels. From December to February, the yield is usually only a few percent of the total production of the whole year.

Factors that affect the yield of solar panels

Several factors affect the yield of solar panels, the most important of which are:

  1. Location: The location of solar panels significantly affects their yield. In southern Finland, the panels produce more electricity than in northern Finland, because the sun shines longer and higher in the south.
  2. Air direction and inclination: The optimal orientation of the panels is to the south, and their inclination should be about 30-45 degrees. This maximizes the amount of solar radiation that hits the panels.
  3. Weather conditions: Cloudiness, rain and snow affect the yield of solar panels. On cloudy days, the yield is lower, and the snow cover can prevent solar radiation from reaching the panels completely.
  4. Panel cleanliness: Dirty or dusty panels produce less electricity. Regular cleaning can significantly improve yield.

Summary

The yield of solar panels is distributed unevenly during the year, and is at its highest in spring and summer. In winter, the yield is at its lowest, but with the right placement and maintenance, the yield of the panels can be maximized all year round. Optimizing the yield of solar panels requires careful planning and regular maintenance.

You can find more information about the factors affecting the yield of solar panels and their optimization from the following sources:
Motiva: Aurinkoenergia
Solar electricity for the home: Solar panel income