In our last post, we talked a little bit about how cold isn't actually a problem for solar energy production, and about how it can even sometimes increase it.

Today, we'll look at another way in which winter is actually a great season for solar.

II. Clouds

Another common objection to solar power is that it won't produce anything in cloudy weather.

As we all know, clouds in the sky will keep some of the sun's light from reaching the solar panels.

But most of it still reaches them.

And, even if the rays of light themselves don't reach the panels, their radiation does.

This is called indirect sunlight (which our eyes can't perceive), and is absorbed by solar panels just as well as direct sunlight (which our eyes do perceive).

So, although your panels may receive less sunlight when clouds are around, they still receive most of it, and still work just as well.

Plus, the fact that cloudy weather is usually colder will bring about optimal solar panel performance, allowing them to make the most of the sunlight they receive.

On top of that, if those clouds start raining, the rain will actually wash away the dust on the solar panels, which will ensure they continue to work at their best.