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#ClimateSolutionsMyths

Skeptical ScienceSkepticalScience@scicomm.xyz
2025-01-24

Surprisingly positive findings:

"Solar panels generate energy even in cloudy or cold conditions (Ramli et al. 2016). Although cloudy weather may reduce power generation by as much as 45%, substantial energy can still be generated during those conditions (Ramli et al. 2016 and Makrides et al. 2012)."

From our collaboratively adapted collection of #ClimateSolutionsMyths #debunkings, authored at the #SabinCenterForClimateChangeLaw.

One of 33 helpful treatments.

skepticalscience.com/do-solar-

Screen capture of Skeptical Science and Sabin Center for Climate Change Law collaborative debunking of a climate solutions myth, about solar panels and inclement weather. Text: Do solar panels work in cold or cloudy climates? What the science says... Solar panels generate energy even in cloudy or cold conditions, with cold temperatures actually increasing solar panel efficiency by increasing voltage. Climate Myth... Solar panels don’t work in cold or cloudy climates. "A cloud goes over and solar plummets." (Atomic Insights) Details: Solar panels generate energy even in cloudy or cold conditions1 (also Ramli et al. 2016). Although cloudy weather may reduce power generation by as much as 45%, substantial energy can still be generated during those conditions (Ramli et al. 2016 and Makrides et al. 2012). Furthermore, in most instances, cold temperatures do not reduce electricity output at all—and actually increase solar panel efficiency by increasing voltage2 (also Sarmah et al. 2023). Crystalline silicon cells, which comprise approximately 84% of the U.S. market, and cadmium telluride cells, which comprise approximately 16% of the U.S. market, actually perform better in colder weather2. Only amorphous silicon cells, which represent a negligible percentage of the U.S market, experience decreased performance in colder temperatures.
Skeptical ScienceSkepticalScience@scicomm.xyz
2025-01-15

Here's our latest roundup of news and analysis related to climate change, links to 23 articles from a plethora of publishers in the popular press, conveniently assembled and categorized-- for highly efficient "do keep up!"

As usual, we seek out well-reported #debunkings of #ClimateChangeMyths and #ClimateSolutionsMyths. See categories "Public Misunderstandings about Climate Science" and "Public Misunderstandings about Climate Solutions."

Article suggestions welcome!

skepticalscience.com/2025-SkS-

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