Consider the following drawing:

I take it that solar panel’s generated electricity would be the same whether it’s installed in scandinavia or africa, as long as it faces in the same direction? or am i stupid

i’m asking this because everywhere i hear how “solar panels have higher efficiency near the equator”, but that’s just not true. Maps such as these are common on the internet:

And they suggest that solar energy around the equator would be twice as available as on northern latitudes, but actually that’s just the solar irradiation if the panels weren’t inclined, but in practice, they were likely will be. So they receive similar amounts of power.

edit: so, it’s the cloud cover. got it; thanks :D

  • Jeeve65@ttrpg.network
    0·
    10 days ago

    I’m no specialist, but (1) don’t most solar panels have a fixed inclination and orientation? Depending on the location that will not be as optimal at each day of the year because of the tilt of the earth. (2) The weather/cliimate will have an effect too. Your 2nd image is apparently showing kWh/kWp - so the longer term yield (h=hours) divided by the theoreticall maximum (p=peak). So it shows longer term efficiency , vs the yield at a certain moment like you appear to be focusing on.