Snow and Solar Panels

[genestrashcan]

• [ ] Solar Panels
  • [ ] Snow can block panels
  • [ ] Heating element?
  • [ ] Dust can block panels
  • [ ] Mechanical wiper w/h water?
  • [ ] Ability to clean panels
  • [ ] Panel efficiency based on heat
  • [ ] Shaded panels less voltage

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Some enhancements solar panels should have in ELN2.

• In Snowy Biomes where it can snow, when a snowstorm happens panels should have a sub model that is covered in snow and has reduced power production so if they get snowed on, you have to wait for the sun to melt the snow off them from the albedo effect or clean them off like you would hit snow on the ground to clean off grass in game. Perhaps a special brush like tool should be made to clean them. The image should show you what i mean.

• increase charging efficacy of panels in cold environments to simulate how cold and hot temperatures affect them in real life.

When Snow accumulates on and near solar panels in cold areas contrary to belief it can increase and even DOUBLE their power output due to the albedo effect of nearby snow on the ground reflecting sunlight up onto them and also the cold temperatures increasing their efficiency. The dark color of solar panels attract heat and help in melting snow on them. Solar panels are designed to attract the sun’s rays and trap them. Generally speaking, solar panels are 20°C (36°F) warmer than the ambient temperature. So even a glimmer of sunlight can cause the solar panels to start warming up and hence hasten the melting of snow on and around them. In hot environments like deserts solar panels have a lower charging efficacy due to how heat affects them.

Reference

[jrddunbr]

If you want a charge controller, you're on your own. I'm not adding a box when you can easily do it with a few diodes and relays or transistors or something.

Snow setting on panels sounds neat and rotating solar panels are planned.

[jrddunbr]

No, I'm not doing that either.