Quote:
Originally Posted by bomberjet
I would think it's the reduced angle sunlight takes to reach the panel during the winter months, when the earth tilts to the north. Produces less electricity. And shorter days, with increased usage due to cold. More so than the cold affecting the panel itself. But I'm no expert on solar panel efficiency.
For example, solar powered rovers on Mars need to shutdown during the winter months due to lack of power. Rovers at high latitudes. Angle of the sun produces enough power to maintain basic systems.
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Solar panels work just fine in the winter in Britain, which is , for the most part, north of us so subject to an even sharper angle. The shorter days themselves would have a significant impact, but you should get more output on a sunny winter 7.5 hour day than an overcast 12 hour summer day.
You're bang on about the usage issue, although that can be solved with capacity. But capacity costs money though I'm sure someone with an actuarial bent could find the right balance.
Remember, on Mars, clouds aren't a huge issue, so the rovers ability to power itself is almost completely based on the length of the day. Because of the size of the rover and the fact that it carries its own panels, there's only so much capacity that can be built into it before it can't actually rove anymore. On an acreage, it's not as big a deal. You've got lots of space, you're just limited by money.