As solar technology continues to mature, many households are considering installing photovoltaic systems—a move that not only saves on electricity bills but also supports environmental protection, killing two birds with one stone. However, before making the decision to install, many first-time users are often plagued by various concerns, such as fear of making a bad choice, worrying that it won’t be cost-effective, or dreading future hassles. Today, we’ve compiled several common questions and will address them all in plain language.

Question 1: Can I install solar panels if my roof is partially shaded?

Yes, you can, but it depends on the situation—you shouldn’t install them blindly.

First, you need to distinguish between “minor shading” and “severe shading”: If the shading is only occasional—such as from leaves or birds—or if the daily shading duration does not exceed one hour, it generally has little impact on power generation. This can be avoided by adjusting the angle of the solar panels using the mounting brackets during installation.However, if the shading is persistent—for example, if there are tall trees or buildings directly in front of the roof causing more than three hours of shading per day—installation is not recommended. Not only will power generation drop significantly, but it may also shorten the lifespan of the solar system, making it a case where the costs outweigh the benefits.

A quick tip: Before installation, have the installation team conduct an on-site survey. They will use professional tools to assess the shading conditions and propose a reasonable installation plan, such as avoiding shaded areas or adjusting the tilt of the solar panels. If the shading is truly severe, they will be honest about it to prevent you from wasting money.

Question 2: Are solar panels sensitive to sunlight or rain?

The answer is quite the opposite: Solar panels are not afraid of sunlight—in fact, they need it. Nor are they afraid of rain; in fact, rain can even be helpful.

The core function of solar panels is to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. The more abundant the sunlight, the higher the power output, so the notion that they “fear sunlight” is a complete misconception. Furthermore, standard solar panels have undergone UV and high-temperature resistance testing, making them capable of withstanding the high temperatures of summer. They will not be damaged by intense sunlight; on the contrary, long-term exposure to sunlight actually makes their power generation efficiency more stable.

As for rain, there’s no need to worry at all. Solar panels are sealed and waterproof, and proper waterproofing measures are taken during installation to prevent leaks or water ingress. In fact, when it rains, the rainwater washes away dust and fallen leaves from the panel’s surface—essentially providing a free cleaning service. This helps keep the panels in optimal condition for power generation and reduces the need for manual cleaning.

Question 3: Will electricity generation drop significantly in winter?

It will decrease, but not “significantly.” This is a normal occurrence, so there’s no need to worry.

There are two main reasons for the drop in electricity generation during winter: First, daylight hours are shorter, reducing the amount of time solar panels are exposed to sunlight; second, lower winter temperatures slightly affect the panels’ efficiency. However, this decline is generally around 20%–30%. For example, if monthly power generation is 1,200 kWh in the summer, it may drop to 800–900 kWh in the winter. This still allows you to save on electricity bills and does not affect overall returns.

Furthermore, if snow accumulates on the panels in winter, as long as you clear it promptly (be careful not to scrape the panels with hard objects to avoid damage), power generation will quickly recover once the snow melts, and there will be no long-term impact.