Do solar panels work in Memphis, TN?

Question

Do solar panels work in Memphis, TN?

Answer 1

Solar panels work wherever there is sun.   But in memphis if they are positioned right yes, though not as effeicientlly as other places.

Answer 2

Yes, they would but remember that the sun's angle in Memphis changes dramatically from Jun to Dec and back again - from about 77degrees to 31degrees off the horizon.

You would need to use panels that could track the sun as it arcs the sky and be able adjust for the large change throughout the year.

Other than that the PV potential of Memphis is an average of about 4-6 Kw/sq-m/day which means if you had about 10.5 sq-ft of PV panels you might make 2.4-3.6 Mw per year at best. That estimate factors in sunny/cloudy days and angle of the sun. You would need a tracker system (panels that follow the sun) to having hopes of hitting those numbers. The motors to move the panels will cut into your energy production but without them you would make very little.

Average prices for 1 sq-m of good PV panels are about $700 just for the panel. Figure in about double to triple that cost for the equipment to store and or interface with your home power delivery.

Even at $.08/Kw cost of electricity the return at best about $200/year so it will take some time to recover the outlay BUT if you can use less than you make/store with the PV system you will never pay for electricity.

Hope that clears things up a little.

Answer 3

Of course....Solar, hence the word Sun, to be powered by the sun...As long as there is sun, solar panels work anywhere on the planet!