A question that I've always had is: can even the Brightest moonlight generate enough DC power in my solar panels that my grid-tie inverter will show even the smallest signs of life?
Last night I satisfied myself that the answer is 'no'.
Last night was about 22 hours before a supermoon (common term for 'full moon at perigee', or closest approach, when the moon would appear near the brightest it could possibly be). I had to do this a bit early since it isn't expected to be so clear tonight, however the illuminated surface visibility was 98.6% so I think the result was pretty close to being definitive.
Despite really being bright enough outside to read the proverbial newspaper, being -25C for maximum panel efficiency, the moon being located perfectly on-axis (67 degree elevation to a 23 degree roof-mounted array and right on the array azimuth) and with perfectly clean panels - no sign of life from the inverter.
Myth busted!
Have a great 2018!!
Last night I satisfied myself that the answer is 'no'.
Last night was about 22 hours before a supermoon (common term for 'full moon at perigee', or closest approach, when the moon would appear near the brightest it could possibly be). I had to do this a bit early since it isn't expected to be so clear tonight, however the illuminated surface visibility was 98.6% so I think the result was pretty close to being definitive.
Despite really being bright enough outside to read the proverbial newspaper, being -25C for maximum panel efficiency, the moon being located perfectly on-axis (67 degree elevation to a 23 degree roof-mounted array and right on the array azimuth) and with perfectly clean panels - no sign of life from the inverter.
Myth busted!
Have a great 2018!!
