The first thing to understand about solar power is that sunny days aren't necessary to make energy.
“It’s not sunshine that you need for solar energy, it’s daylight and the sun rises every day,” said John Purvis, owner of Solar Revolution, a solar installation company in Erie. “Obviously, on sunny days the panels generate more energy, but even on a cloudy day, there is UV light and that is all you need.”
So, even if you buy into the “dreary Erie” trope and think solar power would be a risky investment in Erie, Pennsylvania, there are many homeowners who have been converting daylight into electricity for years. And they are happy to show off their electric bill to prove you wrong.