If you’re still in the “considering stage” of making the switch to solar, a thought you might have pondered on more than once is, “If it’s too cloudy outside, will my solar panels work?” The good news is, solar panels do work on cloudy days. In this article, we’ll explain how they perform on overcast days, their efficiency in such conditions, and how you can maximize their energy production.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are made from semiconductor materials like silicon.
When sunlight hits these cells, it excites the electrons, creating an electric current (direct current or DC) that is then turned into usable power (alternating current or AC) for your home.
Essentially, as long as sunlight is present, your panels will continue to produce energy. And the more sunlight they get, the more energy they can generate.
This explains why the time of day solar panels work best is typically between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is highest in the sky. And in terms of seasons, they produce the most energy during late spring and summer when the days are much longer.
Of course, this isn’t always the case, as the sun could be shining at noon today and be totally dark and cloudy the next day – which then raises the question…
Do Solar Panels Work on a Cloudy Day?
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels still work on a cloudy day, and here’s why.
The misconception likely comes from the idea that if the sky isn’t beaming with bright light strong enough to cast a shadow, such as in gloomy or cloudy weather, there’s no sunlight to fuel solar energy production. This isn’t entirely true.
The truth is, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to produce energy. They can capture indirect or even reflected sunlight that’s diffused in the atmosphere, allowing them to continue producing energy even in cloudy weather.
However, by simple intuition, sunlight is not as strong on overcast days, and it’s expected that solar panels don’t generate energy at their full potential as they would on sunny days.
How Efficient are Solar Panels on a Cloudy Day?
On cloudy days, solar panels can still generate electricity, but at a much lower efficiency compared to sunny days.
The energy produced on these days can be anywhere from 10% to 25% less than their full-rated capacity, and it could be even lower if the cloud cover is particularly thick as this makes it harder for the panels to capture sunlight.
To put this into perspective, let’s say you have a 10 kW solar system. On a bright, sunny day, your system might generate the full 10 kW of power. But on overcast days, you could see only about 7.5 kWh to 9 kWh of energy produced.
Do Solar Panels Work in the Rain?
Just like on cloudy days, rain doesn’t stop your solar panels from working. But you can expect energy production to drop significantly, as rain often comes with thick, dense clouds that block much of the sunlight from reaching your panels.
On a more positive note, rain can help wash away dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your panels, which ultimately helps with your panels’ efficiency for the sunnier days ahead. This also reduces the effort on your end as nature has done the solar panel cleaning for you.
Do Solar Panels Work at Night?
As mentioned many times earlier, solar panels can work with less sunlight. But when it’s nighttime and there’s zero sunlight? No, they won’t work (they’re called solar panels, after all).
But this doesn’t mean you can’t power your home with solar at night. There are a couple of ways to make this happen:
One is if you enter into a net metering arrangement with your utility provider. Here, any extra energy your panels generate during the day goes back to the grid. In exchange, you get credits that let you draw electricity from the grid at night.
Secondly, you can add solar batteries to your solar system. This allows you to store extra energy your panels generate during the day so you can use it at night or during extended periods of cloudy weather.
You might have to shell out a large sum for this additional investment, but considering modern solar batteries have long lifespans and can serve you for years, it’s definitely a worthwhile one.
How Can I Maximize Solar Production on Cloudy Days?
To account for energy loss on cloudy days, here are some tips to get the most solar production out of your system:
Choose High-Efficiency Panels
On average, solar panels are rated to be at least 19% efficient, with higher-end models reaching up to 23%. We recommend opting for the latter if your budget allows.
Consider Installing a Larger System
You may plan to upsize your solar system in advance by 10 to 25 per cent – accounting for the energy reduction that cloudy conditions can cause (as we discussed earlier).
A local solar panel installer can assist with this, as they are familiar with your area’s conditions and can optimize the system design to better handle cloudy days.
Adjust the Tilt of Your Panels
Your latitude typically determines the best angle for your panels to capture more sunlight. That said, it may be worth the effort to adjust your panels’ tilt depending on the season. For example, a steeper tilt during winter would allow them to catch more light since the sun is lower in the sky.
Regular Maintenance
By now, you understand that clouds can reduce your solar panel production. But imagine if dirt, grime, bird droppings, or other debris build up on your panels. This would lower energy output even further and even damage your solar panels’ internal components.
To avoid this, make it a habit to inspect your panels regularly. If you notice any buildup, it’s best to clean them right away. This isn’t difficult as simply rinsing them with tap water will do.
Should You Go Solar if You’re in a Cloudy Climate?
Yes, you absolutely should! Cloudy climates may not seem ideal for solar panels, but take a look at the state of New York.
Despite having one of the lowest average annual solar radiation per square meter per day (a metric that already factors in overcast days and seasonal changes), it still ranks among the top 10 states for cumulative solar photovoltaic capacity as of writing.
This shows that solar panels can still be viable and beneficial even in less-than-ideal, cloudy conditions.
At the end of the day, how much you can benefit depends on how well your solar system is designed for your specific location. And a reliable solar panel installer can definitely help you with that.
Get a Custom Solar Solution for Your Home
At Avail Solar, we tailor your solar system design for maximum efficiency and cost savings, so you can get the most out of your system even on cloudy days.
For us, no two installations are the same – our approach is rooted in understanding your energy needs while ensuring the system complements the aesthetics of your home.
Request a quote or call us today to discuss your requirements.