“Do solar panels work on cloudy and rainy days?” is one of the most common enquiries we get from prospective clients who want to install rooftop solar with us.
Yes, that’s the good news. Even on cloudy days, solar panels are able to produce electricity.
Solar panels may generate electricity in cloudy skies, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. The diffuse light that travels through the clouds can be captured and used by solar panels.
Contemporary solar panels are made to work well in low light levels. They transform sunshine into useful electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. As a result, the system may still provide enough electricity to run your house even on overcast days.
Let’s take a closer look at how solar panels function and how they may provide electricity even when the sun isn’t shining brightly to better grasp how this works.
How do solar panels operate?
Each solar panel has photovoltaic cells composed of semiconductor materials, such silicon, which use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to generate power.
The semiconductor material in a solar panel absorbs photon energy when sunlight strikes its surface. An electric charge is produced as a result of the reaction, which knocks electrons out of their atoms.
Although our homes and businesses run on Alternating Current (AC), the output produced is Direct Current (DC) electricity. Here, an inverter converts DC to AC to power lights, appliances, and other gadgets.
After discussing how sunshine contributes significantly to the production of power, let’s examine how solar panels function on overcast days.
How do solar panels function while it's cloudy outside?
On clear days, solar panels capture the direct sunlight that reaches the Earth unhindered. By dispersing sunlight in various directions and stimulating electrons in the solar cells, the panels may still produce power on overcast days. The power output is not zero, even though it may be decreased. On cloudy days, they may still produce 25–50% of their usual output.
You can rely on reliable performance even in low light thanks to cutting-edge solar panel technologies like monocrystalline panels.
Cloudy weather's effect on solar panel efficiency
Although solar panels are capable of producing electricity even on cloudy days, a number of factors affect how much power they can generate.
Important elements influencing solar efficiency on overcast days
1. Cloud cover type and thickness
Thick, low-lying storm clouds can block a large amount of sunlight, whereas thin, high-altitude clouds let more diffuse light reach the panels. Accordingly, on a day with light cloud cover, efficiency might only decline by 10%, but during a severe storm, it might drop by as much as 50%.
2. Season
The performance of the solar system is also impacted by seasonal change. Even though there may be some gloomy hours throughout the summer, your solar system has more time to produce electricity because of the extended sunshine hours.
Cloudy weather, however, has a greater effect because winter days are shorter and receive less hours of sunlight overall. However, in places with clear, sunny days, solar energy can still be productive in the winter.
3. Location
Near the equator, southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka receive enough of sunlight all year round, even during overcast days. Even if there is more seasonal variance in places like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, where winter brings more clouds and fewer sunshine hours, solar panels are still a good choice anywhere in India.
4. Regional weather trends
Some places, like coastal regions or areas that frequently suffer storms, may have more cloudy days than others. This may have an impact on how efficiently solar energy is produced. Even during cloudy weather, locations with a reputation for receiving plenty of sunshine are less likely to experience a noticeable drop in power output.
Is it prudent to use solar power in overcast regions?
The good news is that even foggy regions can profit greatly from solar energy provided the system is designed properly. Regardless of the weather, productivity may be maximized with customized systems and advanced technologies.
Because of the increased daytime hours and direct sunshine, solar panels work best in India in the spring and summer. This does not imply that they are ineffective in areas with cloudier weather or during the monsoon season, though. With the correct techniques, you may still produce a significant amount of electricity on overcast or wet days.
Here are some crucial factors to take into account in order to optimize solar generation in regions with higher levels of cloud cover:
1. Strategic tilt and alignment of the panel
on catch more diffuse light dispersed by clouds, think about adding more panels on north-facing roofs in addition to the conventional south-facing installation. Additionally, you can angle your panels to maximize their exposure to diffuse sunlight and boost their effectiveness.
2. Panels with high efficiency
Thanks to improved materials and design that enable panels to convert more light into electricity, high-efficiency panels guarantee that even in low light situations, the maximum amount of energy is produced.
3. Intelligent inverter technology
Modern inverters turn even tiny amounts of sunshine into useful electricity, maximising energy output. They are ideal for cloudy or overcast areas since they enhance power generation in a variety of sunshine conditions.
A solar rooftop that is suited for your location is guaranteed when you work with seasoned solar providers like SolarSquare. To design a customised and effective system, our professionals take into account elements like your home’s architecture, your energy usage, and area sunlight patterns.
Common misunderstandings about solar panels on cloudy days
Myth 1: On overcast days, solar panels are completely ineffective.
Fact: Solar panels can still produce power from diffuse sunlight, even though their efficiency may be reduced in cloudy conditions. Clouds disperse sunlight around the sky even when the sun isn’t shining directly, which enables solar cells to absorb the light. The successful solar industries in some nations, such as Germany and the UK, which frequently experience overcast weather, demonstrate that solar power can function well even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Myth 2: Solar energy is only effective in areas with the most sunlight.
Fact: Although solar energy may be more effective in sunny areas, solar panels may now function efficiently in places with moderate sunshine thanks to advancements in technology. In actuality, the majority of locations receive enough sunlight all year round to make solar energy an affordable option. For example, areas with sunny summers and rainy monsoons, such as Maharashtra in India, continue to see high solar power returns.
Interesting Fact: Leh, Ladakh, is the finest location in India for rooftop solar power. Because of its low temperatures and more than 320 sunny days each year, it is the ideal location for solar electricity generation.
Use PV Solarize to Make the Switch to Guaranteed Savings and Generation Solar
Having more than 4,500 customer reviews and an exceptional Google rating, PV Solarize is the top home solar provider in India. Even on overcast days, PV Solarize ensures optimal efficiency and power production.
With a system that is specially made for your house and energy requirements, you may begin your solar adventure right now. Take the first step towards long-term savings and guaranteed electricity generation by scheduling your free consultation right now!
FAQ'S
Q1. On cloudy days, how much electricity can be generated by solar panels?
Yes. On cloudy days, solar panels can generate 10% to 50% of their normal output. The type and thickness of the cloud cover, as well as your geographic location, all affect this fluctuation. High-efficiency panels maximize your energy production by producing more electricity even in overcast weather.
Q2. How effective are solar panels on overcast days?
Yes. On gloomy days, solar panels are typically 50–80% less efficient than on bright ones. At night, panels cannot generate electricity if there is no sunlight. On cloudy days, efficiency can decrease to between 10–25% of peak capacity, according to NREL data. On the other hand, efficiency levels on partially cloudy days should be between 50 and 80%.
Q3. What effect does weather have on the efficiency of solar panels?
Yes. The amount of sunshine that reaches your panels is greatly influenced by the weather. Cloud cover, precipitation, snowfall, pollution, and other factors can all have an impact on output. Cold weather can enhance performance because solar panels function better in colder temperatures, even if it may marginally lower solar cell efficiency.
Q4. On cloudy days, how can I maximise solar production?
In order to maximize solar output during overcast weather, make sure your system is built with high-efficiency panels that function well in diffuse lighting and the right panel tilt and orientation. Efficiency will also be increased if your panels are kept clear of impurities like dirt or trash. Frequent maintenance and inspections guarantee that your system performs at its peak, even