There is a common query in the minds of people about do solar panels work in cloudy weather. Yes, it is true to an extent that bright sunlight conditions optimize the efficiency of energy output from the solar panels.
However, it is a misconception that solar panels will fail to work in cloudy weather conditions. You see, they work based on the availability of light. The technology is built into these panels in such a way that it can even capture diffused light and convert it into electricity. Some advanced models of solar panels are designed with innovative PV cells inside that can work pretty efficiently even in cloudy regions throughout the year.
Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
Get rid of the doubt that you had in mind because it is certain that your solar panels won’t stop working in cloudy or rainy conditions. Even if their efficiency may be reduced to an extent, it will still work normally.
So, to clear all your doubts, let us find out how solar panels work without sunlight on cloudy days. As we introduced you to the fact that they can capture diffused sunlight as well.
In cloudy days, even though there is no bright sunlight, the sun’s rays are still able to reach the panels, but in a diffused manner. And even this diffused light has enough energy in the photons to excite the electrons, which helps generate electricity and power your homes.
How Much Power Is Generated in Cloudy Weather?
To say in one line, solar panels will be able to produce about 10-25% of their normal power output in cloudy weather conditions. The exact amount of efficiency will still, however, depend on how cloudy it is, the orientation of the panels, and, of course location where the panels have been installed.
Solar panel efficiency on cloudy days with thicker cloud cover may give less output than mild cloud conditions.
For example, as per a report, in the cloudy and frequent rainy conditions in the UK, the solar panels installed in homes typically produce around 15 to 20% of normal output. Even in India, monsoon climatic areas like Kerala, the efficiency of solar panels will be somewhat reduced at the peak of monsoons and cloudy conditions.
Factors That Influence Cloudy Day Output
There are a couple of factors that you need to know exactly to get an idea about the amount of electricity that solar panels will provide in cloudy conditions.
Here is a list-
Panel efficiency and type (e.g., monocrystalline vs polycrystalline)
As per experts and studies about types of solar panels, it is the monocrystalline panels that can capture sunlight better even in low light conditions typical on cloudy days.
Location
The location where the solar panels are installed might also play a factor. For example, if it is installed in wet monsoon climate regions throughout the year, versus cloudy and monsoon weather just for a few months of the year.
Tilt and orientation
The tilt and orientation of the solar panels are also an important condition that determines the amount of electricity they can generate. The angle at which the sunlight will strike the solar panels determines the efficiency. The lesser the angle of incidence or the more perpendicular the sunrays to the surface of solar panels, the higher the output will be.
Time of day and season
The time of the day, along with the season, also plays a part in solar energy during monsoon to power your homes. Their operational efficiency may be low at the peak of monsoon weather. If there is cloud cover throughout the day, the solar panels will not be able to give the same amount of throughput.
Do Solar Panels Work on Rainy Days Too?
By now, you must have got a clear idea that at least your solar panels will not stop working in cloudy conditions. Their ability to generate electricity may be reduced to an extent depending on the conditions listed above.
See, during the time when it rains, it is true that the solar energy output may be considerably low when it is heavily cloudy and during a downpour.
But rain also does two important things-
• It cleans the solar panels of dirt and pollution on the surface
• It helps cool down the panels and regulate the temperature
A combination of these two factors will help improve the overall efficiency of the solar battery backup.
How to Maximize Solar Efficiency in Cloudy Conditions
So, let us suppose that you live in an area where cloudy conditions can occur quite often, even other than the monsoons. Let us give you some clear ideas on how you can optimize solar panel efficiency in cloudy conditions.
Use solar batteries to store excess energy
Do not just feed solar electricity directly to the rooms. A pro opinion is to store solar energy in a backup PV cell or a battery. If your rooms run only on solar electricity, use a high-duty solar battery backup.
Consider hybrid systems (grid + solar)
You can consider installing hybrid solar energy systems that use on-grid and off-grid electricity. This offers a much more reliable solution even during harsh weather conditions, especially during the heavy rainy seasons.
Invest in high-efficiency panels
As we told you above, you can install high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels that are able to give just a fraction more electric output.
Regular cleaning and maintenance
Of course, regular cleaning and maintenance a factor that helps optimize the work of solar panels. Consider hiring a solar panel agency for this, where you can get regular inspections and monitoring of performance.
Is Solar Still Worth It in Less Sunny Climates?
Yes, rooftop solar in overcast skies is still a good option even if you have brief summers as in most parts of Europe. Even in countries like UK and Germany and Nordic countries where there is cloudy and low light conditions during most parts of the year, using solar power electricity is a cost efficient option.
And even in countries like India, there is all the more reason to install solar panels on homes because of various government subsidies.
Real-Life Examples
Let us give you a case study of Kolkata, a city that is known for heavy monsoon rainfall. But despite of this standard data suggests that solar panels are able to provide 1/4th of their output even during monsoons.
To be able to get reliable power even on cloudy and rainy days people have installed solar batter backups as the option in many homes. Plus, most homes there use high quality tempered glass panels which are designed to work in Indian climatic conditions and generate maximum efficiency,.
Conclusion
So, to summarize everything that we told you in brief, the cloudy conditions may reduce the throughput efficiency of the solar panels. However, to increase the efficiency of your solar panels during cloudy and rainy conditions, there are many options for you. For example, regular cleaning, installing batteries or PV cells to store energy, regular maintenance, and so on.
Enjoy the benefits of solar-driven electricity even in cloudy weather conditions with the tips given above in this article.
