Impact On Solar Panels Performance On Cloudy Days?

When it comes to making a decision whether to install solar, one of the primary concern that buyers have is – do solar panels perform on cloudy days? While, the cost of installing the system remains the penultimate factor for installing a solar system, performance of the solar system is equally regarded as an important factor. And, since the power generation is dependent on weather, buyers often are concerned about a solar panels’ efficiency when weather degrades.

So, Do Clouds Really Matter?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate the most energy per square meter when they receive direct sunlight.

When it’s overcast, rainy or cloudy weather, the clouds block out the sun, yet the solar panels will produce clean electricity. This is true even in the wintertime. In fact, all things being equal, modern PV panels actually perform better in colder temperatures. Sounds strange?

Can Solar Panels Generate Power On An Overcast Day?

Solar panels harness both visible light and infrared light in order to create usable electricity:

• Even during the cloudiest days, visible light still gets through rain and clouds. After all, the sky isn’t completely black—it’s just several shades darker.
• Infrared light too gets through as it has longer wavelengths than the visible spectrum does.

Even if solar panels only used ultraviolet light, they would still be able to generate electricity during cloudy days. And, the generated usable electricity will be sufficient to power electrical equipment such as tube lights and fans. Of course, that depends on the size of the system too.

But all of the above is theoretical. Let’s look at some actual proof that solar works just fine in cloudier and rainier climates.

Validation: Solar Panels Perform Even On A Cloudy or Rainy Day

You would think that countries along the equator would lead the global solar revolution. But in fact, many of the most active solar hotspots are in colder, rainy regions that don’t receive year-round sunshine:

• Germany, which was once one of world’s largest producer of solar power, is able to cover 50% of its electricity needs using nothing but solar energy. Germany’s utilisation of solar panels is a perfect proof of how cold weather does not hinder the performance of solar panels.
• United Kingdom—a country with notoriously overcast skies. And yet, the UK has enjoyed tremendous success with its solar initiatives.

Customers in these areas wouldn’t invest in solar power if the numbers didn’t make sense. And yet, these are some of the most active markets.

‘Edge-Of-Cloud-Effect’ Can Produce More Power Than a Sunny Day

It is possible to exceed your solar system’s power rating and produce more power that you could on a sunny day. Known as the “edge of cloud” effect, this happens when the sun passes over the outer edge of a cloud, magnifying the sunlight. The intense light causes the solar system to boost power output temporarily, which can help balance out losses from full cloud cover. Solar installers typically select system components that can handle temporary power boosts of this nature (similar effects can occur when sunlight is reflected off snow or water). If you live in a city with frequent partly-cloudy weather, like Bangalore, you can observe such effects. Sign up for our mailing list to know more.

Bottom line – do solar panels work on a cloudy day?

Yes, definitely they do. The fact of the matter is, when clouds cover the sun, the solar system doesn’t stop working or producing power. It just reduces the output of energy. The thicker the clouds, the less power the system will produce. Yet, when the sun shines through the clouds, solar panels still get direct sunlight plus light reflected from the clouds.

Cloudy days will come and go, but on the average, it’s not going to effect the return on investment of a solar power system.

Wouldn’t you want to be 100% confident before you purchase solar?

Have our expert installation team come over and inspect your property free of charge. We’ll walk you through and tell you (in advance) how much clean electricity you will be able to generate once you decide to go solar. You have nothing to lose!

To schedule your free site inspection today, subscribe to our email list. If you are interested to install solar, get in touch.