Does Solar Work on Cloudy Days? How Effective Is it? We’ll Show You!

When solar panels were first introduced, manufacturing processes and technology had some limitations in panel energy output, in all weather conditions, including sunny and cloudy weather. Despite spread misconceptions, you’ll be pleased to know that solar panels still work under the cloud and sometimes very well. In this article, we’ll help you get an understanding of the science behind solar power and how a cloudy day affects solar panel performance.

Understanding the types of sunlight that solar panels respond to

Firstly, to understand how solar panels work on cloudy days, it’s important to understand the two different types of sunlight solar panels respond to.

Direct sunlight

Direct sunlight is when the panels are exposed to direct light from the sun and this is typically the best scenario for powering solar panels, there’s no argument there. Although it does come with its own challenges, such as the high operating temperatures solar panels are exposed to, that might limit their performance in some instances. Nonetheless this is always the ideal option.

Diffused sunlight

Diffused sunlight or indirect sunlight is where solar panels are still exposed to sunlight but that sunlight reflected or filtered by clouds. This can still be very effective unless we are talking about very heavy cloud cover and dark rainy days with practically no light at all.

How solar panels work in cloudy weather

So the effectiveness of solar panels depends on the intensity of light they receive whether by direct or diffused sunlight during the day time. So you see, solar panels still work quite well on cloudy days or cloudy weather.

Solar panels also work on rainy days. When it rains, it is mostly at night. Even during the day we have short intense showers and the sun comes out most days, even in winter.

Furthermore when it’s cloudy the diffused sunlight intensity we receive is quite bright and solar panels perform quite well enabling households to run most appliances with a diligent approach.

From this point of view, in Australia, but especially Western Australia, we are very lucky.

How much solar power output can you get on cloudy days?

A standard 6.6 KW solar panel system, on a typical Western Australian cloudy day, can still produce about 50% of maximum output throughout the day.

That is why people with solar experience such electricity bill reduction overall compared to when they do not have residential solar. This has become such a relevant element that as soon as users see a red light on the inverter or the app is not showing any energy output, they immediately call for support. Even though the system is working perfectly, what likely happened is the communication just dropped between the inverter and the modem.

Most people who have solar get really concerned and worried when the system is not working, comparable to when they have no water or any electricity at all.

Interestingly enough, while this is being written on an August winter day the sun is covered by the clouds, but the intensity of the light through and around the clouds allows for our solar systems to produce about 70-80% of the maximum solar output.

How air transparency affects solar panel output

Another often overlooked factor is air transparency. During summer, when it hasn’t rained for a while, the air between the sun and the solar panels may become hazy, reducing transparency. This can slightly affect the energy output, though usually not by significant levels.

On the other hand, after it rains, the air becomes clearer, allowing more sunlight to reach the panels directly or as diffused light, improving their performance.

This means the assumption that solar panels perform best under clear skies isn’t entirely accurate. Even on sunny days, slight haze in the air can impact output, although the effect is generally minimal.

Do solar panels work at night?

Last but not least, Solar panels work under all light conditions to the point that the next technology advancement is to have solar panels producing power under moonlight.

There are already solar cells that produce a tenth of their day performance at night.

However, costs and research are still holding us back to this new ideal situation and there will be some time when we can say that solar panels can work at night and under clouds.

Very expensive solar cells used for satellites are so efficient that they work with any available light in space.

They have done that for decades now and thanks to them we have such a large adoption of solar panels around the world.

Like decades ago those cells were too expensive to consider them for commercial solar use, we are still in the same situation today although great advances have occurred.

Save even more money with a solar battery

We don’t have solar panels powered by moonlight yet but we do have excellent solar battery technology that can store solar energy.

Adding a solar battery to your system not only enhances the efficiency of your solar panels but also maximises your savings. While your solar panels continue to generate power even on cloudy days, a solar battery allows you to store excess energy produced during peak sunlight hours for later use.

This means that when the sun isn’t shining, solar batteries can allow you to draw on the energy you’ve stored, reducing your reliance on the grid and cutting down your electricity bills even further. Having a solar battery ensures that you are always making the most of your solar investment, regardless of the conditions.

Ready to start saving with Solar? Get your free quote from e-Solar today!

Despite common misconceptions, solar panels are highly effective even on cloudy days, and with the addition of a solar battery, you can optimise your energy use around the clock.

As solar technology continues to advance, the potential for even greater efficiency and savings grows, making solar power an increasingly smart and sustainable choice for Australian households. By investing in a solar system, you not only save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint but also gain greater control over your energy consumption – no matter the weather conditions!

If you are ready to start saving with solar power, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly e-Solar team! With 21+ years of experience providing Perth households with tailored solar panel systems, there’s no better solar company to trust!