Think about when you’re on the beach on a cloudy day and think you don’t need sunscreen, but then you still end up getting burned anyway. Even when it’s cloudy outside and the sun is blocked from a direct view, some of the rays do still reach the ground. Solar panels can still capture indirect sunlight and convert it into electricity.
So the overall answer is yes, solar panels do still work on cloudy days. However, they are less productive than on a full-sun day. There are some ways that your home or business can still be powered by solar on cloudy days. Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Solar Panels Work When It’s Cloudy?
Solar panels use what are called photovoltaic cells to turn sunlight into usable electric energy. It makes sense that direct sunlight provides the strongest conditions for solar production.
Cloud cover does reduce energy production since it affects how much sunlight does reach your solar panels. However, your solar panels don’t stop working completely just because there is a lack of direct sunlight.
The exact amount of lowered solar production on a cloudy day depends on:
- How thick the cloud cover is
- The time of day and the season
- Where your panels are positioned
In some cases, a lightly overcast day may only cause a mild production drop, while super heavy, dark storm clouds can make that drop more dramatic. The biggest point to remember is that even though a cloudy day reduces production, it doesn’t necessarily mean solar production on cloudy days stops altogether.
Can Solar Panels Store Energy For Cloudy Days?
Solar panels do not store energy by themselves. To save extra produced electricity for later, your system must have a solar battery as part of its system. These solar batteries come in handy on high production days when your panels convert more electricity than what you’re using.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Cloudy Areas?
Overall solar performance shouldn’t just be based on a few cloudy days here and there. It’s important to measure solar performance across an entire year. Either way, systems designed by trusted solar panel professionals take the following into account to ensure optimized production, no matter your cloud coverage:
- Seasonal weather
- Shade analysis
- Roof orientation and shade
- Electricity usage
- Other property-specific conditions
To make a long story short, solar panels will be most productive in direct sunlight, but a cloudy day doesn’t always mean there is zero production.
Explore Solar Panel Installation With Redtail Solar
If you’re wondering how solar panels would perform on your property, even if you think you often face a good amount of cloud cover, contact Redtail Solar. Our solar professionals will come to evaluate your property and sunlight conditions, then designing a system that fits your location and goals.
