Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and convert it into usable power for the home. But do solar panels work on cloudy days? Yes, but not as well. Even on cloudy days, your solar panel system will continue to generate power but less effectively than it would on sunny days. We’ll explain how solar panels work and how weather conditions affect solar panel efficiency.

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How Solar Panels Work

Solar technology converts sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells made of semiconductor material. When the sun’s rays hit the panels, solar PV cells in the panels absorb photons, which causes the electrons in the semiconductor material to dislodge. This movement of electrons produces direct current (DC) electricity, which an inverter converts into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in the home.

If there’s excess energy, you can store it using a solar battery storage system or send it back to the electric grid. Saving solar energy is useful on rainy days or during power outages and can even allow you to live comfortably off-grid.

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Solar Panels on Cloudy Days

Solar PV panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power and still work when light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. However, panels are more effective when there’s full sun.

The reduction in solar power depends on the efficiency and placement of the solar panels and the percentage of cloud coverage. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), solar panels on your home still operate at 80% of their maximum output during partly cloudy weather, but this number decreases on overcast days.

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Other Weather Conditions that Impact Solar Panel Efficiency

Other weather conditions can impact your energy solar panel, including the following:

• Heat and humidity: Higher temperatures and humidity reduce the amount of power solar panels produce. Humidity creates a layer of water on the panel’s surface, which can decrease efficiency by 10%–20% of the total power output produced.
• Rain: Rain can have an impact on how solar panels absorb sunlight. It can help keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away dirt and debris, but studies show that water droplets on the panel’s surface can potentially reduce its performance.
• Snow: A light dusting of snow has minimal impact on solar panel efficiency. The wind can easily blow off light snow, and light may still filter through. Heavy snow accumulation prevents the PV panels from absorbing light and generating power.
• Wind: Wind has little impact on solar panel efficiency unless there’s extreme heat. Solar cells work best at low temperatures, and studies show that wind can reduce PV panel temperatures and improve electrical production.

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Storing Solar Power for Cloudy Days

Homeowners can store surplus electricity using a solar storage system. Energy storage isn’t 100% efficient but allows for the flexible use of energy, such as at nighttime or on overcast days, so you don’t have to rely on backup power from the grid.

Another option is to send extra electricity to the power grid, called net metering. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the real benefit of net metering is that the power provider pays you retail price for the electricity you feed back into the grid. Most states require net metering by law, but state policies vary widely.

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Our Conclusion

Solar panels will continue to generate power even on the cloudiest of days. However, direct sunlight is optimal, and an overcast sky will reduce the power output of your solar system. A solar battery can help you save extra energy on days when there’s less sunlight, or you can send it to the grid and receive credit from the utility company for the energy you generate.

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FAQ About Solar Panels on Cloudy Days

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