The sun is a mighty resource, providing an inexhaustible wellspring of clean, renewable energy for our homes and businesses.
As Wales’s premier renewable energy company, we often get asked one question: Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
The short answer is yes, they do.
However, understanding the efficiency and operation of solar panels during cloudy days warrants a deeper dive.
Clouds, undoubtedly, are a common sight in Wales. However, our grey skies do not halt the incredible solar energy potential we have.
It’s important to clarify that while clouds can diminish solar power output, they don’t entirely block sunlight. Even on a cloudy day, solar energy is still being produced — your solar panels are just working in a slightly different way.
Sunlight consists of particles of solar energy known as photons. These travel 93 million miles from the sun to Earth, whether the day is cloudless or thick with overcast.
Photons come in a spectrum of wavelengths, some visible and some invisible. Solar panels work by absorbing these photons and converting them into electricity. On a sunny day, the majority of these photons are direct, striking the panels head-on.
However, when clouds roll in, they scatter the sunlight, sending photons off in all directions. This scattered, or diffused, sunlight still reaches your solar panels, just not as directly as on a sunny day. Hence, your panels still produce power, albeit at a reduced efficiency — typically around 10 to 25% of their full capacity.
Some specialised solar panels, known as thin-film panels, have been shown to perform slightly better under these conditions, offering a benefit during those long winter months.
What about rainy days?
Well, rain itself does not significantly affect the production of solar energy. As a matter of fact, rain can help clean your solar panels, ensuring they function optimally by removing dust or other particles that might restrict incoming light.
Furthermore, you can combine battery storage systems with your solar panels to store excess power produced on sunny days for use during less sunny periods. The latest solar panel technology is also continually improving to become more efficient, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
In conclusion, while the efficiency of solar panels does decrease on cloudy days, they absolutely still function and provide a valuable source of renewable energy.
Remember, Germany, a country with a similar climate to Wales, is one of the world leaders in solar energy production. So, don’t let our cloudy Welsh weather deter you from harnessing the power of the sun.
Investing in solar panels is not only a wise move for energy independence and savings on your utility bills, but it’s also a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future.
If you have any more questions about solar power or would like to arrange a survey of your home or workplace to see how much you can save on your bills by having them installed, as well as answer any other questions, please contact:
▷ 0292 076 3622
▷ renewables@heatforce.co.uk
