Solar panels: Powering through the clouds

By J&K Roofing.

Explore how modern solar technology thrives, even on overcast days.

Cloudy skies often raise doubts about solar power's reliability, but don’t let the weather fool you. The magic of modern solar technology lies in its resilience, transforming even diffused sunlight into electricity. Whether you’re navigating a region with infamous cloud cover or contemplating a solar installation in a region that experiences a lot of rain, J&K Roofing sheds light on the surprising facts about solar power in less-than-sunny conditions. Ready to bust some myths and explore the possibilities?  

How solar power functions

To understand how solar panels perform on cloudy days, it’s important to know how they work. Solar panels generate electricity by capturing sunlight and converting it into energy. These panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells, which absorb sunlight and create an electrical current. The more sunlight hitting the panels, the more electricity is produced. On sunny days, the production is optimal, but on cloudy days, the panels still collect scattered light to generate energy.

Cloudy days and solar energy output

Does solar power work on cloudy days? The answer is yes. However, the energy production on cloudy days will be lower than on sunny days. Solar panels can typically generate anywhere from 10-25% of their maximum output when it’s cloudy. This reduction depends on the density of the cloud cover and how much sunlight is able to penetrate the clouds.

The good news for those living in areas with frequent overcast weather is that modern solar panels are more efficient than ever. These newer models can still capture diffuse sunlight that breaks through the clouds, meaning they’re able to generate a portion of their typical energy production even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Solar power in cloudy regions

It’s easy to think that solar power isn’t practical in cloudy or colder regions, but that’s another misconception. Many cities in northern climates, where cloudy days are more common, still benefit from solar installations. Germany, for example, is known for its cloudy weather but remains a world leader in solar energy adoption. In fact, you don’t need constant sunshine to see significant savings from solar energy.

What to expect on cloudy days

While it’s true that solar energy production dips during cloudy days, remember that clouds move. On a partly cloudy day, the sun can break through at different points, allowing your panels to capture more energy when conditions are favorable. And don’t forget that on sunny days, solar panels may overproduce electricity, which can be stored in a battery system or sent back to the grid, offsetting any reduced production on cloudy days.

Designing a solar system for cloudy conditions

When you install a solar system, the design is critical to making the most out of your location’s climate, roof and exposure to the sun. A professional solar installer and solar design engineer will analyze your roof’s layout, taking into consideration any shading from nearby trees, buildings or chimneys that could reduce solar production.

How shade affects solar panel design

If portions of your roof are shaded for part of the day, your solar installer and their solar design engineer can adjust the design to optimize energy production. Typically, panels are installed on the roof’s sunniest areas, leaving any shaded areas uncovered. Solar roofing systems, such as Timberline Solar™, are made up of shingle arrays that can be placed strategically to avoid shaded spots while maximizing exposure to the sun.

South-facing panels: Ideal but not mandatory

The optimal direction for solar panels is south facing to ensure they capture the most sunlight throughout the day. However, even east or west-facing panels can be highly effective. A well-planned east-west setup typically loses only 10-15% of its production compared to a south-facing system. Despite this slight drop in overall output, it’s still enough to significantly reduce your electricity bills and make your investment in solar worth it.

Get consistent energy with solar batteries

One way to ensure consistent energy even during cloudy periods is by including a solar battery in your system. Batteries store excess energy generated on sunny days, which can then be used during overcast days or at night when production drops. This way, any dips in energy production due to weather can be balanced out, keeping your home powered. If your system is tied to the grid, you can also benefit from net metering. Net metering allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid when you’re producing more than you need. On cloudy days, you can pull energy from the grid as needed, helping to offset any loss in solar production.

Solar power in winter

Another common question is whether solar power works on cloudy days during the winter. Yes, solar panels still function during winter, even in snowy conditions. Snow can reflect sunlight, which helps increase energy production on clear winter days. If snow accumulates on your panels, it will usually melt quickly due to the sun’s heat, especially if your panels are installed at the correct angle.

Explore solar power for your home, rain or shine

So, does solar power work on cloudy days? Absolutely. Cloud cover may reduce energy production, but solar panels still capture enough sunlight to generate electricity. Modern solar technology has become highly efficient, ensuring that even on less-than-sunny days, you can rely on your solar system to provide power.

Original article and photo source: J&K Roofing