Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells continue to generate energy when the light is partly blocked or reflected. There are some things to consider when determining the amount of energy your solar panels can generate on overcast days.
DO SOLAR PANELS REQUIRE DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY?
In sunny conditions, there are usually fewer clouds and less obstruction between your solar panels and the sun. Clouds can magnify sunlight due to their reflective qualities. This can improve the performance of your solar panels.
However, direct sunlight is more reliable for solar energy production. Direct sunlight is more efficient than indirect sunlight, even on cloudy or rainy days. As long as your energy source is consistent, you won’t need to depend on the utility company for your home. Cloudy days are less likely to be that way.
Net Metering will also give you credit if your panels generate more energy than they need. You can use those credits to power your house on rainy days.
CLOUDY WEATHER Vs. ELECTRICITY COUNT
Compared to bright, sunny weather, solar panels produce about gain independence. It will soon be that solar system owners break even on their investments, whether the weather is sunny or not.
The top five most cloudy cities in the U.S. as of 2022 are:
Juneau
Anchorage
Astoria
Seattle
Portland
The Pacific Northwest is home to the most cloudy cities. Even cities like San Francisco, California’s top solar state, experience fog throughout the year. Despite the fog, San Francisco still enjoys a warm climate and soft sunlight throughout the year. It is a perfect place to go solar.
Which solar panels work best in cloudy conditions?
More efficient solar panels will produce more energy even in cloudy weather.
Solar panels can be made from different types of PV cells. Some solar cells can capture a broader range of UV wavelengths, including red and blue. This allows for higher energy production under various weather conditions, including cloudy days.
SunPower’s solar panels have the highest efficiency of any solar panel on the market. They are able to generate more energy than the panels below them. The solar cells of SunPower have a thin aluminum layer on the backside that reflects light photons into solar cells, which didn’t absorb them during their first pass. Light has a second opportunity to drink.
The panels will produce more energy, even on cloudy or overcast days when they only receive certain types of ultraviolet light.