How Does a Cloudy Day Impact Your Solar Panels?

Solar energy is a great way to save money on your energy bills and work towards a more sustainable future for everyone. All of us at Energy Concepts believe in solar technology 100%, but we still encounter people with reservations about it. One commonly asked question is about cloudy days. Will your solar panels still work under cloud cover? We wanted to dispel any confusion about that in this blog!

Do Solar Panels Need a Bright Sunny Day to Function?

It may surprise you, but the answer is no. Photovoltaic solar panels require light to function. While cloudy days can make shade, it won’t completely blot out the light that day and indirect sunlight works just as well for the panel to function. Essentially, you only need to worry about shade if it’s caused an eclipse. As long as you can see alright outside, your panels will be just fine.

Will I Lose Efficiency on a Cloudy Day?

So, we know that solar panels can continue to function in indirect sunlight, but there must be some effect right? There definitely is. Studies have shown that our SunPower panels lose somewhere between 7% and 13% efficiency when in the shade. However, it’s not uncommon for our competitor’s panels to lose over 25% efficiency in the same shade.

So, the main takeaway is that you don’t have to stress about your solar panel efficiency because of the weather. Even in the cloudiest areas of California, solar panels are a great investment that can contribute to a sustainable home.

Energy Concepts can handle all of your solar needs. If you’re interested in solar, give us a call at (559) 485-2504 or fill out an online contact form!