Do Solar Panels work on a Cloudy Day?

August 19, 2021

Do Solar Panels work on a Cloudy Day?

If you’ve been wondering ‘do solar panels work on a cloudy day?’ You’re certainly not alone. The simple answer is Yes, solar panels work even in cloudy weather. A cloudy day will impact the efficiency of your panels, but it will not cause them to stop working. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), even in partly cloudy weather, solar photovoltaic cells can still operate at 80% of their maximum output. This is due to the fact that solar PV panels need daylight. Photovoltaic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight.

However, this leads to the question; how much energy can my solar system generate on a cloudy day? This is the first question most Irish buyers ask when first researching whether solar is a viable option for them. Considering how unpredictable the Irish climate is, this is a reasonable concern.

Is the Irish climate suitable for Solar Energy?

The answer is YES! The mild temperature of Ireland provides ideal conditions for maximum solar production. The optimum temperature for energy output when the sun is shining are lower than you think. Solar PV systems do not need high temperatures to operate efficiently. On the contrary, it’s quite the opposite, solar panels actually begin to fail if the temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius.

Although, it won’t produce as much electricity in cloudy weather, if you opt for a battery, this will allow you to store your energy for the days the output may not be as plentiful.

Furthermore, even rain can help keep your panels running efficiently by washing away any dirt and dust.
The Final Verdict

In conclusion, the answer is yes – solar panels work just fine in the Irish climate. Therefore, they are a solid investment for any consumer. There are many advantages to getting PV solar panels installed – whether it be saving up to 70% on your electricity bill, increasing the value of your home or quite simply improving your BER rating.
Solar Share (2021) ‘Do Solar Panels Work on a Cloudy Day?’ Solarshare.ie

Read full article here: Do Solar Panels Work On A Cloudy Day? – SolarShare