The Impact Cloudy Weather Has On Solar Panels

Solar energy is certainly the most popular form of renewable energy, and many people want to install residential solar panels to benefit from it. However, there are several genuine concerns as well as myths associated with solar panels, due to which their adoption is not as high as it should be.

Professional solar panel contractors can guide you throughout the process of selecting a suitable solar panel system and installing it for residential or commercial purposes.

One of the most popular myths about solar panels is that they stop working entirely on a cloudy day, and you get no electricity. Let’s discuss the impact of cloudy weather on solar panels in detail to determine whether there is any truth to such claims.

Basic Workings Of Solar Panels

Before analyzing the impact of cloudy weather on the efficiency of solar panels, it is important to understand the basic workings of these panels.

The working of solar panels revolves around the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into renewable energy. If the solar panels do not get a sufficient amount of sunlight, the production of electricity will be affected. This is the primary reason why many people assume that solar panels will stop working when the sun is covered by the clouds.

Also Read: What You Need To Know About Fire And Solar Panels?

Solar Energy Production In Cloudy Weather

Unlike popular belief, solar panels do not require much sunlight to ensure maximum efficiency. Solar panels can function even when it is cloudy as the sun’s rays are not entirely blocked by the clouds.

Understandably, the sunlight going through the clouds will not be as bright as direct sunlight, but it is sufficient enough for high-quality residential solar panels. According to the Environment and Energy Study Institute, solar cells can keep operating at 80% in partly cloudy weather.

In other words, you are likely to suffer a small drop in electricity production. However this type of drop can be mitigated to a great extent by relying on professional solar panel contractors who can install the right type and number of solar panels to fulfil your requirements.

How To Mitigate The Impact Of Clouds On Solar Panels

There are two main ways in which you can mitigate the small impact that cloudy weather conditions will have on the efficiency of your solar panels.

1. Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

Off-grid solar power systems are those that are not connected to the main power grid. A rechargeable battery is used in such a system to store energy. Integrating solar panels with a battery system is useful to minimize the impact of cloudy weather and deal with other issues that could result in a lack of energy from the solar panels.

In an off-grid solar power system, the solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and use excessive electricity to charge the solar battery. The energy stored in the solar battery is used at night or in situations such as cloudy weather when the solar panels are not working at full efficiency.

Therefore, by combining your residential solar panels with a reliable off-grid solar energy storage system, you can enjoy an uninterrupted power supply in the form of renewable solar energy.

2. Net Metering Program

SaskPower has a net metering program for the residents of Saskatchewan. It is meant to facilitate people in generating their electricity to lower their power bills with the help of residential solar panels.

The basic workings of the net metering program involve you sending an excessive amount of electrical energy to the grid in exchange for credit points. This can help you lower your power bills significantly.

Moreover, you can use the credits earned as part of the net metering program to get electricity from the power grid in situations when your solar panels may not produce sufficient amounts of electricity, such as in cloudy weather.

About Sundawg Solar

Sundawg Solar is a professional solar panel company in Saskatchewan. Our team of professional solar panel contractors are capable of dealing with all types of commercial and residential solar panel systems.

We also offer off-grid solar power solutions to help people mitigate their concerns about the impact of cloudy conditions on solar power generation. Therefore, if you are looking for the best solar power solutions, you can contact us.