The short answer: your solar panels will still capture and convert light into electricity during rainy or cloudy weather. So, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or has a number of overcast days throughout the year, don’t rule out solar panels.
This guide attempts to answer all your doubts about the efficiency of solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days. Let’s get started! Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days, with an expected output of 10% to 25% of their total capacity.
But if you have solar or are thinking about installing panels on your home, you may wonder what happens to the energy your solar system produces when it rains. The short answer: your solar panels will still capture and convert light into electricity during rainy or cloudy weather.
However, solar panels can and will still produce a significant amount of electricity, and the amount will vary depending on the type and thickness of the clouds, the duration of cloudy skies and at what time of the day the clouds roll in. Extreme temperatures can also impact the efficiency of solar panels.
Additionally, solar panels are often designed to be able to generate electricity in a range of light conditions, including low-light conditions such as those found on cloudy days or foggy fall mornings. However, when the sun is not shining, such as at night, the solar panels are not able to generate electricity.
One surprising benefit of rain and sun is their ability to clean solar panels. Over time, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into electricity.