1. Solar Panels and Clouds: Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days. They still absorb sunlight, albeit less intensely than on sunny days. 2. Effect on Energy Production: Cloud cover reduces direct sunlight, affecting energy output.
Therefore, it’s estimated that a single 300W solar panel could generate roughly 0.8 to 1.2 kWh per day. This figure, of course, can fluctuate based on specific weather patterns, time of year, and panel orientation. Ultimately, solar panels still offer substantial energy generation potential even in less sunny climates like Ireland.
Despite the reduction in efficiency, solar panels can still contribute to reducing household energy bills, even on the cloudiest of days. Solar panels can produce up to 67% less electricity on heavily overcast days compared to sunny conditions.
For instance, in the UK, solar power generation during the cloudiest month was reduced by 59% compared to the sunniest month. This significant drop is due to the dense clouds that reduce the number of photons reaching the solar panel cells. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
We will also calculate how many kWh per year do solar panels generate and how much does that save you on electricity. Example: 300W solar panels in San Francisco, California, get an average of 5.4 peak sun hours per day. That means it will produce 0.3kW × 5.4h/day × 0.75 = 1.215 kWh per day. That’s about 444 kWh per year.
Storing solar energy for use on cloudy days maximises the benefits of solar power. Solar batteries and net metering are two effective methods for storing surplus solar energy produced during sunny conditions. These storage solutions ensure a steady supply of energy, even when direct sunlight is scarce.