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One of the most common misconceptions about solar energy is that it won’t work on cloudy days or days with low sunlight. For those looking to make the switch, this misconception can make them hesitant.
The fact is that solar power can still be a fantastic option, even on days with low sunlight. Let’s have a look at how solar panels work on such days.
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Do Solar Panels Still Work in Low Sunlight?
Have you ever had someone tell you to put on sunscreen even when it’s cloudy because you could still get sunburned? That’s the exact same logic behind using solar energy, even on cloudy days. As long as the sun is out, your solar panels will continue to produce energy, even if the sunlight is low or there are a lot of clouds overhead.
After all, solar panels function by using light particles or photons to generate electricity. Your solar panels only need a small amount of photons to create electricity flow. This is why your solar panels are already generating power even before you see the sun in the sky.
In cloudy conditions or with low sunlight, your solar panels will still produce energy, but it will be less than when they’re at full capacity. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to receive 100% or even 80% output on low sunlight days. They’ll still produce about 10%-25% of their normal output, although it will depend on just how cloudy it is.
Will I Still Benefit From Solar if I Don’t Live in a Hot, Sunny Area?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, if you live in an area where it doesn’t get too hot, you can still benefit from your solar panels. Solar panels don’t just rely on the sun but also on the temperature in the area.
Living in a low-sunlight area does not necessarily mean that solar energy won’t work for you. Solar panels aren’t so fragile that some clouds or low sunlight will render them useless. The technology used to create them is very advanced, and the panels are sensitive enough that even covered sunlight can be used to produce energy. This means that not only will they work on overcast, foggy days but also during the winter when days get shorter, and the sun is out less.
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Solar Panels in a Low Sunlight Area?
To get the most out of your solar panels, it’s beneficial to do a little planning ahead before the installation. Take note of where you get the most sun during the day. The sun will move during the day, meaning that east-facing panels will get the most direct exposure during the morning, while west-facing panels will be most exposed in the afternoon.
If your roof faces multiple directions, then you may decide to install a few panels on each face of your roof. This way, some of your solar panels are exposed to direct sunlight no matter the time of day. This can also help ensure energy production if the day starts out cloudy but clears up by the afternoon, or vice versa.
Conclusion
Solar panels use advanced technology to make solar energy efficient, even during overcast or low sunlight days. Thanks to this technology, you can still benefit from solar energy even during cold, cloudy days or in the winter when the number of sunlight hours is lower than usual. Call us today if you have any doubts or questions about solar panels, and we’ll be glad to answer them!