It’s an understandable concern, especially for those living in Scotland; will solar panels still work even when it is cloudy outside?

The answer is yes, although there will certainly be a drop in efficiency, you will still be able to enjoy all the benefits of a solar PV system when it is overcast outside.

The extent of the output will depend on a number of factors including the height of the clouds in question and the angle of solar panel installation, but in general, a solar panel will operate somewhere in the region of 10-25% of their clear day capacity on a cloudy day.

So, now you know that solar panels still work when it is cloudy, but how is this possible?

Well, the fact is that solar panels do not require direct sunlight to produce electricity and instead can harness any form of light wave that reaches them.

What about rain?

When it rains, the efficiency of your solar panels will drop further than when it is simply overcast but will still produce some energy.

Furthermore, rain can actually help to prolong the lifespan of your panels and increase their productivity, clearing away any dirt or debris that has accumulated and may be preventing the system from running as efficiently as it could.

‘Edge of Cloud’ effect

Even though clouds will normally cause a decrease in the effectiveness of solar scotland panels, there can sometimes be an unexpected boost in efficiency every so often.

The ‘edge of cloud’ effect involves the sun peeking out from the side of a cloud and could actually result in a higher level of production than a clear day as both reflective and direct sunlight will be impacting upon your panels.

Could inclement weather do damage to your solar panels?

In the UK, it is inevitable that your home, and therefore solar panels, will be exposed to pretty much every single weather condition you can think of throughout the year.

For this reason, it is essential that your solar panels are made of durable, long-lasting materials that are designed specifically to cope with heat, rain, snow, and wind.

Take this into consideration when selecting your new solar panels and makes sure that you choose a company that offers a 20–25-year warranty to protect you in the event of an unexpected incident that damages your panels.

How to choose a solar panel

To maximise the efficiency of your solar panels during cloudy weather it is crucial to choose the right product.

Solar panels will more than pay for themselves over time through reduced energy bills and increased property value, but it is still a big investment to make.

Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a solar panel includes:

Cost

The first thing to consider when choosing a solar panel is how much of an investment you are looking to make.

The cost of solar panels depends on the size of the unit, both in terms of physical size and capacity, the quality of materials used, the warranty period, and the brand.

Whilst it is important to make a financially sound decision, initial cost is not the only thing to consider, as opting for a cheaper option may leave you facing expensive repairs or replacements down the line.

Energy Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency is measured as a measure of how much of the light that is received is converted into electrical energy.

Obviously, the more efficient the system is the better, although the most productive solar panels will be much more expensive so finding the perfect balance is key.

 Quality

The quality of the materials used to build solar panels will play a major role in determining their durability and how much efficiency will reduce over time.

When you are choosing a solar panel provider, makes sure to check their credentials, online reviews, and history before making any commitment to get an idea of past customer’s experiences with the company.

Type

Many people don’t realise that there are actually several different types of solar panels on the market, each with their own benefits and limitations.

If your supplier happens to mention these rather odd sounding names, it is good to have a basic understanding of what each means.

Polycrystalline silicon based solar panels are currently the most popular choice in the UK for residential homes, with Monocrystalline silicon also offering a strong cost-effective option with good heat tolerance, and Amorphous silicon being possibly the least efficient due to the low amount of silicon used in production.

Contact us

Get in touch with Greener Energy today on 0335 77 66 999, to learn more about solar panel installation, or to schedule a survey of your home to determine the best location and type of panels for your home.