Cloudy Days and Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

With the rising awareness of a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, the demand for solar panels is increasing rapidly. These panels not only help you live a greener life but also help you lower your electricity bills and reduce your overall financial burden. However, the UK is known for its unpredictable weather. The country experiences both sunny and cloudy days periodically. Under these conditions, homeowners or potential buyers of solar panels often get confused about whether they should install solar panels in Felixstowe. If you are also facing the same dilemma, don’t worry; clouds do not block the sun’s rays entirely, so solar panels still work on cloudy days. Learning about it in detail helps you to make informed decisions.

Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy Weather?

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days. Due to the lack of direct sunlight, it produces less current. Typically, the panels produce 10-25% of their normal output. However, it varies largely, depending on the cloud thickness and type. Thin or partial cloud cover can allow more light through, sometimes even enhancing production through the “edge-of-cloud effect.”

Clouds indeed decrease the amount of solar radiation reaching the panels. Nevertheless, they don’t completely block it, allowing for continued energy generation even in overcast conditions. The updated solar panels are capable of producing electricity in low light and ensure an uninterrupted life for you.

How to Improve Solar Panel Performance in Cloudy Weather?

Invest Wisely

Investing in high-quality solar panels in Felixstowe is one of the best ways to ensure a steady energy flow on gloomy days. For example, you can go for the high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. These panels are made from a single, pure crystal of silicon. This enables a more efficient flow of electrons, resulting in higher electricity generation compared to other types of panels. Additionally, these panels are ideal for low-light conditions.

Opt for Battery Storage Systems

Do gloomy days mean staying out of electricity? Certainly not, and for this, you must opt for a battery storage system. It helps to store excess energy produced during sunny periods and use it when needed. Most renowned vendors do this when requested. Therefore, a brief conversation with the seller can help you with it.

Plan the Placement Carefully

Proper placement is one of the best ways to maximise the performance level. South-facing panels (in the Northern Hemisphere) get the most exposure. Using adjustable mounts helps optimise sunlight capture throughout different seasons.

Install Microinverters and Power Optimisers

Microinverters work like a boon if you live in a region that often faces cloudy days. These inverters enable the panel to produce the correct amount of electricity, even in shaded locations. On the other hand, the power optimisers regulate the voltage and maximise the performance.

If you are worried that the weather will affect the performance level of your solar panels in Felixstowe, with the right support, it’s mostly not a concern. Do you have any further questions regarding this? Contact us. At Ecocare Electrical Limited, we install high-quality solar panels in both domestic and commercial settings. We take pride in utilising the latest technologies and providing innovative solutions.

Contact us to book the panel installation service now.