Do photovoltaic panels work on cloudy days?
Photovoltaic panels have become increasingly popular recently because they allow for significant savings on electricity. They convert solar energy into electricity that can be used for household purposes. However, many people wonder whether photovoltaic panels can function properly on days when the sun isn’t shining as brightly.
Operation of Photovoltaic Panels on Cloudy Days
Photovoltaic panels achieve their best efficiency at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius on a clear, sunny day. Despite this, even full cloud cover or rain will not cause the panels to stop functioning entirely. Photovoltaic cells can capture visible light and other wavelengths because they can penetrate through thick layers of heavy, cirrus clouds. For this reason, the installation can generate electricity in all weather conditions.
Under less favorable conditions, photovoltaic systems do not reach their full capacity—the installation’s efficiency ranges from 60 to 80 percent. When the sun is not visible at all, photovoltaic panels operate at about 10 to 20 percent capacity. The installation stops working only after sunset when no sunlight reaches it.
Photovoltaics in Winter
The period with the lowest sunlight is from November to January, when the days are shortest. This change directly affects the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. In winter, photovoltaics produce significantly less energy than during the summer months. This is not only due to the shorter duration of sunlight but also due to frequent snowfall, which can cover the photovoltaic panels. Therefore, during winter, the panels should be gently cleaned with a brush to improve their efficiency and enhance their performance. However, low temperatures do not negatively impact the efficiency of the photovoltaic installation. Paradoxically, the cold has a positive effect on electron flow, thereby increasing the efficiency of solar cells.