Do Solar Panels work on cloudy days?

By Ember Energy Lancashire

20 Apr 2023

solarpanels.jpeg.jpg

Living in the UK, you’ll be well-accustomed to grey skies and cloudy days. It’s no wonder, then, that you’re currently asking yourself, “Do solar panels work on cloudy days?” – but the answer may surprise you.


Here at Ember Energy, we’ve delved into the unexpected answer to this valid question – and hope to have shed some light on the science behind solar power’s remarkable efficiency, even in the most overcast of weather conditions.

Fun fact: In 15 minutes, the Sun radiates as much energy as the total world population uses in an entire year!

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Although solar panels draw energy from the sun, that doesn’t mean they only work on hot summer afternoons and bright days.

Let’s be honest, here in the UK; we’d be waiting a long time for power if that were true!

Preview Whilst solar panels are at their peak performance under direct sunlight, their ability to generate electricity during cloudy days is still remarkably impressive – allowing our clients to see significant reductions in their monthly electricity bills!

So, how do solar panels generate electricity?
Solar panels absorb solar energy or ‘photons’ from sunlight, creating an electric charge. When sunlight hits the PV cells, tiny particles of light called photons interact with the cells, causing electrons to move and create an electric current. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, allows solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity that you can use in your home or business, even on cloudy days.

What are the types of lights that affect solar panels?
There are two types of sunlight to consider during this process: direct sunlight, and diffuse sunlight.

Direct sunlight = This refers to the sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface without being scattered or absorbed by the atmosphere. It travels in a straight line from the sun and casts distinct, sharp shadows on the ground. Direct sunlight is the most intense form of sunlight and provides the highest energy potential for solar panels.

Diffuse sunlight = Meanwhile, diffuse sunlight is light that has been scattered by particles, water droplets, or gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. On cloudy days, the direct sunlight hits the clouds, and is diffused by the time it reaches solar panels. This light is less intense.

The truth is that solar panels work in any form of light. In direct sunlight, photons hit the solar cells on a solar panel with high intensity – allowing the cells to generate electricity at their maximum potential. In diffuse sunlight, photons are reflected, refracted or scattered in various directions. Although the intensity of diffuse sunlight is lower than direct sunlight, solar panels can still use it to generate electricity for your home or business.

What is the ‘Edge-of-Cloud’ effect?
The Edge-of-Cloud effect is an interesting phenomenon that can occur when clouds partially cover the sky, leading to an increase in the electricity generated by solar panels. Sometimes, the electricity generated in these circumstances even surpasses the output of a completely sunny day without clouds.

This effect happens when direct sunlight peeks out from behind a cloud and combines with diffused sunlight, resulting in an overall more powerful intensity of light. The Edge-of-Cloud effect can be particularly beneficial in areas with variable cloud cover, as it can enhance the performance of solar panels even on partially cloudy days.

Conclusion

We hope this reassures those of you wondering “Do solar panels work on cloudy days?” – as the answer is a resounding yes! Solar panels are capable of generating electricity even under overcast conditions, thanks to their ability to harness both direct and diffuse sunlight.

So fear not – those of you living it up in sunny Lancashire or elsewhere across the UK – solar panels are still a great source of clean, renewable and cost-effective energy.

Thinking about investing in solar panels?
There’s never been a better time to invest in solar panels. With energy bills soaring and the climate crisis only getting worse, it’s worth considering that the initial investment of solar panels has reduced by a whopping 80% over the last ten years.

If you’d like to speak to a member of the Ember Energy Lancashire team for information on how solar panels work, how much money they could save you, or how they could benefit your business or home – give us a call on 07464 729 759 or visit our website at emberenergy.co.uk.

Latest news

1

New five-story hotel set for Morecambe Morecambe 86 Bedroom Hotel

New five-story hotel set for Morecambe

08 Dec 2023

2

Enterprise Zone expansion recommended for approval Blackpool Airport EZ Masterplan Visual Dec 2023

Enterprise Zone expansion recommended for approval

07 Dec 2023

3

Green light for 1.6million sq ft Central Lancashire employment site Lancashire Central Illustration

Green light for 1.6million sq ft Central Lancashire employment site

07 Dec 2023

4

Boost launches exclusive programme to help businesses scale 05-ScaleToThrive.jpg.jpg

Boost launches exclusive programme to help businesses scale

08 Dec 2023

5

Cowgills senior promotion follows surge of successful transactions Brad and Ian.jpg.jpg

Cowgills senior promotion follows surge of successful transactions

08 Dec 2023

Fob Advert 980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Help to Grow Management Course
Collaboration v3.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
31 Oct 2023 - 14 Feb 2024

Help to Grow Management Course

University of Central Lancashire, School, Online and face-to-face , UCLan, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 11:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING SIZING Vista.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour
EVENT LISTING SIZING Endeavour.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour

Oak Royal, Bury Lane, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8SW

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
13 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond
EVENT LISTING BNI Hatters.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
13 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond

Norman Jepson (Beefeater), Bluebell Way, Preston, PR2 5PZ

07:15 - 09:00

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire

Online Meeting, -, -

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity
EVENT LISTING BNI Infinity.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire

Online Meeting, -, -

09:30 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV Advertising Visual NovDec
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin