Do Clouds Affect a Solar Panel’s Output?

There are many benefits which come with the use of solar panels, both for our planet and for us, as individuals. As far as the economic part goes, having solar panels insures that you get electricity at a lower price.

From the environment point of view, the advantage of a solar panel is that it gives us sustainable and clean power, which doesn't damage our environment. Another bonus is that they can be used in areas that are remote, to provide us with electricity, in places like hospitals or schools.

One of the few things that can influence the output of a solar panel is clouds, which can decrease its power. That's why their benefits decrease in areas of the world that are cloudy for longer periods of time.

Do clouds affect a solar panel's output?

Solar panels are affected by clouds, since they produce more energy if they get more light. For the maximum amount of power, you need as much light as possible. Noon is the time when you get the most power out of your panels, since they receive the most light at that time.

As soon as the clouds go over the sun, the level of energy you get goes down. It doesn't mean you don't get light, it just means that you get less. Even with clouds, if there is enough of it to cast shadows, you still get fifty percent of the maximum capacity. The thicker the coverage of clouds, the smaller the amount of electricity you get.

Here is how to deal with the appearance of clouds and how they influence your energy output.

1. If you usually get clouds during the afternoon, while the skies are clear during the morning, point the panels towards the east side.

2. Use a big battery system, so you can have as much power as possible for the periods when the clouds are out.

3. Insure that you get enough headroom for your controller, for the periods when you have surges in power, in the periods when you get the sun reflecting off clouds.

These tips are used by all kinds of people, from places in the world where clouds show up every day.

One example would be Germany, where clouds are up in the sky for long periods of time all year long. You would think that such a country is a bad place to use solar panels, but people use them without a problem. Even with periods of clouds, solar panels still provide enough energy for people to use them instead of the main grid.



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