Homeowners are often concerned about whether a solar system will function on a cloudy day or during times of lower sun exposure. Until now, more than 3 million rooftop solar panels have been installed in Australia, according to the reports published by Clean Energy Council (CEC). Almost everyone knows that solar panels in Sydney or across Australia work best during sunny days and summers, but what people may not realize is that panels don’t actually need direct sunlight. They can work in the shade as well as in the full sun. However, the working and efficiency of solar panels totally depends on the various aspects of the roof. Our team at Arise Solar can help you get your roof analysis and provide an obligation free quote within minutes.
Do cloudy days reduce the output of solar panels?
On gloomy days, the level of electricity generated is determined by factors such as cloud thickness and the efficiency of your solar panels installed at the property. Solar panel systems can generate energy from both visible and infrared radiation on gloomy days. Even during heavy storms, light can always be seen through clouds and rain. Despite the rain, the atmosphere cannot be completely black. Through those clouds, sunlight penetrates and thus, the solar panels can produce power on cloudy days as well. That’s the same way you get sunburned on cloudy days. However, the output will be comparatively lesser than on sunny days. On average the amount of electricity solar panels produce reduces by 10-20% on cloudy days.
On a bright sunny day, with peak sun hours, your system produces more electricity than needed. This surplus power generated can be fed back to the grid and electricity from the grid can be used on cloudy days and nights.
How does solar work on rainy days?
When it rains, the solar panels still generate electricity as a result of the force of the rain on their surface. Although the solar panels generate 80% less output on rainy days than the sunny days, they are still functioning. Thus it is recommended to install a slightly higher size solar system than required for the property, to offset the future needs, also keeping in mind the weather conditions.
Do solar panels need batteries?
Batteries are a great way to store the excess power generated by your solar PV system. However, batteries are high maintenance and expensive at the moment. A solar battery usually lasts for 5-7 years and costs $5000-$10000. Thus a system connected to the grid without the battery is the most economical option. When you are connected to the grid (the grid acts as a battery storage), at night when the sun does not shine, you use the power from the grid to run the appliances at the home and when the system is generating high power during the sun hours, you feed the excess electricity to the grid, for which you receive feed in tariff. So, in our opinion currently, installing the battery is not a viable option and taking advantage of the feed in tariffs and electricity grid is the best option.
Do solar panels need cleaning?
Keeping your solar panels clean of any debris, dust and bird droppings can help maintain the performance of solar panels. A regular cleaning can go an extra mile to improve the efficiency of solar panels. However, it is most needed in the regions that are prone to frequent sandstorms and dust usually takes over the surfaces. Otherwise Australia receives enough rain to let the panels clean themselves.
Brand of panels that work best in all weather conditions.
We know there are an endless number of solar products available in the Australian solar market and trying to find the best brand that suits your property needs can be tough. There are some panels that are made according to Australian standards and keeping in mind the weather conditions as well. There are three solar panels that perform at optimum capacity and might require less maintenance than any other panel.
- Suntech panels
- REC panels
- Jinko panels
Arise solar offers high quality solar products to businesses and residential across Australia. We aim at providing the best solar solution suiting your property needs. Get an obligation free quote today and receive the best deals on offer.
