Do solar panels work in rain and cloudy weather?

Spain is blessed with an average of 320 days of sun per year (that’s more than 3000 hours!). This makes solar panels an economical, convenient and highly effective form of energy that can provide for the whole house… But what happens when there’s rain in Spain?
Solar panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power. When though they are most effective in direct sunlight, solar panels still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds.
There will always be visible light even during the harshest storms and it will penetrate through clouds and rain.
To give you an average figure on solar panels generation during monsoon,
- In cloudy days solar panels normally generate 30 % – 50 % of their optimum generation and
- In heavy rain solar panels generate 10 % – 20 % of their optimum generation.
Heavy rain impact the generation of energy more than cloudy days. The reason for this is because during heavy rain, it is both the rain droplets and clouds that is blocking the sun.
However, be rest assured there will be at least some power production even in stormy rain.

How will I power my house when it rains from solar panels?
Most people who install solar on their houses have an on grid solar system. In an on grid solar system you have two sources of electricity one is your solar and other is your electricity provider. When it rains and your solar is not performing at its peak you will pull the extra needed energy from the utility grid and the electricity provider will charge your for those units.
So if the electricity deficit you have from your solar panels your appliances will pull from the utility grid.
To conclude solar panels generate electricity during rain. It will of course not be as much as when its sunny, but there will be generation.
Solar power systems is generally used to suppliment conventional electricity supply to your home, taking the strain off the energy bill. More often than not, it is used to heat water for the household. With solar panels you can capture and harness the power of the sun and the electricity you will produce will be the greenest, cleanest and most efficient possible. It doesn’t travel through any locations, pass through long processes or go anywhere, you use it right where you generate it.
As long as the sun continues to shine there will always be a supply of solar energy, making it the best renewable source of electricity possible. ⛅
We can help you optimise your energy consumption and save even further with the benefits of solar power. Click the button below to use our solar calculator or fill in the form below and our team will be in contact!