Cloud Cover's Sneaky Impact on Solar Production
2. Decoding the Degree of Diminishment
Alright, we know solar panels still work on cloudy days. But just how much does cloud cover impact their performance? This is where things get a little more technical, but don't worry, we'll keep it simple. The amount of electricity your solar panels produce on a cloudy day depends on several factors, including the thickness of the clouds, the type of clouds, and the time of day.
Generally, a heavily overcast day can reduce solar panel output by as much as 70-90%. That's a significant drop, no doubt. But a lightly overcast day might only reduce output by 25-50%. The key is the density of the cloud cover. Thicker clouds block more sunlight, while thinner clouds let more sunlight through. Think of it as different shades of gray — the darker the gray, the less sunlight reaches your panels.
The type of clouds also matters. Cumulus clouds, those puffy white clouds that look like cotton balls, tend to be less dense than stratus clouds, those flat, gray clouds that blanket the sky. Cumulus clouds might only partially block the sun, while stratus clouds can completely obscure it. So, a sky full of cumulus clouds might still allow for decent solar production, while a sky covered in stratus clouds will likely result in a significant drop in output.
Finally, the time of day plays a role. Even on a cloudy day, solar panel output is generally higher during the middle of the day when the sun is higher in the sky. This is because the sunlight has less atmosphere to travel through, meaning more of it reaches your panels. So, even on a cloudy day, you'll likely see a peak in solar production around noon.
