- Brian Pena - Solar Pro
- Posts
- What Happens On Cloudy Days Or At Night With Solar?
What Happens On Cloudy Days Or At Night With Solar?
Sun or No Sun, You're Covered!
Brian Pena
May 20, 2025
BUT WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT’S CLOUDY?
If you've mentioned solar to friends, you've heard this question!
Many people think solar only works when the sun is blazing overhead.
The truth?
Solar panels work surprisingly well in less-than-perfect conditions.
Your panels will produce less on cloudy days and nothing at night, but smart system design ensures you're never left in the dark.
Let's shed some light on how solar handles every weather condition!
YES, SOLAR WORKS ON CLOUDY DAYS!
Solar panels generate electricity whenever there's daylight – even through clouds!
On partly cloudy days, panels still produce 70-80% of their maximum output.
Heavy cloud cover drops production to about 25-30% – less power, but still working!
In Seattle (one of America's cloudiest cities), a solar system still can produces 100% of the electricity needed annually despite the notorious Pacific Northwest gloom. (Although more panels/a larger system might be needed)
HOW YOUR HOME STAYS POWERED 24/7
Most solar homes are still connected to the electric grid and use "net metering" – your panels feed extra power to the grid during sunny days, earning credits that offset the electricity you pull back at night.
It's like filling a virtual battery during the day and drawing from it after dark.
Your utility company handles this swap automatically, and you only pay for your net usage.
The Del Valle family in Las Vegas produces almost twice the power they need in the spring and fall, banking enough credits to cover all of their summer usage when their usage spikes due to days that are 100+ degrees and the AC unit is running non-stop.
BATTERY BACKUP: THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
Want true 24/7 solar power without relying on the utility company to provide any electricity?
Add battery storage to your system.
Batteries capture excess daytime production for nighttime use, keeping your lights on and refrigerator running even when the sun's down.
They're especially valuable during power outages – most solar systems without batteries shut down during grid outages (for safety reasons), but battery systems can create a "mini-grid" that keeps essential items running.
Expect to add $8,000-$15,000 for a typical home battery system.
SOLAR FUN FACT
Solar fun fact: Modern solar panels actually work BETTER in cooler temperatures!
While sunlight is obviously essential, panels lose efficiency in extreme heat.
A bright, cool spring day might generate more power than a scorching summer afternoon – making cloudy but cool days surprisingly productive!
READY TO GET AN ESTIMATE?
Click the link below and we’ll connect you with a trusted local installer!