How Efficient Is Solar With Cloudy and Overcast Weather? Your Clients Want to Know

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June 4, 2019 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days, But Keep Expectations Realistic

Virtually every prospective solar customer asks the same question at some point – will my solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days? The correct answer is “yes,” but if you are aiming to earn their trust, then you should definitely elaborate further.

Just because solar doesn’t work as effectively in overcast weather as it does on sunny days, it doesn’t mean that clouds render the system obsolete. The key to converting sales with this type of customer is providing your prospect with a more accurate answer to this question, so they can know exactly what to expect from their systems when the sun isn’t blazing.

By giving them an honest and accurate answer, your buyer will be able to avoid having remorse should their system not perform to misinformed expectations. Here’s what you need to say.

How Do Solar Panels Perform on Cloudy Days?

If you have ever visited the beach on a cloudy day and returned home to discover you got sunburned, then you know first-hand that the sun’s rays still reach the earth regardless of how cloudy it is outside. As a result, even when the skies are overcast, a solar panel still collects energy from the sun’s rays. It just collects less.

How much less depends on several factors, including the density of the cloud cover, the type of solar cells featured in the panels, and more. Typically, a solar system can generate between 10% and 25% of their rated capacity on overcast days.

UV Solar Cells Can Improve Production

The sun’s rays that penetrate the clouds are called ultraviolet rays, and these are the rays responsible for producing sunburn. Today, there are several manufacturers developing solar cells that can more easily absorb ultraviolet rays. Utilizing these types of cells in solar systems installed in areas with more overcast weather will help improve the efficiency of these systems.

Why Solar Makes Sense Even in Cloudy Climates

Solar is a good consideration for cloudy climates because these systems can still prove to be very efficient, and they will become even more efficient over time as solar cell technology advances.

Consider this – Germany currently owns half of the entire world’s supply of solar, yet the country only receives half the annual sunshine of Alaska. In the U.S., Portland, Oregon is well-known for its overcast days and dreary winters. But the truth is, Portland gets just as much sunshine per year as the average American city, and because the temperatures don’t get overly hot in the northwest makes Portland an ideal candidate for solar.

The Edge of Cloud Effect Makes for an Even Stronger Argument for Solar

There’s a surprising phenomenon that happens on cloudy days that can make a solar system perform even better than it does on full-sun days. It’s called the edge of cloud effect. This effect happens when the sun’s rays pass through the edge of a cloud. The edge of the cloud magnifies the rays, thus boosting their intensity and causing a solar panel to absorb a much higher amount of energy. The effect is temporary, but the result is substantial.

Cloudy days come and go, so even though a solar system’s performance can drop during these days, the sun always comes back out. Over the course of a year, the energy generated by solar far exceeds the decline in efficiency caused by overcast skies from time to time, making solar panels a worthwhile investment no matter where your clients live.

If You Need Solar Leads, Turn to RGR Marketing

If you’re a solar company and you’re looking for better solar leads, contact RGR Marketing today. We can provide you with high-quality, verified solar leads that are validated and tailored to your specific demographics and requirements. Let us help you grow your solar business with better leads that make for easier conversions and more successful results.

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Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days, But Keep Expectations Realistic

How Do Solar Panels Perform on Cloudy Days?

UV Solar Cells Can Improve Production

Why Solar Makes Sense Even in Cloudy Climates

The Edge of Cloud Effect Makes for an Even Stronger Argument for Solar

If You Need Solar Leads, Turn to RGR Marketing

Start making more
money today!

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Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days, But Keep Expectations Realistic

How Do Solar Panels Perform on Cloudy Days?

UV Solar Cells Can Improve Production

Why Solar Makes Sense Even in Cloudy Climates

The Edge of Cloud Effect Makes for an Even Stronger Argument for Solar

If You Need Solar Leads, Turn to RGR Marketing

Start making more money today!

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