Whenever we hear an advertisement about solar panels or talk to someone about them, we consider installing them. But if you are wondering whether solar panels work in the rain or how they generate electricity without sunlight, this information might be useful for you. Here, we will explain how solar panels work without sunlight and how they provide electricity.
As for the first question, do solar panels work in the rain? The answer is yes, solar panels do work in the rain, but their efficiency decreases. To understand this better, read the detailed information below.
Impact of Rain on Solar Panels
During rain, clouds reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels, resulting in lower energy generation. When rainwater accumulates on the surface of the solar panels, it further hampers sunlight from reaching the panels. The drop in temperature due to rain can also decrease the efficiency of solar panels. Despite these factors, solar panels still generate electricity in the rain. Read below to find out how solar panels generate electricity without sunlight.
How Do Solar Panels Generate Electricity Without Sunlight?
Solar panels generate electricity during the day and store it in batteries. During rainy weather, when sunlight is less, the stored electricity in the batteries is used to power homes and other devices.
The electricity generated by solar panels is in Direct Current (DC). The devices used in homes require Alternating Current (AC) electricity. An inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity for use.
Two Types of Solar Panels
There are two types of solar panels available in the market. The first type does not have batteries. These solar panels are relatively cheaper, and the government provides subsidies on them. When excess electricity is generated, you can sell it back to the government. In return, the government supplies electricity during the night or when needed.
The second type of solar panel comes with batteries that store electricity during sunlight hours. These systems are not affected by whether sunlight is available or not.
