Yes, and the higher quality solar panels you buy the better they’ll perform in low light conditions and / or without direct sunlight. Solar panels generate electricity based on light, not heat, which means they are operational year-round. They capture two types of sunlight:
- Direct Sunlight: Unobstructed light from the sun (high production)
- Diffuse Sunlight: Scattered light that passes through clouds and atmosphere (lower production).
How clouds impact solar panel output:
Solar panels convert light into electricity whenever daylight is present. However, energy production is reduced based on the density of the cloud cover:
- Light overcast conditions: On a lightly overcast day, your output might see a 10% to 30% reduction from peak
- Heavy overcast/storm conditions: On a heavily overcast or stormy day, production drops significantly, typically generating 30% to 60% of the output you would see on a clear, sunny day.
Important Note: If production drops below your home’s immediate power use (e.g. during a very dark storm), your home will automatically and seamlessly switch to drawing power from the electricity grid to meet the remainder of your needs. This means your lights stay on and your appliances keep running, however you are purchasing the topped up ‘extra’ power that’s required from your electricity retailer.
Performance in cold and winter:
Solar panels can be highly effective in cold weather. The key reasons are:
- Increased Efficiency: Panels actually work more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Excessive heat reduces the panel’s voltage, whereas Melbourne’s milder temperatures allow the cells to perform closer to their optimal tested conditions (25C)
- Seasonal Variation: Reduced winter output is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and the sun being lower in the sky (lower angle), not the cold temperature itself.
By choosing high-quality panels with a good temperature coefficient and ensuring proper installation on your roof in a location which will produce the most electricity, you can maximise energy production throughout the year, regardless of Melbourne’s variable weather.
