Do solar electric systems work in cold and/or cloudy climates?
Do solar electric systems work in cold / cloudy climates? YES! Contrary to most people’s intuition, photovoltaic panels work more efficiently at lower temperatures. This is because the solar cells in the panels are really electronic devices that generate electricity from light, not heat. In temperate climates, PV panels will generate less energy in the winter than in the summer, but this is due to the shorter days, not the cooler temperatures. PV panels also generate electricity in cloudy weather, although the current output decreases with decreased light intensity. PV panels do not need direct sun and can even generate 50-70% of their rated output under a bright overcast (good news for San Francisco!). A dark overcast corresponds to 5-10% of full sun intensity, so the output could be diminished proportionately.
