Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight? (Tips to Boost Efficiency)
Solar panels, also called PV cells, work best in direct sunlight to produce renewable energy. They can still generate power on cloudy days or in shade, but not as much as they would in direct sunlight.
Solar energy can work even when it’s cloudy. You can still generate electricity with solar panels on overcast days. There are ways to increase electricity production from solar systems, even without direct sunlight.
In this blog post, we will discuss how much available sunlight a solar panel needs as well as some of the best ways to boost the solar power production of your panels.
Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight?
Solar panels can make electricity even without direct sunlight, but they work best when they have direct sunlight. They can still get some electricity from the sun on cloudy days or with indirect sunlight, but not as much. Solar panels are made to work in any weather.
If you can’t put solar panels in a sunny spot, there are other options to make solar electricity with less sunlight. We suggest getting a shade report for your property to see if solar panels work well there.
The report will show how much shade and direct sunlight your property gets all year. This is important to ensure your solar panels work as well as possible.
By looking at the shade levels, you can plan where to put your solar panels to get the most sun. This way, you can be sure your solar panels get enough sunlight in the best spot.
How Much Direct Sunlight Does a Solar Panel Need?
The amount of sunlight a solar panel needs depends on the type of solar panel. Some panels require enough sunlight, while others can function with indirect sunlight.
It is important to consider direct sunlight exposure and full sun exposure when determining the ideal conditions for your solar panel.
Solar panels are made from different materials that absorb both direct sunlight exposure and indirect sunlight. These materials efficiently convert light into energy, reducing the need for electricity.
For example, silicon solar panels require more direct sunlight exposure than CIGS solar panels to generate much electricity.
A solar panel typically needs about 4800 lumens of indirect sunlight exposure per square meter to efficiently convert sunlight energy into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) technology.
This is the equivalent of bright sunlight on a sunny day, ideal for harnessing solar energy and maximizing solar panel efficiency in solar power systems and solar panel arrays.
With less energy from indirect sunlight, solar panels will still work, but they will not be as efficient in converting that energy into usable power.
How Much Sunlight Do Different Solar Panels Produce?
The amount of sunlight an energy-efficient solar panel needs really depends on the type of solar panel.
Monocrystalline solar panels require direct sunlight for maximum electricity production, while polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels can generate electricity even in cloudy conditions or shade. These panels harness energy efficiently.
Monocrystalline solar panels, which are made from a single crystal of silicon, are highly efficient in converting energy from indirect sunlight.
They are considered the most efficient type of solar panel. Solar panels have impressive solar panel efficiency, converting up to 22% of solar energy into electricity during solar panel installation.
Polycrystalline solar panels harness energy from indirect sunlight. They are made from multiple crystals of silicon and have an efficiency of around 15-16%.
Thin-film solar panels have the lowest efficiency among different types of solar panels, with an efficiency of approximately 11-12% in converting energy.
So, as you can see, direct sunlight is not necessary for solar panels to work and generate energy. However, solar panels will produce more electricity if they are in direct sunlight.
How to Boost Sunlight for Solar Panels
There are a few things you can do to help boost the energy your solar panels are getting from the sunlight.
Location
The most important thing for maximizing energy production is to install your solar panels in a location with ample direct sunlight.
There are reports you can get that show the direct and indirect sunlight in each area of your roof to calculate where to install your energy panels for maximum efficiency.
Orientation & Angle
Make sure the solar panels are facing south to maximize energy from sunlight throughout the day.
The angle of the energy panels should also be adjusted for the best energy results. The angle of solar panels should be adjusted depending on your latitude to optimize energy production.
In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should be angled at around 30 degrees, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they should be angled at 60 degrees.
Cleanliness
Make sure to keep your solar panels clean from lichen, dirt, and other debris to maximize their absorption of sunlight and energy. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other forms of debris can significantly decrease the energy efficiency of your solar panels.
Sun Tracker
One option is using a solar tracker. A solar tracker maximizes energy production by following the sun throughout the day, ensuring that the panels are always exposed to direct sunlight. This option is best for businesses or homeowners who have a lot of space and want to maximize the energy output of their solar panels.
This is an expensive energy option to get installed, but it can increase efficiency by up to 25%.
Solar Concentrator
Another option is using a solar concentrator. A solar concentrator collects energy from sunlight and focuses it onto a smaller area, so the solar panel can absorb more light.
This option is best for homeowners who want to install solar panels on their roof and harness renewable energy, but do not have enough direct sunlight.
Reflectors
You can also use reflectors to help boost the energy your solar panels are getting. Reflectors reflect light onto the solar panel, which increases the amount of energy it produces.
You can use one or more of these reflectors to help increase the sunlight your solar panels are getting:
- A parabolic reflector is a U-shaped reflector that reflects sunlight onto the solar panel.
- A linear reflector is a long, flat reflector that reflects sunlight onto the solar panel.
- A Fresnel reflector is a lens that focuses sunlight onto the solar panel.
For a home DIY solution, you can use a mirror or a windshield sun reflector to help bounce light onto your solar panels.
As you can see, there are a few different options for boosting sunlight for solar panels. If you have the space and the budget, a solar tracker is the best option. If you’re limited on space, a solar concentrator is a good option.
And if you’re on a tight budget, reflectors are a good way to go. No matter what type of solar panel you have, making sure it’s in a location with as much direct sunlight as possible is the best way to increase its efficiency.
How Much Energy Do PV Solar Panels Require to Be Economic?
The amount of sunlight that solar panels require to be economical varies depending on the type of solar panel.
As we mentioned before, Thin-film solar panels have the lowest efficiency among different types of solar panels, with an efficiency of approximately 11-12% in converting energy.
This means that they require more sunlight to produce the same amount of electricity as a higher efficiency solar panel.
Conventional solar panels have an efficiency of around 15-20%, so they require less sunlight to be economical than thin-film solar panels.
High efficiency solar panels have an efficiency of around 22-25%, which means they require the least amount of sunlight to be economical.
So, what’s the bottom line? The amount of sunlight that solar panels require to be economical depends on the type of solar panel. Thin-film solar panels require more sunlight, while high efficiency solar panels require less.
If you’re looking for the most efficient way to use solar panels, it’s important to choose a location with as much direct sunlight as possible. This will help you get the most out of your solar panels, no matter what type you have.
What Time of Day Are Solar Panels Most Efficient?
The time of day that solar panels are most efficient varies depending on your location. In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels are most efficient in the summer, when the sun is high in the sky.
There are four peak sun hours per day in the summer, which is when solar panels are most efficient in producing solar energy.
In the Southern Hemisphere, solar panels can be most efficient in the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky.
The time of day that solar panels are most efficient also depends on your latitude. The closer you are to the equator, the more consistent sunlight you will get throughout the year.
This means it is very difficult to give an exact time of day when solar panels are most efficient. However, in general, solar panels are most efficient when the sun is high in the sky and they’re facing directly toward it.
Questions & Answers
Do Solar Panels Work in The Shade?
Solar panels can still produce electricity in the shade, but their efficiency will be lower. This is because they rely on the sun’s rays to generate electricity, and shade blocks some of that sunlight.
The amount of sunlight that shade blocks depends on the type of shading (partial or full), the density of the shading, and the angle of the shading.
Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight or Just Daylight?
Solar panels need enough sunlight to generate electricity, but they don’t necessarily need direct sunlight.
The peak output of solar panels decreases as the angle of the sun decreases, so if your solar panel is in a location that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you may want to consider using a solar tracker.
What Happens if One Solar Panel Is Shaded?
If one solar panel is shaded, the output of the entire array will be reduced. This is because solar panels are connected in what’s called a series circuit.
This means that if one solar panel isn’t working properly, it can drag down the performance of the other panels in the entire solar panel system.
The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure that all of your solar panels are in a location with as many peak sun hours as possible to perform optimally.
Final Thoughts
While solar panels do need sunlight, they don’t necessarily need direct sunlight. Panels can still generate power on a cloudy day or even when it’s raining.
You may have to adjust your expectations depending on where you live, but solar is still a viable option for many homeowners. Have you considered going solar?
