Solar panels in the UK. How viable an option are they?

When looking at solar energy advantages and disadvantages one of the disadvantages of solar panels is the impact of cloud cover on the efficiency of photo voltaic solar panels. In fact cloud cover is the biggest concern regarding solar panels UK residents mention. Is it as big a problem as suggested?

There is a definite effect on the efficiency of solar panel during cloud cover. Estimates vary, but realistically on a day with low, thick cloud cover you could see your solar panels running at around 25% of the level that you would expect on a clear day. So there is no doubt that during thick cloud cover you lose a lot of efficiency.

On most days you will see cloud cover interspersed with periods of clear sky, so most days arent an entire washout for solar generation. You might be surprised to see how little effect scattered and broken clouds have on electricity production.

So, is this a really big problem for solar panels in the UK? Surely its always cloudy here? Well, although you could be forgiven for thinking that at times it is, in fact our weather is nowhere near as dire as we sometimes think. You might be surprised to learn that there is actually only cloud cover over the south of England for around 50% of the time, the other half of daylight hours the skies are completely (or almost completely) clear. Beyond the clear skies, there is another 25% of the time when there are clouds but they are broken and scattered. In both clear skies and during scattered and broken cloud solar generation should be efficient.

In fact, studies show that it is only around 30% of the time that the skies over southern England are entirely overcast due to cloud, rain, fog and snow. Not as bad as you thought? You are not going to be free of the grid since a lot of that 30% is going to be during the winter, but looking over the whole year solar panels will work here in the UK. You need to look at the balance of the year, as you will often be selling your surplus energy to the grid during good weather, so solar is a solid all round investment.

For the most part your solar panels will be efficient here in the UK and if you choose the right system your gain could be even greater. The other good news is that next time you look up at a grey sky you will know that its actually normally much better than that!

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