Solar power is one of the cleanest, greenest forms of energy. As many Aussies look to reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit for the environment, the number of homes with solar panels has skyrocketed.
Solar is an effective renewable energy source here in sunny Australia thanks to our warm climate, but what happens after the sun sets? Do solar panels work at night? And if not, how can you still access clean energy? Let’s find out.
Do solar panels work at night? Here’s the answer
Technically, solar panels do not work at night. Photovoltaic cells in solar panels require access to sunlight to produce electricity. No sunlight means no electricity – It is that simple.
While solar panels do not produce energy at night, you can still utilise solar energy harvested during the day at all hours. How? By using a battery storage system.
How does solar battery storage work?
A solar battery storage system that recharges during the day and delivers power during the night is a great way to use your solar power when you need it most. When your solar panels produce electricity during the day, this is used for your home energy needs.
If your system produces more electricity than you use, excess power is then used to charge your batteries to power your home during the night.
In general, stored solar power will keep its charge for 1-5 days, depending on the type of batteries you have, which means that you can store any surplus energy that’s generated and use it when the sun goes down. This empowers you to live off the grid!
Do solar panels work in low-light conditions?
Solar panels do not work at night, but they do produce electricity in other low-light conditions.
Solar panels require a very small number of photons to produce electricity and deliver reliable, environmentally-friendly power to your home. If you have invested in high-quality panels, they will likely become active before the sun rises above the horizon.
Solar systems continue to generate energy on cloudy days and in wet weather, too. The sun’s powerful rays can penetrate through clouds, giving your solar panels continuous access to the photons needed to produce electricity. Plus, if your panels are installed on a pitched roof, the rain helps keep them clean and effective.
Do keep in mind that your solar power production will likely be lower on cloudy days and during other low-light conditions, such as early morning and late afternoon. The time of day your solar panels perform at their peak will depend on their orientation.
Ready to make the switch to solar?
Fantastic. Embracing clean, renewable energy is one of the best ways you can play your part in shaping a happy, healthy future. Even better? You will save money on your electricity bills in the process.
If you are ready to get the ball rolling, reach out to our friendly team of solar experts today. We are more than happy to answer your questions and provide honest, personalised advice.