Does it always have to be sunny to get solar energy? Could it be partly cloudy?

The maximum output from solar panels occurs when the weather is sunny because the incoming photos are not scattered. When the weather is cloudy, some photons still reach the panels, but the efficiency and power output decrease by up to 70%. The output of the panels will decrease even more during a very dark thunderstorm. And naturally, at night, the output virtually disappears.

Solar panels also work better in cooler climates than warmer ones; in the north, snow accumulation can accumulate on the panels and reduce their efficiency; in the south, fine sand accumulation can cover or damage the panels.

The average number of sunny days in a year is what matters, not one cloudy day here or there, when it comes to solar energy economics.

Solar energy can still be generated on partly cloudy days, although the efficiency may be reduced compared to clear, sunny days.