Joshua 
The short answer to your question is, “Yes, solar panels can work in cloudy conditions.”
Even when the sun is partially blocked or reflected by clouds, solar photovoltaic cells still produce energy. There are some things you should consider when determining the energy that your panels can generate on cloudy days.
DON’T SOLAR PANELS REQUIRE DIRECT SUNLIGHT IN ORDER TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY
Sunny weather is more likely to indicate less clouds in the sky and therefore less obstruction between the sun’s rays and your panels. Reflective properties of clouds can magnify the sun’s rays, but they also have an effect on sunlight. This can sometimes improve the performance of solar panels.
Direct sunlight, however, is more reliable in producing solar energy. Direct sunlight produces more energy than indirect sunlight, even if it is cloudy. As long as your home has a reliable energy source, you won’t need to rely on the utility company for power. This is more likely when it is cloudy.
Your panels will also generate more energy from direct sunlight than you use. This energy will be returned to the grid and you’ll get credit via Net Metering. You can use those energy credits to power the home even on cloudy days, when you most need them.
CLOUDY WEATHER Vs. ELECTRICITY CHARGE
Compared to bright, sunny weather, solar panels produce about get energy independence than to pay high electricity bills to power their homes. It’s not difficult to see solar system owners making a profit on their investment regardless of the weather.
The following are the five most cloudy cities in the U.S. as of 2022:
- Juneau
- Anchorage
- Astoria
- Seattle
- Portland
It is no surprise that the Pacific Northwest has the most cloudy cities. Even cities in California the top solar state, like San Francisco, have lingering fog most of the year. Despite the fog, the city has a warm climate and soft sunlight throughout the year. It is a great spot for solar.
Which SOLAR PANELS WORK BEST in CLOUDY CONDITIONS
Solar panels that are more efficient will produce more energy in the cloudy conditions.
This is true for all types of PV cells used in solar panels. Some solar cells can capture more UV light than others, including the red and blue wavelengths. This allows for higher energy production even in cloudy days.
SunPower panels are the most efficient panels and can produce more energy than the ones below them. The backside mirror is a thin aluminum layer that bounces light photons back into the solar cells. Light has a second chance to absorb.
This increases your energy output, especially when you have limited UV light hitting your panels.
