Do Solar Lights Charge On Cloudy Days?

A question often mentioned is whether Solar Lights can be charged on cloudy days or without the sun. The answer is yes.

Solar cell charging unit is sensitive to light density

Because the charging components on the solar panel are very sensitive to light density/luminous intensity. As long as the light density is sufficient, the solar panel can collect energy and begin its charging process to the solar lights for outdoor.

Light density still exists on cloudy days

Although the direct sunlight will be blocked on cloudy days, the solar-based lights are still receiving a charge. The clouds are diffusing the strength of the sunlight but solar irradiance is still transmitted from the sun to the earth. So, the solar power system still charges during cloud cover.

Furthermore, when puffy cumulus clouds cover the sun, from time to time the sunlight will penetrate holes in the clouds. Once it happens, the solar panels absorb not only the direct sunlight but also the sunlight reflected by the cloud.

In cloudy conditions, the sunlight or the luminous intensity is sufficient for charging in most cases.

Cloudy country’s solar light markets are booming

In Europe, Countries such as the British, Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium are famous for their cloudy and cool weather and do not have the same sunshine condition as Spain and France. However, the solar light markets are booming simply because cloudy days can also provide solar lights with considerable charging.

Charging efficiency during cloudy days

Although it can be charged on cloudy days, the charging speed will be slower. The irradiance on a cloudy day or in shadow may only get 1/2 or 1/5 than what it is on a sunny day.

The good news is that charging efficiency might be better during cloudy days through improved lighting technology. SOTTLOT New Energy 2017 won the international patent for ALS technology effectively enhancing this industry’s shortcomings. ALS technology is for short lighting time in bad weather, extended cloudy&rainy day lighting time solution, able to achieve 7 days of cloudy&rainy day lighting.

In summary, the solar-powered lights system can be charged on cloudy days. Even though there are continuous cloudy days. If you live in a cloudy and cool area, you can still buy SOTTLOT New Energy’s solar products such as solar-powered lights for yards, walkways, and gardens.