Do you think solar panels need full sun to generate electricity? Think about it again. A recent Instagram video from Current Electric Company (@callcurrent) dispels one of the most persistent myths about solar energy: panels stop working when it's cloudy or cold.
The company quickly debunks the idea, explaining that solar panels rely on light, not heat, and that cooler temperatures can actually improve their efficiency. On cloudy days, panels can still produce 10 to 25% of their normal output, the narrator explains in the video. “Don’t let a few clouds fool you,” the caption reads, “with Wisconsin weather, the solar system works year-round.”
Germany, one of the cloudiest countries in Europe, is a world leader in solar energy production, showing that sunlight does not have to be constant for panels to work efficiently. Modern solar technology captures diffused sunlight so your system continues to generate power even when the sky is gray.
Rooftop solar systems have become one of the easiest ways for homeowners to reduce their monthly energy costs while, when combined with battery storage, making their homes more resilient to extreme weather conditions. If you're considering solar energy for your home, The Cool Down's Solar Explorer is an easy first stop to quickly get solar installation estimates and compare quotes from verified installers (and help you save up to $10,000).
With EnergySage, a Solar Explorer partner, you can compare system costs and understand what incentives are available in your state so you can make the most informed decision for your home and budget. If upfront costs are a concern, Solar Explorer can help you find solar leasing options like Palmetto's $0 LightReach program, which can help you reduce your electric rates by 20%.
When combined with other efficient electrical devices such as heat pumps, solar energy becomes even more powerful. TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it easy to find the right installer and an efficient HVAC system that can save you 50% on your heating and cooling costs.
At its core, the video underscores a simple point: the weather doesn't kill solar energy. With today's technology and tools, switching to solar energy is more readily available, less expensive, and far more weatherproof than people realize.
💰Get TCD's free newsletters with simple tips to save more, waste less and make smarter decisions – and earn up to $5,000 on clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.