Do Solar Generators Work on Cloudy Days?
January 24, 2025 | Nate CordOne question on many people’s minds when it comes to the usefulness of solar power is, can solar generators still work on cloudy days?
The simple answer to this question is – yes! The sun’s radiation can easily penetrate clouds, and while the intensity of solar radiation is reduced, a significant amount of light still reaches the Earth’s surface, which solar panels can capture and convert into energy.
It’s the same way you might find yourself a little burnt in the summer even if it’s a bit overcast – because the UV radiation still passes through.
So, even if it’s a cloudy day and the clouds block some of the sunlight, solar panels can still capture diffused light from the clouds. That said, the energy production efficiency will be considerably lower, compared to a day of full sunlight.
How Much Energy Can a Solar Panel Generate in Cloudy Conditions?
The exact amount of power generated will all depend on the generator’s quality, the cloud cover, and the solar panels’ conversion rate.
For example, high-quality monocrystalline solar panels tend to perform better under cloudy conditions than polycrystalline or thin-film panels. Additionally, solar panels generate anywhere from 10% to 25% of their rated power on a heavily overcast or cloudy day, compared to what they would produce under full sun.
While solar panels therefore won’t perform as well on cloudy days, they can still generate a substantial amount of energy.
If you’d like some more information about solar generators and panels, give our knowledgeable team a call on +441639849847.
What Are the Best Solar Powered Generators?
With so many different brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. This is where we’re here to help!
Our expert team has hand selected 4 of the best solar powered generators (and solar panels), all from quality, reliable brands, to help narrow down your options.
The 4 best solar powered generators are:
1. Anker A1751211 Power House 535 Portable Power Station
First up we have the Anker Power House 535 Portable Power Station, specifically designed to work with Anker’s solar products, like the Anker SOLIX 100W Foldable Solar Panel.
The PowerHouse 535 offers an impressive 512Wh capacity, making it suitable for charging a variety of devices like laptops, smartphones, cameras, small appliances, and even mini-fridges.
The power station also operates at whisper quiet levels at all times, due to an internal chip and intelligent AI algorithm, so you barely know it’s on. Ideal for outdoor living.
2. Acer 1800W Portable Power Station 1226Wh
The Acer 1800W Portable Power Station 1226Wh is another generator that’s compatible with solar panel input, such as the Acer 200W Foldable Solar Panel (which boasts an impressive 23% conversion efficiency).
Whether you’re camping, traveling, or facing a power outage, this power station is your reliable companion, providing a continuous output of 1800 watts, with a surge capability of up to 3600 watts.
This model also allows you to power multiple devices simultaneously with up to 12 AC+DC outputs for comprehensive functionality.
With IP67 waterproof rating, the Acer 200W solar panel is protected from the elements.
3. Anker SOLIX F2000 A1780211 Power House 767 Portable Power Station
The Anker SOLIX Power House 767 Portable Power Station is equipped with a massive 2048Wh capacity and huge 2300W AC output to conveniently power almost any appliance – whether it be off-grid life essentials like microwaves and fridges to power drills and high-output lights.
Whenever used outdoors,you can recharge the portable power station quickly, conveniently, and sustainably by taking advantage of its 1000W solar input capacity.
Pair with Anker’s SOLIX solar panels to recharge it in a sustainable way, such as the Anker SOLIX 200W Foldable Solar Panel, which features monocrystalline solar cells and a powerful sunlight-trapping surface to provide a conversion efficiency rate up to 23%.
Designed to be brought on adventures, the foldable solar panel is compact, so you can have continuous power to charge your devices quickly on the go.
4. Goal Zero Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station 6071Wh
Last but certainly not least, we have the impressive Goal Zero Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station 6071Wh – the highest capacity Goal Zero power station to date.
Equipped with 6000 watt-hours of lithium power, the Yeti 6000X will run power-hungry devices and appliances for days and days on end. What’s more, you can enjoy a wide range of powering options with 7 versatile ports, including an industry-leading 2000W AC port to run nearly anything you could from a wall outlet.
Power RV’s, trailers, off-grid events, work sites, essential circuits in your home, and more.
Recharge from the sun by connecting a compatible solar panel, like the Goal Zero Ranger 300 Briefcase Solar Panel, featuring four 75-Watt panels, totalling 300 Watts, chained together and connected at the hinge.
Designed with a thinner aluminium frame and ETFE polymer instead of glass, the Ranger 300 adds 100 Watts of solar to the Boulder 200 while shedding 1.3 kg.
Our solar powered generators don’t stop there. Check out our complete collection of solar powered generators and solar panels here.
Looking For a Quality Solar Powered Generator?
At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs.
Our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.
If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847. We’d be more than happy to assist you.
Related Products
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Anker A1751211 Power House 535 Portable Power Station
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Anker SOLIX 100W Foldable Solar Panel
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Acer 1800W Portable Power Station 1226Wh
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Acer 200W Foldable Solar Panel
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Anker SOLIX F2000 A1780211 Power House 767 Portable Power Station
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Anker SOLIX 200W Foldable Solar Panel
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Goal Zero Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station 6071Wh
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Goal Zero Ranger 300 Briefcase Solar Panel
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