What Perth homeowners need to know about solar and cloudy weather
We all love a sunny WA day — and so do your solar panels! But what happens when the clouds roll in? At Solar You, this is one of the most common questions we get, especially during Perth’s winter months.
Let’s clear the fog and answer it simply.
☁️ Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
Yes, they do! Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy or overcast days — just not as much as they do in full sun.
In general, panels can produce 10% to 40% of their normal output depending on how thick the cloud cover is.
That means your system will still power part of your home, and any shortfall will come from the grid (or your battery, if you have one).
🌦️ How much sun does Perth actually get?
Even with winter clouds, Perth is one of Australia’s sunniest cities. On average, we get over 8 hours of sunshine per day across the year — so solar is still incredibly effective here, even in the cooler months.
In fact, many homes in Perth can still export excess energy to the grid throughout winter!
⚙️ What affects solar performance on cloudy days?
A few key factors can impact how well your system handles cloudy weather:
- Panel quality: Higher-efficiency panels perform better in low light
- Inverter type: Some inverters manage shade and cloud cover more intelligently
- System size: A larger system has more capacity to capture light
- Roof orientation: North-facing panels in WA get the best year-round sun
At Solar You, we design your system to suit your roof and local conditions — not just ideal summer days.
🔋 Can I store solar energy for use on cloudy days?
Yes! This is where solar batteries come in. If your system generates more power than you use on sunny days, a battery lets you store that excess energy and use it during cloudy weather or at night.
With the new WA battery rebate of up to $5,000, it’s now more affordable to add a battery and boost your system’s reliability year-round.
✅ The bottom line
Your solar system will still work on cloudy days — just at a reduced capacity. But with a well-designed setup, quality components, and smart usage habits, you’ll continue to save money all year long, no matter the forecast.
Want a system that performs well in all weather?
No pressure, just good advice and sunny service from your local Solar You team.
