Is there enough sunshine in the UK for a Solar P.V. system to work?

The Viability of Solar Power in the U.K.: Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Introduction

In recent years, the question of whether there is enough sunshine in the U.K. to make solar energy worthwhile has become less common because everyone is more familiar with the technology and we all see solar panels on houses every day. However, a lingering perception remains, prompting some to question the feasibility of solar PV systems in a region known for its inclement weather.

The Modern Solar Advantage

Whilst this misconception is perhaps understandable, and yes, it’s true that we don’t have all year round sunshine compared to that of sunnier regions, there is of course plenty of sunshine here that can create a significant amount of energy for your home.

Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to be able to generate, just daytime light is needed, so even on cloudy days your system will still generate, albeit not as much as it would on a bright sunny day.

Cloudy days in the UK still mean you can generate energy from your solar panel system.

Overcoming Weather Challenges

It's essential to recognise that solar panels continue to work, generating energy, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The northern hemisphere, including the U.K., enjoys long summer days, with daylight extending from 4 am to well after 9 pm. This extended period provides ample time for solar panels to generate energy and charge batteries for later use and is an advantage compared to the length of days the further south you go. In the summer you could have a fully charged battery for the morning and to charge your car overnight.

Conclusion

So, whilst overall it is certainly better and you will generate more electricity if you live in sunny regions like Spain and California, the U.K. certainly has enough sunlight to provide enough energy for it to be worthwhile in our homes here. Remember, our requirement for the amount of energy may be less than those with sunnier climates as we don’t really tend to have air conditioning in our homes, so there are different consideration for each scenario, and whilst we don’t generate as much energy because of less direct sunlight in a year, our electricity requirement could be less.