Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy or Rainy Days?

When we think of solar energy, we usually picture clear skies and a blazing sun.But in tropical regions like Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, where rain and clouds are part of the daily forecast—especially during the summer—one question comes up a lot:

Do solar panels stop working when it’s cloudy or raining?The short answer: No, they don’t stop.The fuller answer: They still generate electricity, just at a lower rate.

☁️ Solar radiation still reaches us through clouds

Even when the sun hides behind clouds, it doesn’t disappear.While direct sunlight is reduced, there’s still something called diffused light—sunlight that is scattered by the clouds and atmosphere.

Here’s the good news:

🔋 Solar panels can still capture and convert this diffused light into usable energy.

🌧️ What happens during rain?

When it rains, solar production does drop temporarily, but it doesn’t stop.

And rain actually offers a surprising benefit:It helps clean the panels, washing away dust and debris that can reduce efficiency over time.

So instead of seeing rain as a problem, you can also see it as a little help from nature.

🔆 How much does production drop on cloudy days?

It varies based on the thickness of the clouds, the time of day, and the panel technology, but generally, you can expect production to range between 10% and 40% of normal output on overcast days.

And in places like Vallarta, clouds tend to come and go throughout the day, so solar panels still capture valuable sunlight when it breaks through.

☀️ The big picture: It’s still worth it

Even with seasonal rain and tropical skies, annual solar radiation in this region remains high. That’s why many families and businesses here have already switched to solar—and continue to see significant savings, even during the rainy season.

To sum it up:

• Solar panels do work with clouds and rain

• They capture both direct and diffused sunlight

• Rain actually helps keep them clean

• In tropical climates, annual performance remains strong

Not sure if your roof or location is suitable?

At Connecta Sunlink, we evaluate your actual conditions—no pressure, no guessing.We look at your usage, your roof, and your local weather to design a solar system that works for your lifestyle—sunny or cloudy.

Connect to the sun. We’re ready when you are.