The monsoon brings much-needed rain to India after the hot summer. But many homeowners ask an important question: Do solar panels still work when it rains? If you are planning to install solar panels for your home or already have them, it is natural to worry about performance during cloudy and wet months. Let us answer some common questions.
Do Solar Panels Work When it Rains?
Yes, they do. Solar panels use sunlight, not heat. Even when clouds cover the sky, some sunlight still reaches the ground. This diffused light helps panels produce electricity.
On very dark and rainy days, power generation can drop to around 10 to 25% of normal levels. On lighter cloudy days, production may reach 30 to 50%. So, during the monsoon, your residential solar rooftop may not give full output, but it will not stop working either.
Does Rainfall Damage Solar Panels?
No, it does not. Good-quality solar panels are built to face heavy rain and strong winds. Most panels used in India are tested to handle wind speeds of up to 150 km/h.
Rain also helps by cleaning dust and dirt from the panels. This natural cleaning improves performance when the sun comes out again. The only thing you need to ensure is proper installation with strong mounts and waterproof wiring.
Will the Monsoon Reduce My Annual Savings?
Not in a big way. India has around 250–300 sunny days every year. (Source) A few cloudy weeks in the monsoon do not affect the yearly power generation too much.
For example, a 1 kW residential solar rooftop in Delhi produces about 1,200 to 1,500 units of electricity in a year. Even if production drops in July or August, strong generation during the rest of the year balances it. This means your savings on electricity bills remain high throughout the year.
How Can I Prepare My Solar System for the Rainy Season?
There are several steps you can follow to prepare your solar panels for the monsoons. With the help of the following steps, you can make sure your solar panels for your home will work smoothly through the rainy season.
- Get a pre-monsoon check-up to ensure that the panels, wiring, and mounting structures are in proper condition.
- Keep the panels clean, as rain helps, but occasional manual cleaning is still necessary for better performance.
- Check the tilt angles so that the panels allow rainwater to flow off easily and avoid waterlogging.
- Ensure proper safety by using good earthing and surge protection to keep the system safe during storms.
What About Safety During Lightning and Storms?
Solar systems in India are designed with strict safety standards. Panels come with waterproof junctions that prevent water damage. In addition, earthing and lightning arresters protect your home and the system. If you choose a trusted installer, you can be sure your system remains safe in bad weather.
Are Solar Panels Still Worth It if Monsoon Reduces Output?
Yes. The drop in power generation during the monsoon lasts only for a few weeks. Over the rest of the year, solar panels continue to generate strong output. When you look at the bigger picture, a solar system saves lakhs of rupees on electricity bills over its 25-year lifespan.
Government schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana also give subsidies, which lower the cost of installation. This makes residential solar rooftop systems a smart and safe choice for Indian homes.
Why Choose Mahindra Solarize?
At Mahindra Solarize, we design solar solutions that perform well in all seasons, including the monsoon. Our panels are tested for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and corrosion. We also provide expert installation, safety features, and support to keep your system running smoothly. With us, your solar panels for the home give you sufficient power and savings year after year.
Monsoon clouds may reduce solar output, but they do not stop it. Panels keep generating electricity, stay clean with rain, and remain safe if installed properly. Over the years, your system would still deliver strong performance and steady savings. A residential solar rooftop is not just an investment for sunny days; it is a reliable solution through every season in India.
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