Do Solar Panels Work on Rainy or Cloudy Days?

Key Takeaways

Solar panels continue working even during rainy or cloudy weather thanks to modern low-light technology. While output may drop temporarily, long-term performance and savings remain strong when systems are designed for Singapore and Malaysia’s climate.

In Singapore and Malaysia, rain is part of everyday life, and so one of the first questions property owners ask is: “Do solar panels still work when it rains or on cloudy days?”

The short answer: yes, they do — and often better than you think.

This article explains how solar performs in low-light conditions, why rain isn't a deal-breaker, and how GetSolar designs systems built for tropical climates.

How Solar Works Even In Cloudy Or Rainy Weather

Solar panels rely on light, not heat. Even when the sky is grey, sunlight still reaches us as diffuse light that modern solar panels can capture.

Today's solar panels are far more efficient in low-light conditions than older systems, which means your solar setup keeps producing energy even during heavy cloud cover.

Expected Output On Cloudy Days

Weather does reduce output, but your systems never "turns off":

• Lightly cloudy days → output may decrease by 10–25%
• Heavily overcast or rainy days → output may drop by 50–60%

These variations are normal and already factored into GetSolar's performance forecasts.

Rain Helps Your Panels Work Better

Rain doesn't just cool the panels, instead it washes away dust, haze, and dirt that reduce efficiency. Tropical storms essentially give your solar system a free cleaning, helping your panels perform consistently over time.

If you're curious about how we guarantee long-term performance, explore our solar performance guarantees.

How GetSolar Designs Systems For Singapore & Malaysia's Weather

GetSolar uses localised solar data, rainfall patterns, and irradiance models to design systems that maximise your annual production, rain and monsoon seasons included.

1. Realistic, Localised Annual Estimates

Every design uses real weather data and simulation models to calculate true year-round performance. What we quote is what you can realistically expect.

2. Built For Harsh Tropical Conditions

With GetSolar's Rent-to-Own plans, you receive:

• Reliable mounting structures built for strong winds
• Tier 1 high-quality, high-performance solar panels
• Full maintenance included throughout the contract period

When comparing options, here's a deeper look at how rooftop solar systems are engineered.

Extreme Weather: Storms, Typhoons & Climate Risks

Southeast Asia has seen increasingly severe typhoons in recent years. Events such as Kajiki, Tapah, Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo (2025) affected parts of the region with stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

Scientists warn that rising sea temperatures are intensifying these storms — a trend highlighted in a recent Reuters report on typhoon-related climate risks.

Despite these concerns, properly engineered solar systems are designed to withstand harsh weather:

• Wind load calculation
• Corrosion-resistant mounting structures
• Strong roof anchoring
• Safety checks and compliance for local standards

Our engineers also can recommend reinforced mounting for coastal or high-wind areas.

Rain & Clouds ≠ Deal-breaker

Rainy seasons don’t make solar less worthwhile. Modern solar panels work reliably year-round in Singapore and Malaysia even through monsoon weather.

With the right provider, solar remains one of the most stable ways to reduce your electricity bills and protect yourself from rising grid prices.

Ready to explore your savings? Get an instant estimate with our Solar Calculator and our team will guide you from there, rain or shine.