It’s a common misconception that solar panels are useful for places that have regular sunlight and hot weather. But, that is not true, you see, nowadays solar panels come with the advanced technology of improved solar cells that can absorb the Sun’s rays even in low light conditions. Did that catch your attention? We’d bet it did.
Solar panels can work in low-light environments because the light is still penetrating and reaching the solar panels. Even with clouds, complete darkness is not present, which means that some light can pass through those clouds. That is all the amount needed for such low-light solar panels to function.
Before we present you with the best solar panels for low light, we’d like to answer an important question that may have been on your mind.
Do Solar Panels Work Effectively in Low Lights?
Solar panels do work effectively owing to PV cells. These cells work based purely on the light and not the Sun’s heat. Hence, it doesn’t matter if the place is cold, has foggy weather, or has low light conditions. PV cells are designed to work optimally in less heat as they only require sunlight and electricity from your solar cells. Thus low light will not impact your electricity generation.
The 3 Best Solar Panels for Low Light
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the best solar panels for low light.
1. Sungold Power 200watts Monocrystalline Grade A Solar Panel
The 200watt monocrystalline solar panel works well in diverse weather conditions. Its waterproof and windproof feature makes it an ideal choice for rainy and cloudy weathers with low light conditions. The main attractive point is that it is made using anodized aluminum; therefore, it’s scratch-resistant and a great choice for industrial use.
A monocrystalline panel is an added benefit since it has solar cells with increased efficiency, which means that the output is high even in a low light atmosphere. In addition to this, it has a pre-drilled hole which means that it’s easy to install. You can install it easily in an electric car, a caravan, a boat, or generally anywhere outdoor.
Pros
- Monocrystalline solar cells
- Waterproof design
- Easy to install and use
- Aluminum built and design
- Durable
Cons
- The price point is higher
2. Renogy 400watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar RV Offgrid Kit
This product is designed to be an off-grid solar panel system that is perfect for a low-light environment. It includes monocrystalline solar cell efficiency at 21%, making it easier to absorb sunlight. This is because monocrystalline solar cells can absorb sun rays even in the shade, low light environments, or cloudy weather. So you won’t need to worry about being restricted to places with proper sunlight or hot weather.
This also comes with multi-layered sheet laminations, which improve the solar cell performance making it long-lasting. In addition, the aluminum frame makes it rust-resistant, so it can be used extensively outdoors.
Pros
- Off-grid solar panel system for low lights
- Monocrystalline solar cells with 21% efficiency
- Output: 2000watts on average per day
- Multi-layered sheet laminations to improve solar cell performance
- Rust-resistant aluminum frame for extended outdoor use
- 30A PWM charge controller designed especially for RV applications.
Cons
- Cable length is short
- The installation description does not come with the solar kit.
3. Xinpuguang 400watts Flexible Solar Panel Kit Monocrystalline Cell Module 30A Controller
This solar panel is designed to be used as a 12 volts off-grid system optimized for regions that don’t get a consistent electricity supply foe example: mountains or deserts. It is one of the most flexible solar panels that provide solar cell efficiency for up to 19.6%. This means that the panels offer more power and are optimized to work in low-light conditions. It also has a super easy installation method because it comes with six mounting holes.
Its reliable size speaks for itself because it is made of high-quality encapsulation material to make it long-lasting. It has great flexibility on curved surfaces so that you can use it on tents, golf carts, trailers, etc. It is incorporated with multi-layered sheet lamination that improves the panel’s durability and performance.
Pros
- You can curve it over 30 degrees.
- Monocrystalline solar cells with 19.6% solar cell conversion
- Has essential parts
- It can resist different weather conditions due to its durability
- Comes with a 30A solar controller and a 4 in 1 parallel connector
Cons
- Not suitable for long-term use
- The price point is higher than others
An Important Feature to Consider
Before you make up your mind on the best solar panels for low light, you need to know an important feature difference.
Fixed Vs. Flexible Solar Panels
Fixed solar panels benefit from being durable because they are designed with an aluminum frame that can be used extensively outdoors. Thus, they can withstand tough weather conditions such as rain, dust, or snow. In addition, the tempered glass used is scratch-resistant, making it perfect for low light absorption efficiency.
Flexible solar panels have the advantage of being bendable, which means you can position them in the direction you feel the sunlight is coming from for maximum power output. So they are most suited for you if you don’t want to spend time drilling holes during the installation process. However, they are restricted in terms of the light they receive because of the position they are bent into.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope by now you would have made up your mind on which of the 3 best solar panels for low light are most suitable to your situation and need. But, if you still feel indecisive, then we’d recommend for our top pick to be the Reneology 400watts 12 Volts RV Off-grid Solar Panel Kit. This is because it has 21% solar cell conversion efficiency and is designed specifically for low light conditions. It also had a durable aluminum frame that can be easily mounted or removed.
A solar panel’s installation is also crucial to how the device functions in low light.
