Tag: Solar Panels

If you’ve ever asked that question — especially from somewhere like the Southern Highlands, Goulburn or Canberra — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common hesitations people have when considering solar. Maybe you’ve heard that solar panels“only works in the sun,” or that cloudy weather means zero output. And if you’re investing thousands into a system, you want to be sure it will actually deliver.

Here’s the good news: solar panels do work in colder and cloudier climates. And in many cases, they perform better than you might expect.

At Lenergy, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across NSW and beyond install solar in a wide range of conditions — from frosty to fog. We’ve seen how different weather affects performance, and we’ve designed systems to suit homes just like yours.

In this article, you’ll learn how cloud cover, temperature, and rain really affect solar output — and what that means for your panels and battery performance. We’ll break down common myths, share installer insights, and help you decide whether solar is still a smart investment in your location.

Do Solar Panels Still Work on Cloudy Days?

Yes — solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, just not at full capacity.

It’s a common misconception that solar only works in full, direct sunlight. In reality, panels are activated by sunlight when it hits the solar panels, the photovoltaic (PV) cells within the panels absorb the light energy, which still passes through clouds. That means even on overcast days, your system keeps producing — just at a reduced rate.

Here’s what to expect:

• Partly cloudy days: Output may drop by 10–25% depending on how dense and frequent the clouds are.
  
• Heavily overcast days: Output can dip by up to 50%. On particularly dark, stormy days, it may drop even further.

But this isn’t the full picture.

Modern solar systems are designed with these fluctuations in mind. Your solar inverter adjusts dynamically to capture whatever sunlight is available — and will scale production back up instantly when the sun reappears, even briefly.

In fact, on days with patchy clouds, intermittent bursts of sunshine (called “edge-of-cloud” events) can sometimes boost output above normal levels for short periods.

And remember, solar production is a long game. What matters most is annual generation, not individual cloudy days. If your home receives a decent amount of sunlight across the year — even if it’s seasonal — your system can still be financially and environmentally worthwhile.

What Happens to Solar Panels Output on Rainy Days?

Rainy days affect solar panels in much the same way as overcast ones — by reducing the amount of light that reaches the panels. But rain also brings a surprising bonus.

Let’s break it down:

• During rain: Solar production typically slows down due to heavier cloud cover. Output may fall by 40–80%, depending on how dark the skies get.
  
• After rain: Once the clouds clear, panels can perform better than before — because the rain naturally washes away dust, dirt, and pollen that build up over time. Cleaner panels = better efficiency.

So yes, you’ll get slower solar output during the rain. But unlike snow or extreme weather (which aren’t concerns in most Australian regions), rain doesn’t block light entirely, and it actually helps maintain panel performance in the long run.

From a system design perspective, solar installers factor in local weather patterns when sizing your array. If your region has regular rain in winter, your installer may recommend slightly higher capacity or a battery to ensure you’ve got backup energy on low-output days.

It’s also worth knowing that solar monitoring apps help you track this in real time. You’ll be able to see how your system performs through different seasons — and spot the post-rain boost when it comes.

Can Solar Batteries Still Charge Without Full Sunlight?

Yes — your solar battery can still charge on cloudy or rainy days. Just not as quickly.

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about solar storage. Many people assume if the sun isn’t out, the battery sits idle. But that’s not true. As long as your panels are generating some electricity — and they usually are — that energy can be directed to charge your battery.

The key difference is in charging speed:

• Sunny days: Your battery might fully charge by mid-afternoon.
  
• Cloudy/rainy days: Charging is slower, and your battery may only fill partially.

That’s where battery sizing and system design matter. A good installer will configure your setup so that even partial charging gives you meaningful backup — particularly during peak evening hours when power is most expensive.

It’s also why stored energy becomes more valuable in bad weather. On a stormy evening when solar production is low, your battery gives you a buffer — reducing how much you draw from the grid.

So while clouds slow down charging, your battery doesn’t stop working — and on balance, it’s still doing its job of reducing grid reliance and protecting you from high prices.

Does Cold Weather Help or Hurt Solar Panels?

This might surprise you — cold weather can actually improve solar panel performance.

It’s not heat that generates electricity in solar panels — it’s sunlight. And like most electronics, solar panels operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. So, while the amount of sunlight is what determines how much power you get, the temperature affects how efficiently your panels convert that light into electricity.

On a cold, sunny winter’s day, panels often perform better than they do on scorching summer afternoons. That’s because:

• High temperatures can decrease panel efficiency
  
• Cooler conditions reduce resistance in electrical components, making them more effective.

So if you’re worried your region’s lower average temperatures make solar a bad idea, rest easy: sunlight is the real driver, not heat.

How Does Heat Impact Solar Panels and Batteries?

Hotter doesn’t mean better when it comes to solar.

In fact, excessive heat can reduce solar panel efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your battery if it’s not installed properly.

For solar panels:

• Most panels are rated for optimal performance at 25°C.
  
• For every degree above that, efficiency can drop by around 0.3% to 0.5%.
  
• On a hot summer day (say, 40°C), panel output can decline by 5–10%, even with full sun.

For solar batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries also prefer cooler, stable conditions.

• The ideal operating range is 10°C to 30°C.
  
• Prolonged exposure to 40°C+ can degrade performance and reduce lifespan.
  
• Without proper installation — especially in direct sun or poorly ventilated garages — your battery could heat up quickly during summer.

That’s why ventilation and shading matter. A reputable installer will mount your battery in a shaded or insulated spot, like a southern-facing wall or under an eave, and ensure there’s airflow to help regulate internal temperature.

So while heat doesn’t break your system, it’s something to be aware of — and good design helps manage it.

Is Solar Worth It in the Southern Highlands, Goulburn, or Canberra?

Yes — even in cooler, cloudier inland areas like the Southern Highlands, Goulburn, and Canberra, solar can still deliver solid results.

These regions experience a mix of seasonal fog, rain, and clear skies. While overcast conditions will reduce daily output, solar panels don’t need heat to work — just light. In fact, they often perform better on crisp, sunny winter days thanks to improved efficiency in cooler temperatures.

The key is to size your system appropriately and manage expectations around seasonal variation. With energy prices rising and modern systems built to perform across a range of conditions, solar is still a smart investment in these parts of NSW.

What Should You Look for in a Solar System for Colder or Cloudier Areas?

If you live in a region where cloud cover or cooler weather is more common, the type of system you choose — and how it’s designed — becomes even more important.

Optimise system orientation and tilt

• North-facing panels are ideal.
  
• A steeper tilt can help capture winter sun.
  
• Avoid shading from trees, buildings, chimneys or antennas.

Consider microinverters or DC optimisers

These help each panel work independently — ideal for patchy clouds or uneven light. They also let you track performance panel-by-panel.

Add a battery if you can

A battery helps store power for use during cloudy evenings or grid outages — even if it doesn’t fully charge every day.

Keep your panels clean

Rain helps, but in damp climates, it’s smart to schedule a professional panel clean every 1–2 years for best performance.

Is Solar a Smart Investment in a Cooler Climate?

Yes — solar is still a smart long-term investment, even if you live in a colder or cloudier part of Australia. With the right system design and expectations, solar can still deliver real savings — and help you take control of rising energy costs.

Thinking about going solar in a cooler or cloudier part of NSW?
Our team at Lenergy can help you assess your roof, design a system tailored to your conditions, and answer any questions about performance, battery options, or rebates.

You’re ready to go solar. You’ve compared panels, read up on payback periods, and now you’re trying to make one last decision: rooftop or ground mount solar ?

It sounds simple, however the choice matters. Where your panels go affects what you pay, how much energy you generate, and what your property looks like once it’s all done.

At Lenergy, we’ve helped hundreds of Australian homeowners make solar decisions that actually suit their home — not just the sales pitch. While rooftop solar is still the best option for most homes, ground mount solar has its place too — especially if your roof isn’t ideal.

In this article, you’ll learn how these two options compare on cost, performance, and maintenance. By the end, you’ll know which one is the smarter move for your situation.

• What Is Rooftop Solar?
• What Is Ground Mount Solar?
• What’s the Cost Difference Between Rooftop and Ground Mount Solar?
• Which Performs Better: Rooftop or Ground Mount?
• How Does Maintenance Compare Between the Two?
• Which Option Is Right for Your Home?

What Is Rooftop Solar?

Rooftop solar is the most common way Australians install solar panels at home. It’s exactly what it sounds like — panels mounted directly onto your existing roof. Rather than being positioned for the “perfect” sun angle, rooftop panels are typically installed to match the direction and pitch of your roof, which keeps installation simpler and more cost-effective.

This setup works so well because it uses space you already have. Instead of taking up part of your lawn or garden, it puts solar to work on an otherwise unused part of your home. That keeps things neat and cost-effective.

At Lenergy, almost every solar system we install is on the roof. Why? Because it just makes sense for most properties. The roof acts as a natural mounting surface, which means fewer materials, less labour, and a lower overall price tag.

Most rooftop systems range from 6.6kW to 20kW, depending on your energy usage and available space. If you’re unsure how big your system needs to be, click below to read our article on what size solar system you need.

There are other upsides, too. Roof panels can actually help cool your home in summer by shading your roof. And in most NSW council areas, rooftop systems don’t need planning approval — so you can get on with it quickly.

Unless your roof is heavily shaded, structurally unsound, or laid out in a really tricky way, rooftop solar is usually the best place to start. 

What Is Ground Mount Solar?

Ground mount solar is exactly what it sounds like: instead of panels going on your roof, they’re installed on frames anchored into the ground somewhere on your property.

The frames can be fixed (set at one angle year-round) or use tracking systems that follow the sun throughout the day. Most residential setups use fixed systems — they’re cheaper, more reliable, and have fewer moving parts to maintain.

To install ground mount solar, you’ll need open space with good sun exposure. That might be a section of lawn, a paddock, or even a cleared area near a shed. But keep in mind: this space becomes dedicated solar land — you won’t be mowing it, planting a garden there, or using it for anything else.

Ground mount systems are more common on rural properties, farms, or homes with shaded or unsuitable roofs. They give you flexibility on panel direction and angle — which can help maximise output if your roof isn’t ideal.

But that flexibility comes at a cost. Installing panels on the ground means more labour, more materials, and often, more planning. We’ll get into that next.

What’s the Cost Difference Between Rooftop and Ground Mount Solar?

Rooftop solar is almost always cheaper. That’s because your roof already provides a sturdy, elevated structure — no need for extra steel, concrete, or trenching. Most of the work goes into attaching the mounting rails and getting the panels up safely.

With ground mount solar, you’re starting from scratch. You’ll need:

• Posts or footings to anchor the frames
  
• Extra mounting materials
  
• Earthworks and trenching to run cabling underground
  
• Possibly engineering reports or council permits

At Lenergy, a 20kW rooftop solar system typically costs around $20,000, based on $1.00 per watt. That price includes the panels and installation, not a battery.

For the same size system, a 20kW ground mount setup starts from $50,000, based on $2.00 (up to $2.50+) per watt. That also excludes batteries — and doesn’t include trenching, which is often required to run underground cabling between the array and your switchboard. Trenching costs vary depending on how far we need to dig and the size of the cable required, but it can add thousands to the final price.

This higher upfront cost also means a longer payback period. You’re spending more for the same system output, which is why ground mount solar is generally only worth considering when rooftop isn’t a viable option.

Which Performs Better: Rooftop or Ground Mount?

In terms of raw energy production, both rooftop and ground mount systems can perform equally well — as long as they’re installed in ideal conditions. The same panels, the same inverter, the same sunshine — you’ll get similar results.

Ground mount systems can have a slight edge when it comes to positioning. Since you’re not limited by roof shape, pitch, or orientation, you can angle the panels perfectly to maximise sunlight throughout the day. This is especially useful if your roof faces east–west or is partially shaded.

Rooftop systems, on the other hand, make the most of your home’s existing layout. And there’s one benefit many people don’t expect: rooftop panels actually help shade your home. By covering part of your roof, they reduce heat gain in summer — which can lower your cooling costs.

So which one “performs better”? It depends on the site.

If you have a shaded or awkward roof, ground mount might help you squeeze out more solar. But if your roof gets good sun exposure, rooftop solar is just as effective — and far more cost-efficient.

Whichever installation type you go with, performance ultimately comes down to panel quality. That’s why at Lenergy, we use Aiko Neostar 2P panels — not just for their industry-leading efficiency, but for their durability and long-term reliability. With a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, they’re built to last and protect your investment over the long haul. To find out more on Aiko solar panels, see our recent article.

How Does Maintenance Compare Between the Two?

Both rooftop and ground mount systems are built to last — and most quality panels come with 25-year warranties. But there are some practical differences when it comes to upkeep.

Rooftop solar is generally low-maintenance. Once it’s installed, you don’t have to think about it much. The main drawback is accessibility — if a panel needs cleaning or repair, a technician has to work at height, which can add time and cost to the job.

But because the panels are up high, they’re also protected. Kids, pets, lawnmowers, and stray footballs won’t be going anywhere near them. There’s less risk of physical damage.

Ground mount systems, on the other hand, are easier to reach. That makes them more convenient for regular cleaning or inspections — but it also means they need more frequent attention.

One common issue is vegetation. Grass, weeds, or shrubs growing underneath the panels can block sunlight and reduce efficiency. If not managed, overgrowth can also create fire hazards or attract pests. Some homeowners use gravel, concrete pads, or even grazing animals to keep the area clear — but each of these adds extra cost or complexity.

So while ground mount systems are easier to access, they’re also more exposed and require more ongoing effort to maintain properly.

Which Option Is Right for Your Home?

If your roof is in good shape and gets decent sun, rooftop solar is almost always the smarter choice. It’s cheaper to install, faster to set up, and blends neatly into your home without taking up valuable space. For most Australian homes, it ticks every box.

However ground mount solar does have its place.

If your roof is shaded, structurally unsound, or simply too small for the system size you want — ground mount becomes a practical alternative. It’s also a good option if you live on a large block and have unused land that won’t impact your lawn or view. Or.. you might be one of those people who just hate the look of the panels and don’t want them on the roof and would rather pay the higher cost to install them on a ground mount out of sight on their paddock. 

At Lenergy, we install both types — but we’ll always recommend the option that gives you the best value for your property, your energy goals, and your budget.

If you’re not sure which setup makes the most sense for your home, get in touch. We’ll talk through your options and give you honest advice based on what’s actually right for you — not just what’s easiest to sell.

Rooftop solar suits most homes — but ground mount systems can be a great alternative when the roof isn’t quite right. If you’re weighing up the options, the team at Lenergy can help you figure out what works best for your setup.