Can a Solar Panel Charge an EV on a Cloudy Day?
A guide exploring the possibility of using a domestic solar system to charge an electric vehicle (EV) in cloudy conditions.
07 Nov 2025
1 min read
Summary
Yes, solar panels still generate energy on a cloudy day, meaning you can charge your EV even when it’s overcast.
Solar panels and cloudy conditions
The UK weather can be unpredictable, with downpours and overcast days being a common occurrence. Investing in a domestic solar system allows you to generate your own green energy, but is it a worthwhile investment for EV drivers given the weather?
More than 1.3 million households in the UK already have a solar system, which is an increase of more than 150% in the last 10 years. It’s undeniable – consumer confidence in solar panels is growing, as demonstrated by the rising uptake. Considering we experience regular overcast weather, with regions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland being some of the cloudiest in the country, it’s worth exploring whether a solar panel system can power an EV charger even on the dreariest of days.
Can you use solar energy when it is cloudy?
Yes, you can use solar energy when it’s cloudy, although the capacity to generate electricity will be reduced. When direct sunlight is covered by light clouds, solar panels produce around 24% less energy than they do on clear and sunny days, and around 67% less on very cloudy days. Still, that’s enough to generate some clean, renewable energy to charge your EV with solar power.
You can read more about using solar panels to charge an electric car in our guide.