What are solar panels and how do they work?

Solar panels in Pakistan are made up of smaller units called solar cells, which absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. But our homes use alternating current (AC) — so the system includes an inverter that changes the DC into usable AC power for lights, fans, appliances, and more.

Think of solar power system Pakistan like plants soaking up sunlight during the day. The more sunlight they get, the more energy they produce. But just like plants don’t grow in the dark, solar panels also need light to function.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes, solar panels work — just not as efficiently.

On a cloudy or overcast day, solar panels can still generate electricity, but the output drops. On average, you might get 15–25% of the usual production, depending on how thick the clouds are.

For example, if your solar system usually produces 10 units (kWh) of electricity on a sunny day, it might produce just 2–3 units when it’s cloudy. Still, that’s better than nothing and can cover basic needs like charging your phone or running fans.

Do solar panels work at night?

No — solar panels do not work at night.

Since solar cells rely on sunlight, they stop working after sunset. Even if there’s moonlight or streetlights, it’s not strong enough to trigger power production. Think of it like a calculator with a solar strip — it only works in light.

But that doesn’t mean your house will go dark after sunset.

How do homes with solar have power at night?

Homes using solar energy in Pakistan can still enjoy electricity at night using two main solutions:

1. Solar Battery Storage in Pakistan

During the day, your solar panel system for home in Pakistan might produce more electricity than you use. That extra energy can be stored in a solar battery (like the Tesla Powerwall or locally available systems).

At night, your home can draw power from the solar battery storage in Pakistan — just like using stored water from a tank after the water supply is off.

2. Net Metering in Pakistan (Using the Grid as Backup)

In Pakistan, many solar systems are connected to net metering. Here’s how it works:

• During the day, your excess solar electricity for homes Pakistan is sent back to the national grid.
• You get credits for the energy you export.
• At night, when your panels aren’t working, you can use electricity from the grid, and your earlier credits help reduce your bill.

It’s like storing your extra roti at the tandoor in the afternoon, then picking it up later for dinner — and not being charged again because you already paid earlier.

What if you’re not home during the day?

Even if you’re away at work during the day, solar panels in Pakistan still make sense. With a properly sized system and net metering, you can export energy during the day and use it later — all while saving money.

Before you invest, ask:

• How much roof space do I have?
• How big of a solar PV system can I install?
• What’s the payback period based on my usage?

Quick Summary

• Do solar panels work at night in Pakistan? No — they need sunlight to generate electricity.
• They work on cloudy days, just less effectively.
• Homes can still have power at night using:
  • Solar batteries in Pakistan
  • Net metering Pakistan
• A well-planned solar panel system in Pakistan can save money and reduce reliance on the grid — even if you’re not home during the day.

If you’re considering solar for your home in Pakistan, make sure to choose a reliable installer (Implecso), check your inverter compatibility with net metering, and explore if battery storage fits your needs.

Solar energy isn’t just for sunny days — it’s a long-term investment that can brighten your nights too.