Home Best Solar Systems Lightning & Surge Protection Off-Grid Solar Zimbabwe Solar Accessories Solar Maintenance Tips Solar Protection Kits Solar System Safety IT’S RAINING – Can I Still Use My Solar System in Zimbabwe?

By Sona Brands

On December 08, 2025

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It’s Raining! Can I Still Use My Solar System?

Written By: Oudney Patsika | Marketing Officer at Sona Solar Zimbabwe.
Category: Solar Education | Region: Zimbabwe

With the rainy season upon us and summer storms rolling across Harare and beyond, a common worry arises for many homeowners and businesses investing in renewable energy: "Will my solar harvest be washed away by the rain?"

Contrary to the popular misconception that cloudy or rainy weather renders a solar system useless, your panels do not clock off when the sun disappears behind a cloud. In fact, the relationship between temperature, light, and electricity is surprising. At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we are here to debunk the myths and explain how your system keeps you powered, rain or shine.

The Science: Why Cooler is Better

"Solar panels love the light, but they actually hate the heat."

The simple explanation is that photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight (photons) into electricity, not heat. While we often associate peak solar power with scorching October days in Zimbabwe, excessive heat can actually reduce the electricity production of solar panels.

The Physics: High temperatures increase the resistance in the electrical circuits of the solar cells. This causes energy to be lost as heat rather than converted into electricity. This phenomenon is known as "heat loss."

Even when exposed to the same amount of sunlight, a solar panel baking in 35°C heat will produce significantly less energy than one operating in 20°C weather.

External temperatures do not affect the amount of sunlight gathered, but they do impact how efficiently energy is moved inside the cells. Cooler temperatures promote better conductivity. Therefore, the cool winds and rain associated with summer storms actually benefit your system by cooling down the panels, allowing them to operate at maximum efficiency the moment the sun peeks through the clouds.

Hidden Benefits of the Rain

It's not just about temperature; rain performs a vital maintenance function.

FREE CLEANING SERVICE

Problem: During Zimbabwe's dry season, dust, pollen, and bird droppings accumulate on panels, blocking light.

Solution: Heavy rain washes this debris away, instantly boosting efficiency once the clouds clear.

Result: Higher absorption rates without manual labor.

THE "EDGE OF CLOUD" EFFECT

Phenomenon: When the sun passes behind the edge of a cloud, sunlight is magnified by the water vapor.

Result: This can cause a temporary spike in power generation, often exceeding the panel's rated capacity for short bursts.

Benefit: Intense bursts of charging power.

Designing for Zimbabwean Storms

While panels work in cloudy weather, output does drop. In Zimbabwe, where ZESA load shedding is unpredictable during storms due to faults, your battery bank is your lifeline.

At Sona Solar, we calculate your "days of autonomy." This means designing a battery bank (Lithium-Ion) large enough to power your critical loads for 12 to 24 hours without significant solar recharge, bridging the gap during heavy storms.

Not all panels are created equal. We utilize high-efficiency Monocrystalline Split-Cell panels. These are far superior in low-light conditions compared to older Polycrystalline technology, ensuring you squeeze every watt of power out of a grey sky.

We Don't Just Sell Panels, We Enable Lifestyles

At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we appeal to the sensibilities of approachability, service, and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy.

Analysis: We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment.
Strategy: We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals, even in the rainy season.
Savings: We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment.

From permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but at a slower rate. Solar panels still generate power from diffuse light (light scattered by clouds). However, if you have heavy loads running, the system might prioritize powering the house over charging the batteries. This is why energy management during storms is key.

Sona Solar Zimbabwe installs professional Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and proper earthing on all our systems. While a direct strike is catastrophic for any structure, our protection systems mitigate the risk of induced surges from nearby lightning strikes damaging your inverter.

Ready to Turn On The Sun?

Do you know anyone interested in installing rooftop solar? Help them out by sharing this article! Whether it's a new home or an existing business, we have the solution.

Give us a call: +263 78 864 2437

Visit us: 7 Frank Johnson Ave, Eastlea, Harare

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Sona Solar Zimbabwe – Your Trusted Partner for Solar Energy Solutions

Sona Solar Zimbabwe provides premium Solar Panels, Lithium Batteries, Inverters, and complete Solar Systems for homes, businesses, and industries. We also specialize in expert Borehole Drilling Solutions and Solar-Powered Water Systems. Trust our experienced team for professional Solar installations in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Chitungwiza, and across Zimbabwe, delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.