A 100 Watt peak (Wp) monocrystalline solar panel was found to generate significantly more electricity during sunny weather than under cloudy skies. The findings were revealed in a study conducted by Didi Indrawan, Rismen Sinambela, Ichsan, and Leonard Lisapaly from Universitas Kristen Indonesia. The research was published in the April 2026 edition of the Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS).
The study examined how weather changes affect the performance of monocrystalline solar panels in tropical regions such as Indonesia. Researchers noted that rapidly changing tropical weather conditions, ranging from sunny to cloudy and rainy within short periods, pose major challenges to maintaining stable solar power generation.
Indonesia is considered to have enormous solar energy potential because of its equatorial location, with average solar radiation reaching approximately 4.8 kWh per square meter per day. However, unstable weather conditions often cause fluctuations in solar panel electricity production.
In the study, the research team used a 100 Wp monocrystalline solar panel equipped with a BH1750 light sensor and an Arduino Uno–based monitoring system. Measurements were conducted over three consecutive days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to compare panel performance under sunny and cloudy conditions.
The results showed that solar panels performed best during clear weather. Power generation gradually increased from morning and peaked at midday. At 12:00 p.m., the panel produced its highest output of 45.84 watts under sunny conditions. Under cloudy weather, maximum output reached only 25.50 watts.
The research data also showed that cloudy weather reduced solar panel performance by approximately 44.4 percent. The largest output gap occurred at 12:00 p.m., when the difference between sunny and cloudy conditions reached 20.34 watts.
Researchers identified light intensity as the most influential factor affecting solar panel performance. When light intensity exceeded 60,000 lux, the panel was able to generate power close to its maximum capacity. However, when intensity dropped below 25,000 lux, electricity production declined sharply.
Besides light intensity, ambient temperature also affected panel performance, although to a lesser extent. When air temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, panel output voltage dropped by around 0.6 to 1 volt due to increased internal resistance within the solar cells.
Based on the findings, the researchers recommended several technical strategies to improve solar energy efficiency in tropical regions:
- The use of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology to maintain optimal output under changing light conditions.
- The implementation of energy storage systems such as batteries so that electricity generated during sunny weather can still be used during unfavorable conditions.
- Proper adjustment of panel tilt angles and ventilation systems to maintain efficiency under high temperatures.
- Integration of local weather sensors to support more responsive energy distribution management during atmospheric changes.
The study is considered important because it provides practical insights into the challenges of utilizing solar energy in tropical countries. The findings demonstrate that monocrystalline solar panels are highly effective under sunny conditions but require additional supporting technologies to maintain stable performance during rapid weather changes.
The researchers also emphasized that developing more adaptive solar power systems could support Indonesia’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Author Profiles
- Didi Indrawan - Universitas Kristen Indonesia
- Rismen Sinambela - Universitas Kristen Indonesia
- Ichsan - Universitas Kristen Indonesia
- Leonard Lisapaly - Universitas Kristen Indonesia
Research Source
Indrawan, Didi, Sinambela, Rismen, Ichsan, & Lisapaly, Leonard. Comparison of 100 WP Monocrystalline Solar Panel Output in Sunny and Cloudy Weather. Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4 No. 5, April 2026, pp. 395–408.
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