It is probably also beneficial to use a panel type optimised for the wavelengths that make it through cloud best.
Diffuse light solar panels.
This is called global radiation.
Measure how many milliamps it produces.
However since diffuse radiation is generally pretty equally distributed throughout the sky the most diffuse radiation is gathered when your solar panels are laying down horizontally.
There is quite a lot of literature available on the net indicating that straight up is indeed the best direction for a panel in diffuse light.
Have students record this information.
Then use your hand to shade the solar panel.
Diffuse sky radiation is solar radiation reaching the earth s surface after having been scattered from the direct solar beam by molecules or particulates in the atmosphere.
Hold your hand about one foot from the solar panel.
Also called sky radiation diffuse skylight or just skylight it is the determinative process for changing the colors of the sky.
Point the solar panel toward the widest section of sky.
Of this amount about two thirds ultimately reaches the ear.
Approximately 23 of direct incident radiation of total sunlight is removed from the direct solar beam by scattering into the atmosphere.
This number represents the total light energy shining on the panel.