While direct sunlight is ideal for maximum efficiency, solar panels do not strictly require it to generate power. They can still function under various light conditions, including indirect light, shade, and cloudy weather. Solar panels are devices engineered to convert light into electrical energy, a process known as the photovoltaic effect. The catch? Output drops dramatically without direct exposure, typically falling to. Photovoltaic cells, typically made of silicon, absorb photons from sunlight, which then knocks electrons loose from their atoms, generating a flow of electricity. This electricity is captured by the cells and can be used to power homes and businesses.