Solar panels are able to run in the rain, in most cases, because they are designed to capture and convert light into electricity. It's important to note, however, that in areas with. Photovoltaic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. Rain actually helps to keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away. Solar energy is often associated with bright, sunny skies, leading many people to believe that rain is bad for solar power generation. This assumption is understandable—after all, solar panels rely on sunlight. From the immediate impact on energy production to the surprising benefits rain might bring, there's more to the story than you might expect. Solar panels may generate between 10% and 25%.