Illustration of how to install photovoltaic panels in winter

Should you install solar panels during the winter months?

When installing solar panels during the winter months, it is important to view it as an investment to reduce the overall energy consumption throughout the year.

Are solar panels a good investment in winter?

As the winter season approaches, many solar panel owners find themselves wondering how to make the most of their solar investment during the darker and colder months. Solar panels are a fantastic way to harness clean and renewable energy, but they do face challenges in winter.

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes, solar panels work in the winter. In fact, solar panels can generate electricity in almost any type of weather. Cold weather doesn’t affect solar panel performance (unless temperatures go below -40°C), since they operate on sunlight, which is still available in winter in the UK – albeit, at much lower levels than in the summer.

How can I optimise my solar panels for winter?

To optimise your solar panels for winter, you can adjust their tilt and orientation, keep them clean and free of snow, monitor your energy consumption, consider battery storage, and schedule our professional maintenance. Is it worth investing in battery storage for my solar panel system in winter?

How to protect solar panels during winter?

Another important aspect is the placement of your solar panels to avoid shading. During winter, the sun’s path is lower in the sky, causing shadows to extend further. Be mindful of any nearby trees, buildings or other structures that could cast a shadow over your solar panels.

How much electricity does a solar panel produce in winter?

According to our calculations, solar panel output decreases by around 83% in the winter compared to the summer. To give an idea of what that means, a standard 3.5 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system will produce around 362-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month during the summer. In winter, that drops to 52 kWh.