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.

Do solar panels produce more electricity in winter vs Summer?

Occasionally, we are asked about solar panel output in winter vs. summer. UK winters have characteristically short days, meaning your solar panels will produce less electricity. So, while your system will continue to harness solar energy during winter, you may need to draw energy from the grid more often.

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.

Does cold weather affect solar panels?

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. This is one reason why solar panels generate less electricity in winter – the days are just shorter.

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.

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.