In short, yes – your solar panels will still work in the winter. Whilst homeowners with a roof array rejoice in the sunny summer days, it’s good to know that solar panels can still generate good amounts of electricity in the colder months too.
Let us be clear – it is less likely for solar panels to reach their peak efficiency in the winter months. But the cold and darker days don’t necessarily mean your solar panels won’t produce any power at all.
The concept and technology behind solar panels is reliant on the conversion of sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic process. The cells within a panel are made of a semi-conductor material (usually silicon.) When sunlight hits these cells, the electrons will flow through the panel, creating electricity. Therefore, you will always find your solar panels will excel with peak generation in the sunnier seasons.
Winter months can mean reduced efficiency for your solar panels. The days are shorter, meaning less hours of daylight, and sunlight is reduced. But let’s talk science… Whilst the sun’s angle in the winter is lower than in the summer, it still provides enough sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity. This, coupled with continuous advancing technology, means that modern solar panels are designed to be efficient in a variety of conditions, including cloudy conditions and low light. High-efficiency panels can also help maximize this.
In the event of snow, you may still see a slight generation, though snowfall will reduce your panels efficiency. The good news is, snow typically melts quickly, and modern panel technologies mean the dark reflective glass enhances this melting process. The usual tilt positioning of your panels will also help in ensuring the snow slides away rather than building up too much as on a flat surface.
We have put together some tips for ensuring optimum winter generation:
- Keep panels clean: Snow and debris can reduce efficiency. Ensure your panels are kept clean from dirt, debris and bird droppings.
- Shade management: GB Solar will always advise optimizer technology if your roof experiences shading.
- Track your system: Most modern manufacturers will have sophisticated monitoring apps for their products. Ensure you have downloaded this to track the performance of your system.
- Check your inverter: Ensure your inverter is functioning properly, as it’s essential for converting solar energy into electricity.
Customers who take advantage of the SEG tariffs will be pleased to know that they can still benefit. While you may not generate as much electricity in the winter as in the summer, you can still export surplus electricity back to the grid. Your export payments may be reduced due to less generation in the winter months.