One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners considering solar panels is whether they work in winter. The short answer is yes. Solar panels continue generating electricity throughout the winter months, and cold temperatures themselves aren’t a problem.

The main difference between summer and winter is the amount of daylight available. Shorter days, a lower sun angle and more cloud cover mean that a solar PV system will usually produce less electricity in December and January than it does in May or June. However, the panels don’t stop working.

How much electricity do solar panels generate in winter?

Solar generation changes throughout the year. Longer daylight hours and stronger sunlight allow panels to produce considerably more electricity during summer. In winter, there are fewer daylight hours and the weather is often cloudier.

Solar panels don’t need direct sunshine to generate electricity. They can still produce power on bright or overcast days because they respond to the available daylight. There will be a noticeable difference between a clear winter day and a dull December afternoon, but the system can generate energy whenever there is sufficient light.

This seasonal variation is normal, which is why a solar installation shouldn’t be judged purely on its winter output.

Does cold weather affect solar panels?

Solar panels work with sunlight rather than heat and can perform well in cooler temperatures. Very high temperatures can slightly reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, so cold conditions aren’t necessarily bad for the panels.

The more important factor is how much sunlight reaches them. A cold but bright February day can provide useful solar generation, while a warmer but heavily overcast day may produce considerably less.

What happens on cloudy days?

Cloud doesn’t mean zero generation. Solar panels can still generate electricity when the sky is overcast, although output will normally be lower than on a clear day.

This is particularly relevant in the UK, where cloudy conditions are common. A properly designed solar PV system accounts for the local climate and expected annual generation rather than assuming every day will be sunny.

What about snow on solar panels?

Snow isn’t usually a major concern for most properties in Liverpool. If it settles on the panels, generation can temporarily fall because sunlight can’t reach the photovoltaic cells effectively.

Solar panels are generally installed at an angle, which can help snow slide off as temperatures rise. You shouldn’t climb onto your roof to remove snow. If there is a significant problem, speak to a professional.

Does battery storage help in winter?

A battery can store surplus solar electricity for use later. During winter, when generation may be lower, it can help you make better use of the electricity the panels do produce.

Depending on the system and tariff, battery storage can also allow you to charge using cheaper grid electricity at certain times. It is therefore worth considering the complete energy system, including solar generation, battery storage, household consumption and your electricity tariff.

Will my solar panels generate enough electricity in winter?

Winter output depends on several factors:

• The size of the solar PV system
• Roof orientation and pitch
• Shading
• Panel technology
• Location and weather conditions
• Household electricity consumption
• Whether battery storage is installed

A well-designed system should be based on expected annual generation and household usage, not an expectation that it will produce the same amount of electricity every month. It is normal for a large proportion of annual generation to occur between spring and early autumn, with lower production through December and January.

Is solar still worth having in the UK?

Solar isn’t about producing the same amount of electricity every day. It is about generating your own power when conditions allow and reducing the amount you need to buy from the grid over the course of the year.

Battery storage can increase the amount of generated electricity used within the home. The key is to design the system around the property, its expected annual generation and the way the household uses electricity.

Solar panels in Liverpool

Liverpool and the wider North West don’t receive the same amount of sunshine as southern Europe, but that doesn’t make solar PV unsuitable. Modern systems generate electricity from daylight and don’t require constant bright sunshine.

The useful question isn’t simply whether solar panels work in winter. It is how much electricity a particular property can realistically generate over a full year and how much of that electricity the household can use. A professional system design should answer both questions.

Final thoughts

Solar panels work throughout winter whenever there is sufficient daylight. They produce less electricity than during summer, but this seasonal variation is a normal part of annual solar PV performance.

If you’re considering solar, look at the whole-year picture rather than judging the technology by its output during the darkest months.

Thinking about solar panels in Liverpool?

Generating Energy designs and installs solar and battery storage systems across Liverpool and the North West. Every system is designed around the property, expected generation and the way the customer uses electricity.