Does My Solar Panel System Still Work in the Winter?

Sunshine and sunny days are synonymous with the summertime, but how do the colder days in the winter months impact your solar panel system? Many people who live in colder climates may be hesitant to install solar panels due to long winters, but in reality, solar panels are a reliable source of energy year-round.

Although winter can seem more gloomy than summer with cold and snowy days, there are still many sunny days throughout the season. One factor that does impact your solar panel system is the length of the days in winter.

GreenLogic Solar Panels Installation

With shorter days and longer nights, there just isn’t as much opportunity for your solar panel system to collect energy from the sun, resulting in a lower amount of energy produced. Compared to summer, your winter solar power generation drops by about 1.58 kWh/m2/day.

Extreme temperatures can also play a role in how much energy your solar panels can produce. On the hottest days of summer and the most bitterly cold days of winter, your system isn’t as efficient as the more mild or moderate days throughout the year. So while colder days do have an impact on your energy output, certain days in the summer do as well.

When discussing solar panels used in the winter, one large factor should be considered, energy consumption.

Typically during the summer months, your home’s air conditioning system is working hard to keep your house cool and comfortable. That takes a lot of energy! So even though your solar panels aren’t producing as much energy in winter, you most likely won’t notice the difference, since you won’t need to use as much energy.

Solar panel energy and technology have advanced greatly over the past few decades. Solar panel systems are now a reliable source of energy even in the winter months.

Learn more about how Green Logic can help you make the right energy choices that will benefit your family and our planet for years to come. Contact us today!