Do Solar Panels Work In The Winter? Simple Guide!

Welcome to our Solaris World blog on how effective solar panels can be on wintery or cloudy days! It is totally normal to have doubts about whether solar panels are a good fit for your home. Homeowners who are thinking about upgrading to solar energy have raised concerns about whether solar panels will be effective in winter or on days with less sunlight.  The answer is that they will still work. But how much will they work? Do I hear you ask? In this blog we will give you a simple easy rundown on how well they work to put any worries to rest.

How Do Solar Panels Make Energy?

Solar panels are manufactured from solar PV cells that generate power from daylight. The light creates particles called electrons to move, which in turn generates the electricity to your home. 

Solar PV cells generate more electricity when exposed to strong sunlight. The peak time for maximum sunlight is usually around noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. On clear sunny days, the brightness of the light also contributes to increased electricity production. 

However, even on a gloomy winter afternoon with low light, solar panels can still generate enough energy to produce electricity. So how do they perform in different weather situations? Let’s take a look!

How Do Solar Panels Work On Summer Days?

Solar panels for home electricity usually function at their best in the summer as there are longer days, meaning longer days with light and more heat admitted onto your solar panels.

Although we say it’s the solar panel time of year for optimal performance, this doesn’t mean it changes drastically in different situations! Most Solar Panel UK homes tend to add a solar battery and inverter so the energy can be stored for a cloudy day! Literally! 

Summers Day With Solar Panels

How Do Solar Panels Work In The Winter Weather?

Do solar panels work in winter? Are solar panels effective in winter? A question we hear a lot! Solar panels do continue to function throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions, including rain, shine, hail, or light snow.  However, they tend to generate less energy during winter due to shorter days but don’t worry the energy they can make is impressive nonetheless. Even on snowy days the UK weather tends to allow the snow to melt off to create heat.

Solar Panels In The Winter Months

How Do Solar Panels Work On Cloudy / Rainy Days?

We appreciate a solar panels cost for your home is a huge factor, leading you to want true value for your money even on cloudy days! Luckily modern solar panels work very well in cloudy weather, even though there is not much sun and light on show!  The rays of light still effectively heat your home. Plus a little bit of rain can always help by rinsing down any dust or dirt that may be affecting its performance.
There we have it. We hope this blog has made you more at ease with solar panels and how they operate at different times of the year and different weathers due to the ever changing UK weather! If you still have a few more questions feel free to contact our team here for a chat

Frequently Asked Questions.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? I am sure that’s a question on your mind! Check out our blog for more information

Frost won’t harm solar panels, but if it melts, it could seep into cracks if not maintained. There are ways to prevent weather damage.

Do You Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels? Take a look into our simple guide so your questions are put to rest!
Oliver

Oliver

I'm Oliver, a UK-based blogger who has a passion for sustainable living. I write expert articles on renewable energy and share up-to-date industry knowledge on how best to reduce your carbon footprint. Away from solar technology, I love spending time with my family and playing my favourite sport: snooker.

More Articles

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *