Winter means shorter days, and because of the reduced sunlight hours, many people assume that solar panels also have reduced efficiency. This is a misconception. Even in the dreary, short days of the winter months, photovoltaic (PV) panels will still produce energy. Solar panels transform light — not heat — into electrical energy to power your home.
Although short winter days mean a significant decrease in exposure time to sunlight, solar panels efficiently uptake whatever sunlight is available and convert it to usable electricity.
PV solar panels work in winter, but optimizing energy generation requires knowing how they react to cold temperatures and snow.
Winter weather also means more power outages, making whole home backup power solutions an effective safeguard against blackouts that allow you to continue reaping the benefits of solar energy. For this, consider adding battery storage and backup.
Do Solar Panels Work in Cold Weather?
Because photovoltaic panels rely on light rather than heat, they will continue to perform even in freezing or sub-freezing temperatures. As long as they have adequate sun exposure, they can continue to generate electricity. Solar panels actually improve their efficiency in colder temperatures since lower temperatures prevent overheating.
What Are the Benefits of Using Solar Panels During Winter?
Solar panel producers account for seasonality and ensure that there are accessible methods to maintain electricity production year-round. It allows homeowners to take advantage of solar power systems’ benefits, even in winter.
