Winter is here and it’s difficult to avoid wondering if solar panels can produce an effective amount of energy for your home in the cold ‘sunless’ conditions that the season brings.
The United Kingdom isn’t renowned for its unending sunshine – in fact, it’s famous for being miserable for exactly that. The good news is that solar panels are made to function throughout the year, even in the colder, darker months. We’ll look into how they maintain their effectiveness, still generate energy in the winter, and still produce what you need to keep your house warm when the temperature drops.
Don’t believe everything you read – solar panels don’t operate on heat. We say time and time again that direct sunlight helps them become more effective at their purpose when the sun is shining, as the sun provides them with energy. Through the photovoltaic cells in the panels, the light itself is transformed into energy. However, even in extremely cold conditions, the panels will function if daylight can reach them. Solar panels can provide electricity in practically any kind of weather!
Does season, cloud, or snow affect solar?
There are fewer hours of daylight in the winter since the days are shorter, meaning that, yes, they will be less effective in the shorter days. On overcast days, solar panels continue to function, collecting whatever sunlight that breaks through the clouds. They usually yield 10–25% of their usual output during foggy days. Although snow is typically considered a problem, in certain situations it might actually improve performance. Clean snow reflects sunlight onto the panels in what is now referred to as the “albedo effect.” Solar panels, which have been studied, could benefit from this reflecting enhancement from snow in a similar fashion to how vineyards place sheep wool below the grapevines – in essence, to reflect the heat/light. There is also the factor of snow not being an issue with the majority of panels being positioned at an angle that permits snow to flow off, while thick snow may momentarily obstruct sunlight. The effect of increased performance from snow is minimal, though more of an interesting fact than a selling point or something to hope for snow!
Solar provides energy to homes.
Northern Europe has ample evidence that solar panels are effective in cold climates. Germany continues to lead the world in solar energy despite its frequently gloomy and cloudy winters. In the meanwhile, under harsh winter circumstances with few days, Norway and Sweden continue to use solar energy and trucks as part of their renewable energy mix.
Solar works 365 days a year.
Solar panels are still a dependable source of electricity throughout the year, even though winter may result in a decrease in total energy output. When used in conjunction with solar batteries, excess energy produced during the warmer months can be stored for use during the shorter days. Even in the winter, solar panels are still a wise and environmentally friendly investment for companies and homeowners. Therefore, don’t allow the chilly months to stop you. Solar is a robust, year-round solution to reduce your carbon footprint and save energy costs; it’s not just for sunny skies.
