How to get more from your solar panels this winter

As winter sets in and the temperature dips, many UK homeowners wonder if their solar panels will still deliver when the days are short and the temperatures drop. Can solar panels really generate enough power through months of cloud, cold and occasional snow?

Experts at Dwellow, a leading provider of renewable heating and home upgrade solutions, explain that with the right set-up and a few seasonal adjustments, panels can continue producing clean energy efficiently, even on those really chilly days.

Ian McLaren, co-founder of Dwellow, said “Many people are surprised to learn that solar panels can actually be quite efficient during the colder months. To prove that point, countries with harsh winters, like Germany and Canada, are among the leading adopters of solar energy. There’s no reason at all why you shouldn’t be enjoying the benefits of solar power all year round in the UK.”

Here’s Dwellow’s three solar ‘truths’ and four top tips;

1. Solar panels need daylight - not heat or blazing sunshine

One of the biggest myths is that solar panels rely on hot, sunny weather to produce electricity. In reality, solar panels work by capturing daylight, not heat. The photovoltaic (PV) cells in the panels convert sunlight into power, so even on cloudy days, your system will still generate energy.

Shorter days in winter do mean fewer daylight hours, but pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system can help you store excess energy when it’s brightest, ready to use come the evening.

2. Cold weather can actually boost performance

It may sound surprising, but solar panels can perform better in lower temperatures. Like most electronics, panels work less efficiently when they get too hot (performance typically drops above 25C). Cold weather, on the other hand, helps reduce resistance in electrical circuits, improving efficiency.

3. Snow can help (but check after heavy falls)

A layer of snow might look problematic for harvesting the sun’s energy, but it can actually help boost performance thanks to the albedo effect, (the measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects) where sunlight reflects off snow-covered surfaces and back onto your panels.

Most solar arrays are installed at an angle, so snow naturally slides off. However, after heavy snowfall, it’s worth checking if your panels are clear. If you can safely reach them, gently brush away snow using a soft broom or snow rake.

Dwellow’s four top tips for winter solar efficiency

• Keep panels clean and clear of leaves and debris and cut back nearby trees that cast shade
• Monitor your output via solar apps to check on your panel performance and spot any issues early
• Consider battery storage to store excess energy for use during evenings or gloomy days, or charge your battery overnight at cheaper rates if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.
• Book an annual inspection to check all your components are working at peak efficiency

McLaren adds: “People are often surprised at how well solar panels perform in winter. As long as they’re looked after and working efficiently, they’ll keep producing plenty of clean energy all year.”

Interested in solar? Use Dwellow’s free solar quote tool for a bespoke price straight to your inbox in just 60 seconds.

https://www.dwellow.co.uk/solar/quote

About dwellow

dwellow is a leading UK-based home energy specialist offering nationwide installation of heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage. With decades of combined industry experience, they support homeowners in making the switch to renewables and accessing government grants. They are accredited by the MCS, TrustMark, HIES, and Which. 

Contact

‍Emily Allen 07468 416945
emily@dwellow.co.uk
www.dwellow.co.uk