Will solar panels work during winter and on cloudy days? In this guide we explain how you can maximise your solar power year round in the UK.
The UK's weather, with its frequent rain, overcast skies, and brief winter days, might seem less than ideal for solar panel efficiency. It raises a valid question: Is it worth installing solar panels if their performance is presumed to dwindle during the winter months?
Contrary to common misconceptions, solar panels are indeed capable of generating electricity even in the winter. The efficiency varies among different models, so when considering a solar installation, it's crucial to choose a system designed to optimise energy production throughout the year.
This guide will explore the mechanics of how solar panels function during the colder, less sunny months and highlight the types of systems best suited for maximising energy generation all year long.
By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision that ensures a resilient and efficient solar energy solution for your home, regardless of the season.
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Solar Panels in Winter Key Points:
While there is less light in winter, your solar panels will still produce electricity.
In the cold, solar panels operate more efficiently - by up to 0.5% per degree below 25C.
In the snow, solar panels can perform more efficiently due to a phenomenon known as the Albedo effect.
A major factor in how well your solar array will perform in winter is down to the design of your system.
Do Solar Panels Work In Winter?
To grasp how solar panels maintain functionality in winter, it's essential to acknowledge that these devices are powered by atmospheric light, not solely by direct sunlight.
While it's true that solar panels operate most efficiently under clear, sunny skies, this doesn't mean their productivity ceases in the typically overcast British weather.
The operation of solar panels hinges on the interaction between light and the silicon wafers within the panels.
When light contacts these wafers, it triggers a reaction that liberates electrons from their atomic bonds, generating an electrical charge. This process is intensified by stronger light exposure.
However, not all solar panels are created equal, especially in terms of their ability to harness light.
While most budget-friendly options, such as "P-type" or "PERC" panels, require substantial amounts of direct sunlight to effectively free electrons, there are high-performance models designed for efficiency in lower light conditions.
For example, the REA Fusion2 panels feature a cell construction optimised for activating electrons even in dim light, making them an ideal choice for maximising year-round energy production.
For those interested in leveraging this advanced technology, obtaining a quote for a high-performance solar system is a straightforward next step.
Such an investment ensures that your solar panels remain a robust source of energy, regardless of the season or weather conditions.
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How else can you ensure maximum winter performance?
The efficiency of your solar energy system during winter months is significantly influenced by the type of solar inverter you select, primarily due to a critical factor known as "start-up voltages."
Solar systems generate electricity in Direct Current (DC), which must be converted into Alternating Current (AC) for use in our homes.
For this conversion process to commence, inverters require a minimum level of DC voltage to activate or "start up."
Economical DC inverters typically demand between 80 to 200 volts to begin operation. In contrast, microinverters operate with much lower thresholds, needing as little as 22 volts to start.
This distinction is crucial on overcast days; systems with lower start-up voltages can capitalise on even minimal energy production, enhancing the overall efficiency of your solar energy system in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Below is a comparative table showcasing start-up voltages for various popular inverters available in the UK, illustrating how these technical specifications can impact your system's winter performance:
Brand | Model | Inverter type | Start-up voltage (volts) |
Enphase | IQ8 | Microinverter | 22v |
Alpha | G3.6 | Hybrid | 100v |
Tesla | Powerwall 3 | Hybrid | 150v |
GivEnergy | Gen 3 3.68 | Hybrid | 150v |
Advantages of Solar Panels in the Cold
Although there is reduced light in winter, there is a less obvious benefit of operating solar panels in the winter months and that is the fact that they work more efficiently in cold temperatures.
For example, if a solar panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.5%, this means that for every degree Celsius above 25°C, the panel’s efficiency decreases by 0.5%.
So, if the temperature drops below 25°C, the efficiency of the panel would improve, potentially improving by about 0.5% for every degree Celsius decrease.
PS Did you know that solar panels can be installed on garage roofs and that smart meters are recommended for use with domestic solar arrays.
Do Solar Panels Work On Cloudy Days?
Cloudy days may indeed diminish the peak performance of solar panels, yet they don't halt electricity production entirely. A certain level of sunlight continues to reach the panels, allowing them to generate power, albeit at a reduced capacity.
The extent to which weather conditions affect energy production is largely dependent on the specific technology of your solar array.
Systems designed for optimal performance in low-light conditions are particularly well-suited to environments like the UK's, where overcast days are frequent.
Take, for instance, the REA panels, which are engineered to commence electricity generation under minimal light, requiring merely 22 volts to activate. This is a stark contrast to conventional panels paired with string inverters, which typically need at least 200 volts to begin producing energy.
Moreover, each REA panel features a bifacial (double-sided) design, which captures sunlight more efficiently than standard single-sided panels, further amplifying their output. These panels are also double-glazed to enhance durability and longevity.
Optimised for use with micro-inverters from Enphase, this setup ensures that each panel works synergistically to maximise energy generation, even under suboptimal light conditions.
This innovative combination of solar technology makes such panels particularly effective in the UK, ensuring consistent electricity generation throughout the year, regardless of the country's well-known cloudy weather.
Find out more about which brands offer the most efficient solar panels in the UK.
Check our video on designing a solar system that runs at its optimum 365 days a year:
Can Solar Panels Work In the Snow?
Snow accumulation on solar panels can pose a challenge, potentially obstructing light from reaching the photovoltaic cells if the layer becomes sufficiently thick.
However, it's encouraging to note that light waves can penetrate snow layers up to 5 to 8 centimetres (about 2 to 3 inches) thick. This means that even with some snow coverage, your solar panels can still capture light and generate electricity.
Furthermore, solar panels can sometimes perform more efficiently in snowy conditions due to a phenomenon known as the Albedo effect.
This effect is associated with how snow reflects and scatters light. The reflective properties of snow can increase the amount of light that reaches the panels, enhancing their electricity production.
Essentially, the snow acts as a mirror, redirecting additional light towards the panels and potentially boosting their output. This unique advantage underscores the capability of solar panels to remain effective energy sources, even in wintry weather conditions.
If you are researching solar panel companies, you may find our resources valuable. Check out our comprehensive comparison of the best solar panel companies in the UK, learn about the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) process, and explore our detailed solar panel guide and solar advice section for expert insights and recommendations.
Solar in Winter Conclusion
In conclusion, while the UK's typical cloudy and cold weather may appear to be a deterrent for solar panel efficiency, the reality is far more promising. Solar panels do not solely rely on direct sunlight to generate electricity but can efficiently produce power even on overcast days and throughout the winter months.
The colder temperatures can enhance panel efficiency, and innovations like the Albedo effect during snowy conditions further prove the year-round viability of solar power.
By selecting high-performance models and systems designed for lower light conditions, such as those featuring advanced cell construction or optimised micro-inverters, homeowners can ensure robust energy production regardless of seasonal changes.
This guide demonstrates that with the right technology and installation, solar energy remains a highly effective and sustainable option in the UK, encouraging more households to consider this renewable energy source as a worthwhile investment for both economic and environmental benefits.
For those ready to take the next step, seeking a quote for an MCS-certified installation can set you on the path to sustainable energy independence, maximising your solar power potential all year round.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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