With solar panels, a common question you may ask yourself is whether or not it’s worthwhile during the UK winter months when the sky is often grey all day long. The good news? Solar panels do work in the winter, they just operate a little differently than when compared to those clear sunny days of summer.
Light, Not Heat
And there you have it — solar panels need light, not heat. They will even work in the daylight of a cloudy winter day. Although their output drops from the sunny summer months, they are still generating something and saving you money on your energy bills.
Cold Weather Benefits
Unexpectedly, solar panels even work much better in the cold. Cold and overcast conditions will reduce their effectiveness however, so the machine naturally performs best on a crisp winter day with clear skies. For Dorset Solar Panels, visit https://solarpanelsdorset
Snow Concerns
Panels may be covered with snow for perhaps a few hours, but in the vast majority of UK regions that lasts no longer than overnight. In addition to providing shade, angled panels can make snow slide off. The dark surface also heats up the ice, hastening melting.
Realistic Expectations
Production is lowest in December and January and actually quite good for March as well as October.
Year-Round Savings
Annual performance is what counts. During the summer, you’re going to be generating a lot more – extra solar generated in one season can make up for the reduced output during another.
Worth the Investment?
The majority of UK homeowners achieve payback within 10 to 15 years. The performance drop in winter does not significantly compromise your long-term savings, as the panels are guaranteed to perform for at least 25 years.