Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter? 

Yes, solar panels do work in the winter. While shorter days and more cloud cover mean they produce less electricity than in summer, power is generated whenever there’s daylight, even on cold, cloudy days. As long as your panels aren’t covered by snow, you can expect them to keep working throughout the winter months.

How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Generate in the Winter?

Solar panels in the UK continue to generate electricity throughout the winter months, but you can expect output to drop by 25 to 50% compared to peak summer generation, as confirmed by GreenMatch. This is due to shorter daylight hours, a lower sun angle, and more frequent cloud cover, rather than the cold itself, as panels actually work more efficiently in cool conditions.

How Does This Affect Your Energy Generation?

For a typical UK household, a 4kW solar system might generate about 400 to 500 kWh in July, but only 200 to 300 kWh in December or January.

‍What Does A 25 to 50% Drop Really Mean?

If your solar panels cover most of your needs in summer, you’ll probably notice you need the grid more in winter. For example, a three-bedroom house that meets 80 to 90% of its electricity use in July might cover only 40 to 50% in January, depending on energy demand and panel placement.

Will I Need To Use Other Power Sources?

Yes, unless you have a very large system and battery storage, you’ll still draw electricity from the grid in winter, especially during darker days or periods of high use. This means your winter bills may rise compared to sunnier months, but solar will still help reduce your annual energy costs overall.

Should I Just Install More Panels To Make Up The Difference?

While adding extra panels can help offset winter dips, it’s not always cost-effective or practical –  especially if roof space is limited or if you’d regularly generate too much power in summer. Most experts recommend sizing your system for your average or slightly above-average usage, and relying on grid electricity or battery storage to cover shortfalls during the darkest months.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For Winter?

There’s no single correct answer, since your needs depend on property size, usage, and available roof space. For most homes, a well-sized system will generate healthy year-round savings, but some reliance on grid energy in winter is realistic. A solar expert can assess your home and recommend the ideal number of panels to balance cost and efficiency, without over-investing for a few winter weeks.

If you’d like a quote for your home and energy habits, you can get a quick no-obligation quote by filling in a few details for our experts. 

Do Solar Panels Work In Extreme Cold?

Absolutely. Solar panels are designed to handle the kind of cold snaps seen across the UK, with most models built to withstand temperatures as low as –40°C. The technology is robust enough to function in snowy, icy, and frosty conditions so extreme cold alone won’t damage panels or stop them working. 

Cold weather doesn’t reduce solar panel output, but heavy snow or ice can block sunlight and temporarily lower performance. In the UK, though, snow usually melts or slides off quickly, so your system should bounce back soon. 

As for temperature impact, panels actually perform best in cooler climates. Energy output typically remains stable or can even improve on crisp, clear days well below freezing, compared to performance during very hot weather, when output may decrease slightly above 25°C.

If you’re concerned about winter storms or rare temperature drops, you can rest assured: your solar panels are built to keep working, whatever the weather.

Can Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?

Solar panels are designed to capture as much sunlight as possible, including indirect and diffused sunlight (when it’s cloudy). They can still produce electricity when the sky is overcast, although the output may be lower than on clear days.  On a typical cloudy day, panels may produce around 10 to 25% of their usual output compared to a sunny day. 

‍

Even on the darkest winter days, your solar panels will continue to provide energy for your home. While you won’t reach maximum output during cloudy spells, your system will still help lower your electricity bills and support your energy needs all year round.

Do Solar Panels Work When Frozen?

If a layer of ice or snow covers solar panels, they won’t generate electricity effectively, since sunlight can’t reach the cells underneath. Once the frozen layer melts or slides off and the panels are exposed to light again, they start working again. The panels themselves are designed to withstand freezing temperatures and will not be damaged by frost or ice, but they need a clear surface to work efficiently.

‍

Tips for Maximising Solar Energy Generation in the Winter

To make the most of your solar panels' performance during the winter months, consider the following tips:

‍

1. Keep panels clean:

Regular professional maintenance to remove any debris from your solar panels to ensure optimal sunlight absorption.

‍

2. Ensure proper orientation:

Make sure your panels face the correct direction to receive the maximum sun exposure during the winter months.

‍

3. Monitor energy usage:

Be mindful of your energy use during winter to make the most efficient use of your solar energy.

‍

Ready to Make Solar Work for You, Even in Winter? 

Winter doesn’t stop solar panels from working, and it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the benefits. Even in colder, darker months, solar can help lower your energy bills and shrink your carbon footprint. If you’re ready to see what solar could do for your home, now’s the perfect time to get started.

Check if your home is right for solar panels and find out how much you could save, whatever the season.

See If Solar Is Right for My Home 

‍

Stay Plugged Into Our Latest News & Views

‍

We publish news regularly, keeping you informed on new products, industry changes and more.

Discover More

‍

Interested in installing Solar? You can now, from as little as £75/month

The Cost of Solar Panels In The UK

Get Solar With 0% Finance

Are Solar Panels Suitable for your House?

Different types of solar panels in the UK

Solar Panel Grants and Funding Explained

How do solar batteries work & store energy?

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need

‍