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Do Solar Panels Work in the UK Winter?
- Solar panels last about 25 to 30 years before significant efficiency degradation kicks in. They can continue to operate beyond this (30 to 35 years), albeit with lower energy generation.
- Solar panels with string inverters may need these components replaced after 10 to 25 years, while panels with microinverters will typically last around 25 years.
- Different solar panels have varying degradation rates, with an average amount being 0.5% per year after the first year.
- Life expectancy affects the efficiency and output of the panels, making them less effective at generating electricity over time.
Solar panels are a multi-seasonal solution that can work year-round. However, there are some caveats related to energy output variances and levels of sunlight. This is why we’re going to cover the advantages and pitfalls of using solar panels in winter in the UK.
If you’re looking for solar panels and wondering whether your home is suitable for them, you will need to consult a reliable installer. A professional installer can assess your home and give the best prices, however, finding one can take hours of research and calling up companies. Alternatively, you can use our service and receive up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from installers in your area.
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Do solar panels work in the winter?
Yes. In the winter, solar panels can be less effective due to lower hours of sunlight, but they will work. They can continue to generate electricity throughout the colder months, but the output will decrease by 80% maximum on the shortest winter days. The panels can compensate for this seasonal dip in energy during the summer.
Since solar panels do not contain liquid components, they cannot freeze. Mechanically speaking, the cold is not an issue for solar panels, since they can operate at temperatures as low as -40°C. This is not a concern for any home in the UK as the temperature here never reaches that level.
Are solar panels resistant to cold, hail, and rain in the winter?
The main considerations during winter should be anything that blocks the panels from receiving sunlight i.e., large amounts of snow piling up on the panels. A layer of snow thicker than 2 inches will decrease energy generation if it builds up on the panel. Luckily, this is easy to remove and is less likely to happen since solar panels are slanted at an angle, causing the snow to slide off.
That said, small amounts of frost do not affect solar panels in any significant way. As long as light can permeate through the layer, it will be fine. A layer of snow or frost on the ground or around solar panels can actually act as a good additional reflective light source.
Sustained extreme weather, like large hailstones, can eventually wear out solar panels and make them less efficient. Hail is only an issue, with particularly large hailstones falling at high velocities.
Solar panels are durable enough to withstand most weather conditions and high winds, but strengths can vary. The best solar panels in the UK tend to be fairly strong, being resistant to heavy storms.
For extra resistance against extreme weather, you can buy panels with UL 61730, UIC 61730, or IP68 ratings. These ensure that the solar panel has been tested properly.
- UL 61730 covers general requirements and testing requirements.
- UIC 61730 is similar to the previous category but with more assurances and is applied to panels that are strong enough even for railway applications.
- IP68 indicates that the product is dust-tight and waterproof. It means that it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
However, if your area is prone to such weather conditions, it may end up causing light damage over many years of operation. You can buy extra protection to shield against various types of weather conditions.
- Hard covers: You can use hard or soft shell covers to protect your solar panels. Hard shells can offer better protection, but they do not let light in. Soft covers, such as those made of clear and thin plastics, can let in a lot more light.
- Tarps: Much like covering your car and protecting it from the elements, you can have a removable cover for your panels. This can be an easy-to-apply solution since tarps are fairly light, but it will block out light when covering the panels.
- Nylon nets or wire mesh: Using nets or wire mesh can keep out large hailstones. They aren’t a complete solution since hail may still hit the panels but they block less light than any other solution.
- Methacrylate spray: Methacrylate is an affordable spray-on material you can use as a protective layer. Much like nets or meshes, it can continue to receive and convert sunlight after you spray it on your panels.
It’s also worth mentioning that different types of solar panels will face different issues. Integrated solar panels can get trapped in the snow more easily since they are integrated into the roof. A ground-mounted solar array can be easier to clean since it is more accessible.
How efficient are solar panels in the winter?
Contrary to popular belief, solar panel efficiency increases in colder temperatures, but since there is less sunlight in winter, they produce less energy (up to 80% lower). Summer provides more sunlight hours and clearer, longer days providing energy above the monthly average (225kWh for 4kW solar panel systems).
However, heat also causes a few inefficiencies in solar panel output. This is why regions with mild climates during summer will have a better energy output than those with hotter or humid climates. Heat often leads to energy loss and requires ventilation for panels, which is less of a concern in winter.
Solar panel output winter vs summer in the UK
As one would expect, summer and spring have the higher energy output for solar panels, while winter and autumn have the lowest. Max energy generation in summer (470kWh) is almost 3.5 times higher than the lowest months of winter (140kWh).
| Spring | 350kWh - 470kWh |
| Autumn | 190kWh - 370kWh |
| Winter | 140kWh - 240kWh |
| Summer | 430kWh - 470kWh |
| Monthly average | 225kWh |
Should you get solar panels for your home?
Solar panels can be a great investment for your home. They can cut your energy costs and make your home more sustainable. They can generate energy year-round, including winter.
As mentioned earlier, if you have the right system size for your home, the energy surplus in the summer can cover the deficit in winter. This surplus can also be given back to the grid, allowing for additional earnings in the form of SEG tariffs.
It’s important to deeply consider the pros and cons of solar panels before you buy them since they are quite an investment.
So, if you’re looking to install solar panels, you’ll need one thing above all: an installer you can trust. Finding one is a laborious process that can take hours of research when done alone, but it can be crucial in getting the lowest solar panel cost for your home. Alternatively, our service can provide you with the best prices from local installers, and all you have to do is fill out a 30-second form.
Click the button below and you’ll receive up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from the best installers in your area.
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