Solar energy has a huge role to play when it comes to decarbonising our societies, as it reduces demand for energy created using non-renewable sources.
When photons hit the photovoltaic (PV) cells within solar panels, electrons are separated from atoms which is a process that generates a consistent flow of electricity. But do solar thermal panels work in the winter, are they negatively impacted by cold temperatures, and can they continue to generate electricity on cloudy days?
We’re here today to answer all of those questions and more, so let’s get started.
Winter Performance: How Well Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
As solar panels require daylight rather than sunshine to work, they are able to use the sun’s energy all year round. There are two main elements that are necessary for the effective generation of solar power.
Temperature
Although it’s reasonable to assume that solar panels are more efficient during warmer temperatures, the opposite is actually true. Cooler conditions enable solar panels to function efficiently, which means that panels can actually generate more energy for each hour of daylight during the winter.
The reason for this is that electrons have less energy in colder temperatures and so when they are activated by increasing levels of light, there is a greater difference in voltage which is then captured by solar panels.
Light
As long as light is reaching solar panels, it will continue to generate electricity. So, although direct sunlight enables solar panels to be more productive, energy can still be generated on cloudy days.
Cloud cover creates something called diffuse light, which is sunlight that reaches the surface of the earth despite being scattered by the atmosphere. Although the productivity of your solar panels will be lower with diffuse light, they will still continue to provide you with usable electricity.
What Can Negatively Impact Solar Energy Generation During the Winter?
So, we’ve determined that solar panels can continue to function well even on cloudy days, but what about during periods with heavy snowfall? It is important to keep solar panels free from fallen leaves, dirt and other debris as they can all prevent energy generation, however the good news is that light can still reach solar panels when they are covered in snow, even when that snowfall layer is up to three inches thick.
Solar panels are covered with a piece of reflective glass in a dark tone, which helps to melt fallen snow before it can negatively impact the performance of the panels. Additionally, correctly installed panels will have a tilt ranging between 30 and 45 degrees, which helps to ensure that snow isn’t able to build up too much. As the installation of your solar panel system can influence its ultimate efficiency, it is important to work with a team of installation experts, such as Green Flare.
Efficiency Comparisons: UK Winter Solar Panel Output
Now, although we have noted that solar panels can actually run more efficiently during colder temperatures, there are other factors in play that mean that solar panels will ultimately generate less electricity during the winter months.
The Energy Saving Trust states that solar panels will typically generate around one fifth of their typical summer energy production levels during the winter. During the very heart of winter, solar panels are only likely to reach their full power output for approximately one hour per day, however energy will still be generated during daylight hours, just at a lower output.
There are some positives to winter weather, however, as the rainfall we are so accustomed to seeing here in the UK can help to keep your solar panels free from debris, dust and dirt, all of which can block light and impede energy generation.
Common Misconceptions About Solar Energy Production During Colder Months
Let’s conclude by looking at some of the most common solar energy production misconceptions and bust some myths!
Myth: In Winter Solar Panels Don’t Work At All
As we have seen, solar panels can continue to generate energy throughout the winter months, just at a lower overall output. In a case study for the Energy Saving Trust, one solar panel owner stated that during the winter, energy generation is around 10% of the output seen during the summer months.
Myth: Solar Panels Can’t Function in Cold Temperatures
This is also false. In fact, colder temperatures actually enable solar panels to operate more efficiently, which helps systems to continue producing electricity even on overcast winter days.
Interestingly, solar panels start to become less efficient at generating energy when temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius.
Solar Panels Don’t Work in Snowy Conditions
Solar panels can continue generating energy even when they are covered with a layer of snow up to three inches thick. Solar panels may be impacted by extremely heavy snowfall, however this is very much a rarity in this part of the world.
Notably, as the snow melts and slides off solar panels, it can actually help to improve the efficiency of solar panels as this works to clean the surface of any debris or dirt that could prevent light from reaching the PV cells.
Do Solar Panels Work Better in Summer or Winter?
Ultimately there are many factors that play a role in the efficiency of a solar panel system, including the size, quality and number of panels that are being installed. The location of solar panels is also important, as is the tilt angle at which they are installed.
A well-installed solar panel system will generate the most energy on long days with long, uninterrupted stretches of daylight. However, as technologies have improved, systems are now also able to continue generating energy even on short, overcast winter days and in challenging weather conditions.
Whatever the weather, high-quality renewable technologies can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Get in touch with a member of our team to find out more about our commercial and residential solar solutions.
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