Does Solar Work in the Winter?
The short answer is yes—solar does work in the winter. It’s a common misconception, but solar panels generate energy from light, not heat. In fact, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures. Solar systems may be less effective in winter because of the shorter days and reduced sunlight.
Solar is More Efficient in Colder Temperatures
When sunlight reaches the solar cells, it energizes electrons, generating an electrical current. However, when solar panels become too warm, the added thermal energy causes the electrons to vibrate excessively, hindering their movement through the electric field. This increase in resistance decreases the overall efficiency of the panels.
On the other hand, cooler temperatures reduce resistance, enabling the panels to function more efficiently. In cooler conditions, the electrons remain more stable and move smoothly through the electric field, maximizing the generated current and enhancing the panel’s performance.
How Different Weather Affects Solar Panels:
Clouds
Solar panels work on cloudy days but are less efficient due to reduced light levels. The amount of electricity generated depends on the cloud coverage and type. Thicker, lower clouds block more light than thinner, higher clouds. For example, high, wispy cirrus clouds allow more sunlight than dense cumulus clouds.
Rain
Like cloudy conditions, solar panels are less efficient when it rains. However, rain can help wash away dirt and debris from the panels, improving their efficiency when the sun comes out.
Snow
As long as some light reaches the panels, they will still generate energy. However, if the panels are completely covered in snow, they won’t produce any power.
Light snowfall has little impact on solar panels. In some cases, the albedo effect allows snow to reflect additional light onto the panels, boosting energy production. Additionally, solar panels are dark and generate heat when producing electricity, so they can sometimes melt the snow. Most panels are installed at a 30-45-degree angle, which helps snow slide off more easily.
1:1 Net Metering
1:1 net metering is a billing arrangement between solar energy system owners and the utility company. It allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. At the end of the billing period, your utility company will calculate the net difference between the energy you produced and consumed. If you produced more than you used, you may carry a credit to the next billing cycle.
Remember, your credits reset on April 1st each year. However, since each solar system is customized for each home, it’s rare to have excess credits remaining by that time. Many of our customers generate enough extra energy during the summer to carry them through the winter until the reset date.
Maximize Your Solar in the Winter with Batteries
Due to various factors, power outages are expected to become more frequent in Washington as winter approaches. Increased heater use during colder months puts additional strain on the electrical grid, leading to potential disruptions. Additionally, intense weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy snowfall, can damage power lines and further contribute to outages.
The most effective way to ensure a reliable power supply during these grid outages is to use battery storage systems. Batteries provide backup power and enhance your solar energy experience, offering peace of mind when the grid is down. However, extreme weather conditions can impact your battery system’s efficiency and storage capacity. Proper maintenance and monitoring are essential to maximize battery performance during these challenging conditions.
Experiencing an Outage With Batteries
Ensure uninterrupted power during outages with a battery backup system. With your own battery storage solution, you may not even notice when the power goes out, as the system automatically activates, delivering a smooth transition from grid power to stored energy.
Unlike generators, which can be noisy and require fuel, battery storage systems operate silently and don’t emit fumes. This makes them a more environmentally friendly and convenient solution.
Most importantly, having a battery backup system provides peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for emergencies. It can be particularly valuable in areas prone to storms, wildfires, or other events that can cause frequent power interruptions.
Maximize Your Outage Protection
If you have a battery storage system, pairing it with SPAN can improve your resilience during power outages. The SPAN Home App lets you categorize circuits as non-essential, nice-to-have, or must-have. It can automatically turn off non-essential loads during an outage and disable nice-to-have ones when the battery reaches 50% capacity.
This load management can significantly extend your battery’s runtime, especially when outage durations are uncertain. The app also provides real-time estimates of your remaining backup power, helping you maintain energy availability when it matters most.
