However, since solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, their output will be lower during the winter months when the days are shorter and there are less sunlight hours available. Read on to learn more about what to expect from your solar panels in the winter and how to optimize their output.
Any diminished output during the winter months will primarily be due to heavy snow and shorter daylight hours. So, how do solar panels work? When sunlight photon particles hit solar panel photovoltaic cells, electrons in the silicon are put into motion.
Did you know that solar panel average output by hour can actually outperform the summer months in cold climates because solar cells are more efficient at lower temperatures? According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), they found out that solar panels can produce up to 20% more electricity in cold weather than in hot weather.
Occasionally, we are asked about solar panel output in winter vs. summer. UK winters have characteristically short days, meaning your solar panels will produce less electricity. So, while your system will continue to harness solar energy during winter, you may need to draw energy from the grid more often.
The amount that your solar output decreases in the winter will vary depending on a a few factors, including your location, the weather patterns, and how much snow and cloud cover you typically get in the winter. In general, you can expect your solar output to decrease by 25-50% in the winter compared to the summer.
Cold weather reduces solar battery efficiency by slowing down chemical processes inside, which means batteries store less energy and charge slower. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries perform better in cold conditions than NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) ones, offering more capacity and safety.
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