Is installing solar panels in winter worth it?
How a winter installation prepares you for peak solar generation.
Wondering if winter is the right time to install solar panels on your UK home? Shorter days, cloudier skies, and unpredictable weather can make it seem like a strange season to start generating your own energy.
But solar panels still work well in winter, and there are plenty of benefits to getting ahead of the sunnier months.
In this blog, we’ll explain 3 key reasons why winter is a great time of year to install solar panels.
1. Solar panels help you cushion your winter bills
A common misconception is that solar panels need hot, sunny weather to work. In reality, they generate electricity from daylight, not heat. So, as long as it’s light enough to see outside, your panels can produce power – even on cold or cloudy days.
This means, you can still expect your system to generate around 25-35% of their annual output in winter, which provides a nice cushion for winter bills.
So, if you’re already sold on solar, don’t waste months waiting for “better” weather. You’d only be missing out on months of potential savings while your panels could already be generating free, renewable electricity.
2. You’re ready for the spring sunshine
By installing in winter, you’ll be completely set up and ready to make the most of the spring sunshine when it rolls back around next year. While solar installation with Good Energy is often completed in one single day*, it can take a little while longer to start getting paid for your exported electricity – often 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly your export meter is registered by your District Network Operator.
By installing in the winter, you can make sure you are fully prepared, ready for a full year of generation and savings.
3. Winter installations often have shorter wait times
Most people don’t think about solar panels until they see the sunnier months again, which is why spring and summer are the busiest seasons for installation.
By getting ahead of peak demand periods, you can benefit from shorter and more flexible lead times. Then, you can sit back knowing your panels are fitted, tested, and ready to go, while everybody else is just booking in.
So, is installing solar panels in winter worth it?
Absolutely. Solar works all year round, and installing in winter puts you one step ahead of the curve, ready to secure the biggest savings when the sun returns.
* Based on our average solar-only installation. Timings may vary depending on your home and system design.
