Do Solar Panels Work In Winter Weather?

If you live anywhere near us, you know that the rainy days of winter are upon us. For our friends a bit farther north, the raindrops are transformed into layers of snow. Either way, the weather has changed, and the bright, dry sunny days of summer are long gone. With the temperature changes, a lot of people with solar have questions such as, do solar panels work in winter weather?

Will my panels break?

Photo Credit: Solar Power Portal

Your panels are incredibly strong. Although they look quite delicate sitting on your roof, they are designed to withstand extreme elements. This includes pounding rains and heavy snowstorms. They can support the weight of snow, as well. Even better, when your panels start to kick in, they warm up and the snow build up slides right off, leaving a shiny, clean solar panel.

Will my panels still work?

Yes, your panels will work in inclement weather. Although they will not perform as well as they do on a cool, summer day – they are still working. The power of the sun breaks through fog, rain clouds, and even smoke. Granted, the production is lower than a clear, sunny day- but they still work. More so, your system size was built so the energy you overproduced in the summer would offset some of the energy in the winter when your panels are slightly less efficient.

Is there maintenance?

Solar is incredibly low maintenance. This means that you really do not have to do anything to prepare for winter months. It is typically recommended that you take the time to clean out any build up of leaves in your rain gutters. However, outside of basic roof maintenance, there are not solar specific tasks you need to complete to ensure high functioning solar panels.

Now what?

Just let your panels and the sun do their thing! Even better, the rain and the snow will work to clean your panels, so they are bright and shiny and ready to produce even more clean, energy to run your home. The changing of seasons may mean we have to change, but our solar systems are set and ready to go.

If you are still concerned about your solar panels and feel the need to have us come out and evaluate them, we do have a maintenance plan option, get more info here: Maintenance Plan.