As winter approaches, many homeowners and businesses wonder whether their solar panels will continue to perform efficiently in cold and snowy conditions. While it’s true that snow, reduced sunlight, and colder temperatures can impact energy production, panels are far more resilient in winter than most people realize. And that’s what we’re here to debunk: this blog explores how solar panels perform in winter, addresses common misconceptions, and offers practical tips to optimize their efficiency.
Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
Yes, solar panels continue to generate electricity during the winter months; in fact, they often perform more efficiently in colder temperatures compared to scorching summer days. Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity, and colder temperatures help reduce heat related energy losses within the system.
While shorter daylight hours reduce overall energy production, solar panels can still generate sufficient electricity for many homes and businesses, even on cloudy days. The key challenge isn’t temperature—it’s the accumulation of snow and reduced sunlight hours.
How Snow Affects Solar Panel Performance
Snow accumulation can block sunlight from reaching the cells, reducing energy production temporarily. However, panels are typically installed at an angle, allowing most snow to slide off naturally when the sun comes out or temperatures rise slightly.
Studies, such as the NAIT Solar Photovoltaic Reference Array Study, show that removing snow from panels can improve energy output, but the difference isn’t always dramatic. In many cases, natural snow shedding and reflection from surrounding snow-covered surfaces compensate for lost energy production
Tilt Angle and Its Impact on Performance
The tilt angle of solar panels plays a crucial role in their winter performance. Panels installed at steeper angles (closer to 53°) shed snow more effectively and capture low-angle winter sunlight better. Flat or shallow-angled panels are more likely to accumulate snow and require more maintenance to remain clear.
According to the study, the panel angle will determine the energy loss, with the more shallow the degree of tilt (12.1% energy loss at 14 degrees) resulting in the highest losses, while anything between 27 and 45 degrees is less than 5% loss due to snow coverage.
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall—like most of Western Canada—consult with your local professionals about optimal tilt angles that can make a significant difference in winter energy production or help you understand what to expect with your current roof azimuth and pitch. However, in most cases you will need to work with the current roof space, angle, and pitch of your home.
Maintenance Tips for Winter Solar Panel Efficiency
While solar panels are largely low-maintenance, a few simple steps can maximize their performance during the winter months:
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- – Let Nature Do Its Job: Often, the sun and gravity will naturally clear snow from the panels.
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- – Safe Snow Removal: If snow persists, use a soft-bristle brush or a telescoping snow rake designed for panels. Avoid metal tools that can scratch the glass, and be sure to give a call to your local professional solar panel installer, to ensure the job is done quickly and carefully.
- – Monitor Energy Production: Keep an eye on your system’s performance through monitoring software. A sudden drop in output may indicate heavy snow accumulation.
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- – Keep Panels Accessible: Ensure snow and ice are cleared from walkways or access points if manual snow removal becomes necessary. Afterwards, try to keep access points clear of ice, to maintain safety for all.
Myths About Winter Solar Panel Performance
Myth 1: Solar panels stop working in the winter.
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- – Fact: They continue to generate electricity, though at lower output levels due to shorter days, lower irradiance and occasional snow cover. Some days with heavy snowfall system output will be minimal, but in Alberta we also have frequent chinooks and sunny days during winter (between 300 and 330 sunny days on an annual basis).
Myth 2: Snow completely blocks energy production.
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- – Fact: While snow can temporarily reduce production, its reflective properties can actually enhance sunlight exposure when panels are cleared.
Myth 3: Solar panels are too fragile for winter conditions.
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- – Fact: High-quality panels are built to withstand heavy snow loads, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Proving Fact from Fiction
During EVOLV Solar’s quoting phase, our specialists take seasonal changes into account when delivering an estimated production. Using a standard industry quoting tool in Aurora, we can measure PVWatts with seasonal data to create an accurate estimate. Below, you can see two real time examples of installed systems and their respective production differences annually.
Example 1
Example 1: The average production from June to August is ~1275.37kWh, while the average from December to February is 283kWh per month. The resulting production difference is an average of 4.5 times more production in summer months compared to winter.
Example 2
Example 2: The average production from June to August is ~939.14, while the average from December to February is 82.6kWh per month. The resulting production difference is an average of 11 times more production in summer months compared to winter.
Winter Solar Panel Benefits
Believe it or not, winter offers some advantages for solar energy systems:
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- – Improved Efficiency: Solar panels operate more efficiently in cold weather.
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- – Reflective Boost: Snow on the ground can reflect sunlight back onto the panels, slightly boosting production.
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- – Long-Term ROI: Winter output contributes to annual savings, making these panels a year-round investment.
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- – Solar Club & Net Metering: By joining EVOLV’s Solar Club, you can earn premium credits from your summer outputs, which can help offset your electricity bills in winter months. Even though solar energy production is higher in the summer months (March-October), net metering allows you to use the excess energy generated during those months to offset your electricity usage in the winter. Credits can roll over month-to-month, reducing your electricity bills throughout the year.
Professional Maintenance and Optimization
For those living in regions with heavy snowfall, working with a professional solar provider ensures optimal performance. Experts can:
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- – Provide insight on what you can expect for production during the winter months.
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- – Provide safe cleaning and maintenance.
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- – Monitor system health and suggest improvements.
Trust the Solar Power Experts
Solar panels are a reliable energy source year-round, including during those darker Canadian winter months. While snow and shorter daylight hours can temporarily impact production, modern systems are designed to handle these challenges effectively. With proper installation angles, occasional maintenance, and the natural benefits of cold temperatures, panels remain a smart investment—even in snowy climates.
Whether you’re considering installing solar panels or optimizing an existing system, partnering with professionals ensures you get the most out of your investment all year long.
EVOLVsolar is Western Canada’s leading solar company. We have one mission: to make solar energy affordable while giving back to the environment. By investing in solar power, you can save money on energy bills, upgrade the value of your property and reduce your energy output. You can expect high-quality solar panel installation, world-class workmanship, excellent customer service and the best solar technology available. Our success has established us as the go-to solar installers in BC and Saskatchewan, and one of the leading solar companies in Alberta. Experience the EVOLVsolar difference by contacting our corporate office today at (587) 602-0534.
