January 2025 has had some of the coldest weeks I can remember in Virginia, so it seems like a great time to talk about how solar panels work in the cold. While winter conditions may initially seem like a barrier, solar panels on your home can work well year-round.
Let’s explore how solar panels really perform during those chilly Virginia winters.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Solar Panels
Although it’s counter-intuitive, solar panels remain highly efficient in cold weather conditions. In fact, cooler temperatures can enhance their performance. Here’s why: Solar panels generate electricity by allowing photons from sunlight to create movement among electrons. While the angle of the sun is lower, and daylight hours shorter during winter, the cold helps to minimize thermal losses and improve efficiency by raising the voltage.
Before you start celebrating, let’s explain it a little more– even though cold is great for solar production, winter production is less than in the summer. This is because the days are shorter, and the angle of the sun (more of a problem here, than places near the equator) is usually not ideal. This means that your overall solar production is lower in winter.
How Net-Metering Helps Solar in the Winter
The good news is that Virginia homeowners have the advantage of net-metering, which allows you to balance out your energy production across different seasons. During high-production months, like sunny springs and summers, you can generate excess energy that flows back into the grid. When winter arrives and production drops, these credits can offset your energy usage, ensuring your annual electricity needs are met.
Do Solar Batteries Work in Winter Too?
Yep, solar batteries work in winter, but like EVs, their performance and charging can be affected by extreme temperatures.
Most modern home batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH aPower 2, and Enphase IQ Battery 5P, are designed to be installed indoors or outdoors, and in all climates in the US. Batteries are designed to last 10-15 years, but can last even longer in the right conditions.
Even in winter months, solar batteries can store excess energy from sunny days and provide reliable backup power when needed.
Handling Snow on Solar Panels
Virginia’s climate offers a moderate winter experience, with occasional snow. Snow accumulation on solar panels may slightly impact energy production temporarily but isn’t a significant issue for a few reasons. Dark-colored solar panels absorb sunlight efficiently, causing snow to melt and slide off naturally.
In areas with frequent snowstorms or grid outages, we recommend considering a battery backup system. This ensures you have a reliable energy source available when weather conditions are less predictable.
Natural Snow Removal Tips
While it’s tempting to want to clear snow off your panels, it’s better to let them take care of themselves. Manually removing snow could be risky and may potentially damage your system. Instead, trust in the sun’s warmth and gravity to clear your panels safely.
Conclusion: Solar Works Year-Round
In Virginia, winter doesn’t mean your solar productivity has to take a hit. With the right setup—including net-metering and, if necessary, battery backups—your home solar system can continue to deliver substantial savings and security, even in the colder months. And remember, if it’s clear and cold, that cold weather is actually increasing the efficiency, and allowing your panels to produce more energy!
