Winter Solar Installation: Why We Work Year-Round
A common misconception is that solar panels cannot or should not be installed during winter. Many homeowners delay their solar installation until spring or summer, assuming that cold weather, rain, and short days make winter installations impractical or that the panels will not work effectively in low-light conditions. Both assumptions are wrong, and waiting can actually cost you money.
We Install in Every Season
ALPS Electrical installs solar panels 12 months a year across Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire and the wider North East. Our installation calendar does not have a seasonal shutdown. We have completed full installations in driving rain, freezing temperatures and near-darkness in December. While we will never compromise safety — we postpone work if conditions are genuinely dangerous such as heavy snow on the roof, ice, or gale-force winds — normal winter weather does not stop us.
Our GivEnergy installation in Stockton-on-Tees is a perfect example. The entire project was completed in constant winter rain with short daylight hours. The 14 JA Solar panels were fitted, the 5KW GivEnergy inverter and 9.5kWh battery were installed and commissioned, and the system was generating electricity — all within 1.5 days despite the challenging conditions.
Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
Yes, and often better than people expect. Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat. In fact, solar panels are actually more efficient in cold temperatures because the semiconductor material that generates electricity (silicon) performs better when it is cool. A sunny winter day can produce surprisingly high output — sometimes close to summer levels.
Of course, winter days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, so total winter generation is lower than summer. A typical solar system in the North East generates approximately 25-30% of its total annual output during the winter months (October to March). This means 70-75% comes during spring and summer. But that 25-30% winter generation still makes a meaningful contribution to your electricity bills, especially during the months when electricity prices are at their highest and your consumption is at its peak.
Why Waiting Until Spring Costs You Money
Every month you delay your solar installation is a month of electricity bills you pay at full price instead of generating your own. If your system will save you £100-150 per month on average, delaying from November to April costs you £500-750 in lost savings. The panels you install in November start generating from day one and accumulate savings through the winter months, paying back their cost faster than panels installed in spring.
There is also a practical advantage to winter installation: shorter waiting times. Most solar installers are busiest during spring and summer, when demand peaks. During winter, lead times are typically shorter and scheduling is more flexible. You may be able to get your installation booked sooner and at a time that suits you better.
What About Snow?
Snow rarely causes significant problems for solar panels in the North East. Panels are installed at an angle, so snow tends to slide off relatively quickly. The dark surface of the panels absorbs solar radiation even through a thin layer of snow, warming the glass and accelerating the melt process. Heavy, persistent snow cover will temporarily reduce generation, but this is typically limited to a few days per year at most. We do not recommend attempting to clear snow from panels yourself, as this risks damaging the panels or causing a roof safety incident. Let it clear naturally.
Book Your Winter Installation
Do not wait for spring. Every month without solar is a month of full-price electricity. Contact ALPS Electrical for a free quote. We install year-round, rain or shine, and our team is experienced in managing installations in every weather condition the North East can throw at us.