From cold weather to extremes like below-freezing weather, solar panels turn sunlight into electricity for homeowners around the world. That’s because solar panels absorb energy from the sun’s abundant light, not the sun’s heat. In fact, cold climates are actually the optimal environment for solar panel efficiency.¹

So long as sunlight is hitting a solar panel, it will generate electricity. Any diminished output during the winter months will primarily be due to heavy snow, which can cover the solar panels if it is substantial enough, and shorter daylight hours, which provide less sunlight since the sun is lower in the sky during this time of year.

What is the science behind solar panels and temperature?

How do solar panels work? We’re glad you asked. When sunlight photon particles hit solar panel photovoltaic cells, also known as PV cells, the electrons in the silicon are put into motion. This creates an electric current, which is sent to your home’s electric distribution box to power your essential items² that use solar energy, including appliances, heaters, and many more necessities in the home. 

A rechargeable solar battery can help store this electricity efficiently so you can use solar energy at night, during peak electricity usage, or when the grid goes down during bouts of extreme winter weather or blackouts.

What are the benefits of home solar battery storage?

Along with storing electricity for the times when you need it most, solar battery storage has many other benefits, particularly in the winter.

Looming blackouts come with a great deal of stress and fear for the families in their path. Solar battery storage relieves that fear by reassuring homeowners that they have the necessary power should they need it in the event of a blackout or grid interruption. 

Solar panel battery storage has financial benefits as well. Suppose homeowners qualify for rebates or incentives based on their area or usage. These can be considered by accessing the battery’s power during critical (and high-cost) times of use, saving them money in the process.

How do solar cells produce energy in the winter months?

Remember how electrons move around atoms? Electrons are at rest (low energy) in cooler temperatures. When these electrons are activated by increasing sunlight (high energy), a greater difference in voltage is attained by a solar panel, which creates more energy. That’s why solar cells produce electricity more efficiently when it’s colder in the winter.³

In the winter, it’s also less likely for solar panels to reach their peak temperature or peak power.⁴ Once their temperature rises above that peak temperature, it’s not uncommon for solar panel performance to decrease. That’s why, in the winter, solar panels are able to produce more energy in an optimal setting. 

Research has demonstrated that solar panels begin losing efficiency at around 77ºF.¹ However, this diminished efficiency is balanced out thanks to more daylight hours during the spring and summer months.

Do solar panels work when it rains?

Much like Pacific Northwest winter climates, many places throughout the U.S., like Georgia, Texas, and Southern California, experience a cooler rainy season during the winter months. Fortunately, solar panels still function efficiently despite the rain and other inclement weather in the fall and winter.

The sun still delivers daylight to solar panels through the rain and clouds.⁵ Although solar panels are most productive in direct sunlight, they can still use diffuse or indirect sunlight (radiation) to generate energy. 

What is diffuse light?

Rainy days and cloud coverage cause diffuse light. But what’s the difference between diffuse light and direct light? Direct light is solar radiation traveling in a straight line from the sun down to the earth’s surface and onto the solar panels. Diffuse light is sunlight that has been scattered by particles in the atmosphere, yet it still reaches the earth.⁶ Thus, the amount of electricity generated is dependent on the density of cloud cover.⁷

Though energy production decreases with increasingly dense cloud cover, solar panels continue working to a greater capacity than one may expect. Rain is actually very beneficial to solar panels; it helps wash away any dust or particles on the panels to keep them operating efficiently.⁸

Do solar panels work in the snow?

We’ve learned that solar panels thrive in colder temperatures, but what happens when it snows in the winter? 

The good news is that even when covered with snow, solar panels can generate electricity.^a

Sunlight still reaches solar panels through the snow and keeps solar cells producing energy in cold weather. Solar panels’ dark, reflective glass accelerates snow melt and slides off before it hampers performance. During solar panel installation, racks are typically tilted up at 30 to 45 degrees, which keeps snow from accumulating (to a point).¹⁰ During installation, solar panels are mounted to face the sun, which helps to melt the snow at a quicker speed. A light dusting of snow is likely to blow off or disappear rapidly, and is no cause for concern.

In fact, on cold, clear days, snow from the ground can reflect extra sunlight onto your solar panels like a mirror. This “albedo effect” enables panels to produce even more electricity in cold weather.¹¹ So now you know—rain and snow can actually be great for your solar panels! 

How should I care for my solar panels in the winter?

Generally speaking, your winter solar panels will do just fine on their own, even during inclement weather. If your solar panels are covered in heavy snow, we advise against trying to remove it yourself, because you may scratch or damage the panels in the process.

Most solar panels are efficient enough to handle snow on their own. Snow usually melts quickly and slides off the solar panels, requiring zero maintenance from homeowners. In fact, some level of precipitation is beneficial for solar panels because it can clear away dust, dirt, or debris accumulated there. In doing so, your panels may experience improved efficiency and even increased power generation. 

Solar panels and cold weather states

Based on research across cold weather locations, solar is a proven economic energy solution in cold, northern climates.¹² Massachusetts and New Jersey were in the top ten states installing solar panels in 2018.¹³ In 2019, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranked New York in the top ten states for solar installations.¹⁴ Solar panels are even used in Alaska and in U.S. facilities like McMurdo Station in Antarctica.¹⁵

Your home doesn’t need to be in an extremely warm climate like California, Arizona, or Florida to install solar panels and to reap the many benefits. Solar panels clearly and consistently demonstrate that they can generate electricity in the snow, winter, and extremely cold climates. 

Power through winter storms with solar battery storage

In winter storms, the grid may not fare as well as solar panels. Power outages can be a frequent occurrence during the winter months, with some outages leaving families in the cold and in the dark for days.¹⁶ Although record numbers of Americans are staying home due to the pandemic, rising global temperatures and increasingly extreme weather events make it much more difficult to ride out the next storm without reliable backup power.^17,18

Installing a grid-connected, rooftop solar panel system with battery storage can provide families with clean, renewable backup electricity so you can power through the next blackout without fear or stress about what may happen. We’ve seen that solar panels are incredibly resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions. By pairing your panels with a solar battery, you can store up your sunny day energy during stormy ones.

The time to go solar is now

Solar panels and battery storage can be a significant investment for families, but solar companies like Sunrun offer flexible financing options and solar plans for as little as $0 down. While solar panels can’t change the weather, they can help you ride it out. In return, you’ll feel more secure in your home during the winter months with an efficient solar panel installation from Sunrun.

Every winter day is a chance to power through life from the sun. Start taking control of your own energy and stay powered up through extreme weather conditions, no matter where you live in the U.S. Get in touch with one of our expert solar advisors today for more information on our solar panels. We’re happy to help!