Do Solar Panels Work In Winter In The UK?

Posted May 16, 2025

Yes, solar panels do work in winter in the UK, just not at the same output as during summer.

If you’re considering investing in solar panels and wondering whether the UK’s cold, dark winters make them a poor choice, you’re not alone.

This guide is here to give you a clear, reassuring, and factual overview of how solar panels perform in winter. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Tyne & Wear, Newcastle, or the surrounding areas across the North East, and you’re concerned about return on investment, energy bill savings, or overall efficiency — we’re here to break it all down for you.

Do Solar Panels Still Generate Electricity in Winter?

Yes, solar panels work in winter. Solar panels don’t shut down during the colder months. Despite shorter days and more cloud cover, they still generate power, just at reduced levels compared to the summer. Thanks to modern photovoltaic technology, solar panels can produce energy even when the skies are grey or the temperature drops below freezing.

How Solar Panels Generate Power Even on Cloudy Days

Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity, and they don’t need direct sunlight to work. Even on overcast days, diffuse light (sunlight scattered through clouds) still hits your panels and allows them to produce electricity.

Does Temperature Affect Solar Panel Performance?

Surprisingly, solar panels work more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Excessive heat (more common in summer) can actually reduce their efficiency slightly.

In winter, if the sun is out, the cool air can help panels perform optimally.
It’s light, not heat, that panels need — so don’t let the chill fool you.

What Does Solar Panel Output Look Like in UK Winters?

On average, UK solar panels generate about 10–20% of their annual output between November and February.
In southern England, you might get around 1.5–2.5 kWh/day from a standard 4kW system in winter.
In Scotland, due to lower sun angles and shorter days, output might drop slightly below that, but generation still happens daily.

At Future Heat, we specialise in designing efficient solar systems tailored to the North East’s seasonal conditions. Whether you’re in Tyne & Wear, Newcastle, or nearby, our MCS-certified team can provide a free, no-obligation solar panel installation quote to help you start saving.

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How Does Snow, Rain, and Ice Impact Solar Panels in the UK?

While the UK isn’t known for extreme winters, many potential solar adopters worry about the impact of snow, rain, and frost. Fortunately, UK weather conditions rarely cause serious or long-term issues for solar energy generation. In fact, some winter conditions can actually benefit your panels.

Does Snow Block Solar Panels in the UK?

Snowfall in the UK is relatively rare and usually melts within a day or two.

Most solar panels are installed at an angle that encourages snow to slide off naturally.
Snow can momentarily block light, but unless there’s heavy accumulation (unusual in most UK regions), the impact is minimal.

If you’re wondering how the angle or orientation of your solar panels might influence snow accumulation or winter performance, our guide on horizontal vs vertical solar panel installation breaks down the pros and cons of different panel layouts for UK roofs.

Is Rain or Frost a Problem for Performance?

Rain is actually helpful — it naturally cleans your panels of dust and debris, helping them perform more efficiently.
Frost doesn’t usually interfere with generation. Cold and clear winter mornings can actually be some of the most productive times for solar panels.

How Much Energy Can You Expect from Solar Panels During UK Winter?

One of the most important considerations for anyone investing in solar energy is output, especially during the least sunny season. Winter performance isn’t just about sunshine hours; it’s about how much usable electricity you can generate and how that translates into real-world benefits.

Realistic Expectations for Winter Performance

A 4kW solar panel system might generate 150–250 kWh during a typical winter month, compared to 400–600+ kWh in summer.
Roughly 10–15% of annual solar output is produced in the core winter months (Nov–Feb), depending on location.

What Factors Affect Winter Solar Panel Output?

Roof orientation: South-facing roofs get the most light year-round.
Tilt angle: Steeper angles capture more of the low winter sun.
Shading: Buildings, trees, and low sun angles can cause more shade in winter.
Local weather patterns: Some areas experience longer stretches of cloudy weather than others.

Can Solar Panels Still Reduce Your Energy Bills in Winter?

Even when your panels aren’t producing peak output, they can still make a real dent in your energy bills. Every unit of solar energy you generate is one less unit you need to buy from your energy supplier — and that adds up, even in winter.

How Much Electricity Can Solar Offset During Winter?

While panels generate less in winter, they can still offset 10–30% of your household’s electricity use, especially if you’re using energy-efficient appliances.

Example:

Average winter household usage: ~300–400 kWh/month
Solar offset: 150–250 kWh/month from a 4kW system
That’s potentially £30–£60 saved per month, depending on the tariff.

Does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Still Apply in Winter?

Yes. If you’re exporting surplus electricity to the grid, you still get paid under the Smart Export Guarantee, even during winter.

SEG payments are lower due to lower exports in winter, but they continue year-round.
It’s a great way to maximise the financial return of your system over time.

What Can You Do to Improve Solar Panel Performance in Winter?

Winter may bring challenges, but there are several ways to optimise your system and boost performance during the colder months. From system design to smart maintenance, small decisions can lead to more efficient energy generation — even on the darkest days.

Should You Adjust the Angle of Your Panels Seasonally?

In theory, a steeper winter angle (around 60°) helps catch more low-angle sunlight.
In practice, most UK homes have fixed panels for cost and simplicity, and they work well enough year-round.
Adjustable mounts exist, but they’re rarely necessary or cost-effective in the UK climate.

Is It Worth Installing a Solar Battery for Winter Months?

Absolutely — especially if you want to store daytime electricity for use in the evenings.

A solar battery helps maximise your winter savings, even if generation is lower.
It also provides resilience during blackouts and reduces reliance on grid power.

Not sure what size battery you need to get through winter nights? Check out our guide on what size solar battery you need for practical sizing tips.

Should You Clean Your Solar Panels in Winter?

Manual cleaning is rarely needed, especially with regular rain.
If you do clean them, use safe access methods or hire a professional.
Avoid climbing on icy or wet roofs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes — as long as there’s daylight, panels will generate electricity.

Yes — solar systems are evaluated on annual output, and UK summer months more than make up for winter dips.

No, but it can significantly reduce your usage and bills, especially when paired with a battery.

There’s no temperature that is “too cold” for solar panels to function. In fact, solar panels often perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Cold, sunny days can actually produce more electricity than hot ones, as excessive heat can reduce panel efficiency. Solar panels used in the UK are designed to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including frost, snow, and freezing temperatures. As long as there’s sunlight, panels will continue to generate electricity—even if it’s below zero. So, in the UK climate, cold weather isn’t a problem for solar panels—lack of sunlight, not temperature, is the limiting factor in winter months.

Solar panels alone don’t directly heat your home, but they can help power electric heating systems or heat pumps that do. In winter, UK solar panels generate less electricity due to shorter days and lower sun intensity, but they still produce usable energy—even on cloudy days. To heat a house using solar energy in winter, many households pair solar PV panels with a battery storage system and an energy-efficient air source heat pump or electric heating. This setup allows excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used when heating demand is highest. While solar panels can reduce your reliance on the grid, you may still need supplementary energy sources in winter, especially during prolonged periods of low sunlight.

Our Verdict

Solar panels absolutely do work in winter in the UK. While shorter days and cloud cover mean lower output, they still generate meaningful electricity, contribute to lower energy bills, and remain a smart long-term investment.

With the right setup — including good roof orientation and possibly a solar battery — you can make the most of solar energy even during the darkest months.