Solar panels need sun, so how do they handle a winter that's gray and snowy, like in Michigan or New York? Actually, it can be a pretty good fit. While the same solar panel would generate more electricity in sunnier places like Arizona or Florida, home solar panels can still lower electric bills in colder, grayer places.
When snow does fall on your panels, what do you need to do? Anything? We'll cover that, how colder weather can actually boost solar production, and more below.
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Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?
Yes, solar panels work and often are more efficient in the winter. However, shorter days in the winter can mean less solar production, especially in the northern US. Solar energy output in the winter, with better efficiency but fewer sunlight hours, tends to see a slight decrease.
Snow can temporarily block solar production by being on the panels. Once panels are in the sun, though, the heat generated by the panel surface melts snow faster than most nearby surfaces. This means your solar energy production will tend to start relatively soon after light snowfall.
Some might worry about the weight of the snow on panels, or if ice or wind could damage them. Residential panels are built to be very durable and manufacturers warranty them for 25 years or more. Snow and ice rarely cause damage.
Northern states, or states with plenty of rough winter weather, are among the top states for installed solar capacity. According to numbers from the SEIA through the first half of 2024, New York (8th), New Jersey (10), Massachusetts (11), Colorado (12), Utah (13), Ohio (14), Illinois (15), Minnesota (16), Wisconsin (18), and Indiana (20) are in the top 20 states.
Will Snow Block the Sun from Reaching My Solar Panels?
Yes, when snow falls on solar panels, it may build up and block sunlight from reaching them.
This is something to be concerned with only in extreme circumstances. First, snow is likely to melt off of panels faster than most other surfaces. Once part of the panel is exposed to sun, the panel begins operating. This raises the temperature of the panel surface, leading to faster melting, more exposed surface, faster melting, and so on.
Another helpful factor is panels are typically tilted according to your latitude. In the US, this is mostly between 30-45 degrees. The farther north you are, the more your panels will be angled. This helps snow slide off.
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Should I Clean Snow Off My Solar Panels?
Most of the time, you don’t need to clean snow off panels. In fact, melting snow serves as an easy, natural cleaning agent for panels. If you need to clear snow from your panels, use a squeegee or soft roof rake. Do not use hard brushes or anything which might scratch panel cells.
Solar Panel Seasonality
No matter where you go solar, except for near the equator, you’ll need to consider solar seasonality. Solar panels are installed factoring in peak sunlight hours of your exact geographic location and other specifics. In the US, you generally have less solar power in the winter than the summer.
There’s also seasonality to electric consumption. Using more AC in the summer, using more power during the holidays, or using less power during ideal fall or spring weather are just some factors that can change your consumption, leading to higher or lower energy consumption.
If your home solar system is connected to net metering, you send your excess solar energy to the utility grid in exchange for credit. When you use grid electricity, such as at night or during a snowstorm, your net metering credit can offset the cost. Credits you carry over from previous months can help even out the seasonal differences between your electricity generation and consumption. At the same time, net metering and being connected to the grid serves as backup power when you need it.
It’s also helpful to know the true-up date from your utility company, if you have one. This is the date when excess net metering credits are paid out by your utility or lost. Your account will be reconciled or reset for the net metering program on this date.
The Bottom Line on Solar Panels and Snow
Snow and cold usually isn’t a problem with solar panels. Snow may temporarily interrupt electricity production, but will typically melt off fairly quickly. Since solar systems are specifically designed for every home, typical snowfall is likely factored into the design.
If you’d like to learn more from Palmetto, you can use our solar savings calculator or contact form.
Solar energy is proven to be reliable and efficient through harsh winters as some of the best all-around and growing states for solar have tough winters. Panels are durable enough to stand up to the snow. Teaming with experts to walk you through the value of battery backup energy and net metering can help plan right for your climate.
Snow and Solar Panels FAQs
Do I have to clean snow off of solar panels?
You almost never need to clean snow off of home solar panels. You’d need a lot of snow for panels to be in danger of being damaged due to the weight of the snow. Snow usually melts off of solar panels faster than surrounding surfaces.
Do solar panels work in places with a lot of snow?
Yes. Solar panels work in areas with a lot of snow. Northern states are some of the states with highest solar usage. According to numbers from the SEIA in the first half of 2024, New York (8th), New Jersey (10), Massachusetts (11), Colorado (12), Utah (13), Ohio (14), Illinois (15), Minnesota (16), Wisconsin (18), and Indiana (20) are in the top 20 states of solar capacity.
Do solar panels work when it’s cold out?
Yes. Residential solar panels are manufactured to function to at least -40 degrees. Panels are more efficient when it’s cool or cold as overheated panels lose some efficiency.
If there is a power outage, will my power go out?
If you add a home battery to your solar power system, you can avoid disruptions caused by grid outages. The amount of energy available during an outage will depend on several factors.
- The size and production of your solar panels
- If battery storage is installed, then the capacity of the storage
- The battery state of charge when the outage occurs
- The areas or appliances in your home that are prioritized to receive power when the grid goes down.
If, however, your solar energy system does not include a home battery, then yes, your power will go out. In the event of an outage, all standalone solar energy systems will automatically shut down in accordance with grid codes and mandatory inverter specifications.
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Andrew GiermakWriter and EditorAndrew joined Palmetto in Charlotte in August 2024. He’s been a writer in journalism, then in business, going back to almost the 20th century. He’s lived in Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia again, and now North Carolina for the last 12 years. He likes golf. Is he good at it? Not so much.
