It’s a question we hear all the time from homeowners across Lincolnshire: “Do solar panels actually work in winter, or only in summer?”. With shorter days, cooler temperatures and often overcast skies, it’s understandable that people might think solar panels may not work throughout the colder months.
However, the truth is that yes – both domestic solar panels and commercial solar panels work in winter. In fact, they can perform more efficiently in some conditions compared to summer. When solar panels are operating in cooler temperatures, it can actually improve their efficiency compared to hotter summer temperatures. Although less sunlight in winter reduces the overall energy generated, the panels themselves can operate more optimally in the cold.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How solar panels work in cold weather
- What kind of output you can expect in winter in Lincolnshire
- How cloud cover and daylight hours affect performance
- How to get the best from your system year-round
- Why winter performance still makes solar a smart investment
How Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
The first thing to understand is that solar panels rely on light, not heat. Without getting too bogged down in the science, photovoltaic (PV) cells in a solar panel absorb photons from sunlight and convert them into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC power is then sent through an inverter, which turns it into alternating current (AC) electricity – the type of electricity your home uses.
High temperatures slightly reduce the voltage that PV cells can produce. However, in cooler winter air, your solar panels can operate closer to their optimal efficiency, especially on those crisp, bright days associated with winter.
What does change in winter is the total amount of sunlight available:
- Fewer daylight hours (Lincolnshire gets roughly 7–8 hours in December compared to 16–17 hours in June).
- The sun sits lower in the sky, so the angle of incoming light is shallower – this is especially prevalent in north-facing buildings.
- We tend to have more cloudy days outside of summer.
Whilst these factors do reduce the total kWh generated, they don’t stop generation altogether as we highlighted above. Many people think solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy, but that’s not the case. PV panels use both direct sunlight (clear skies) and diffuse sunlight (light scattered by clouds).
While output drops compared to a sunny day, your panels can still generate 10–50% of their potential. That’s why Germany – a country with a climate very similar to ours – has one of the largest solar capacities in the world.
How Much Power Do Solar Panels Produce in Winter?
Exact figures depend on your system size, roof orientation and weather, but let’s now look at a typical example for a Lincolnshire home.
Example: 4 kW south-facing system, 35° tilt, minimal shading
- June: ~420 kWh generated
- December: ~110 kWh generated
That’s roughly a quarter of the peak summer output, but it’s still enough to meaningfully cut your grid usage. Over a winter’s day, you might see your system producing between 0.5 and 3 kWh depending on the conditions. What’s more – even on a fully overcast day, panels will often produce 10–25% of their rated capacity because they can use diffuse light scattered by clouds. Modern solar panel technology has increased significantly over the last decade, meaning greater savings on your energy bills when you choose to go solar with Lincs Renewables.
Winter Solar Panel Performance in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is actually better positioned for winter solar than many parts of the UK because:
- Lincolnshire is relatively flat, so shading from tall buildings or hills is minimal.
- Coastal areas can get brighter winter days due to clearer air after wind or rain.
- Frost and snow are relatively rare and short-lived compared to Scotland or the Pennines.
If snow does fall, it usually slides off panels mounted at the correct tilt. A thin dusting doesn’t block all light, as sunlight can pass through and melt it quickly, especially if the panels start generating heat from operation.
Cold Weather Efficiency Explained
PV cells have what’s called a temperature coefficient, which is a small percentage of efficiency lost for each degree Celsius above 25°C. This means in summer, when panels can heat up to 60°C or more, output voltage drops slightly.
In winter, solar panel surface temperatures are often between 0°C and 15°C, meaning less efficiency loss and sometimes slightly better performance per photon. So, although there’s less sunlight overall, your solar panels can make better use of the light they do get in winter.
Factors That Maximise Winter Solar Output
There are varying reasons that impact the output of your solar panels in winter. Here, we’ll break down some of the most important factors:
- Roof Orientation & Tilt
- South-facing roofs perform best year-round.
- A tilt of around 35–40° is optimal for winter sun angles.
- Panel Technology
- Monocrystalline panels tend to outperform polycrystalline in low-light.
- Anti-reflective coatings help capture more light from shallow sun angles.
- Inverter Design
- Micro-inverters or power optimisers allow each panel to operate independently, avoiding “bottlenecks” if one is shaded.
- Maintenance
- Keeping panels clean of dirt, moss or bird droppings is even more important in winter, when light levels are lower.
Realistic Expectations for Winter Solar in Lincolnshire
Let’s be transparent: winter will never match summer for solar output. But that’s not the point, as your system is designed for annual performance, not just seasonal.
A well-designed system in Lincolnshire can expect:
- Around 20–25% of its annual output in winter months.
- Reduced, but still meaningful savings on electricity bills.
- Enough daytime generation to help power lighting, appliances and charge a solar battery.
This energy generation in winter also means you’re reducing carbon emissions all year round, not just in summer.
How to Make the Most of Solar Energy in Winter
There are also things you can do to increase the output of your solar panels in winter:
- Use Appliances When the Sun is Out
Shift washing machines, dishwashers and other high-usage devices to daytime when possible. - Install Battery Storage
Store midday generation for use in the evenings, especially useful in winter when demand peaks after sunset. - Combine with Off-Peak Tariffs
If you have a battery, you can top it up with cheap off-peak electricity overnight and use it during peak rates. - Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
Clear any debris or snow quickly and safely to maximise light capture.
Over the lifetime of your system – typically 25 years or more – winter months are just part of the mix. What matters is the total generation, which is more than enough in Lincolnshire to make solar an excellent investment.
Why Choose Lincs Renewables for Your Winter Solar Installation?
We’re a local installer, fully MCS-certified, with years of experience installing solar panels across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. We understand local conditions, from the winds on the coast to the frosts in the Wolds, and we know how to optimise solar systems for both summer highs and winter lows.
Our free, no-obligation surveys include:
- Roof orientation analysis
- Shading assessment
- Annual generation estimate with seasonal breakdown
- Honest advice on whether a solar battery will benefit you in winter
And, as part of our services, we offer maintenance, servicing and repairs for your solar panels.
Conclusion
Yes, solar panels absolutely work in winter in Lincolnshire. Whilst energy generation is lower due to shorter days, the cooler temperatures can actually improve efficiency, and even cloudy skies produce useful energy. With the right system design, you’ll continue to save money and reduce your carbon footprint all year round.
Want to see what your Lincolnshire home could generate in winter? Contact us to request a quote and get expert, local advice tailored to your property, or download our free solar guide for more information on the benefits of switching to solar energy.
