Do solar panels work in winter? Yes. Solar panels keep generating electricity right through a UK winter, even on cold, grey days, but a typical system produces around 70–80% less in December and January than it does in summer.
That drop comes from shorter days and a lower sun, not the cold. In fact, cold weather helps your panels work more efficiently. Here in Yorkshire and the North, where winter brings plenty of cloud, rain and the odd snowfall, it's one of the questions we're asked most.
Below, we break down exactly how much a solar system generates each month, what happens when it snows, and how to get the most from your panels until the longer days return.
Key takeaways
Solar panels work all year round in the UK, including in winter.
A 4kW south-facing system in West Yorkshire generates around 100 kWh in December, compared with around 450 kWh in June.
November to February makes up roughly 15% of a system's annual output.
Cold improves panel efficiency. It's shorter days and a lower sun that reduce winter output.
Snow can reduce or stop generation, depending on how much covers the panels. It's usually best left to clear naturally.
A battery can store surplus daytime generation for later use, and some setups can also charge from the grid on cheaper off-peak rates.
Solar panels in winter in the UK: how much do they produce?
Solar panels continue to generate in winter whenever daylight reaches them, although output is much lower than in summer. To show what winter solar generation looks like in practice, we've modelled a typical 4kW system on a south-facing roof here in Keighley, West Yorkshire, using PVGIS, the European Commission's solar data tool.
| Month | Average monthly output (kWh) | Average daily output (kWh) | Share of annual output |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 115 | 3.7 | 3.2% |
| February | 181 | 6.5 | 4.9% |
| March | 315 | 10.2 | 8.6% |
| April | 428 | 14.3 | 11.7% |
| May | 474 | 15.3 | 12.9% |
| June | 453 | 15.1 | 12.4% |
| July | 461 | 14.9 | 12.6% |
| August | 423 | 13.7 | 11.6% |
| September | 336 | 11.2 | 9.2% |
| October | 227 | 7.3 | 6.2% |
| November | 147 | 4.9 | 4.0% |
| December | 101 | 3.3 | 2.8% |
| Year | 3,661 | 10.0 | 100% |
Modelled for a 4kWp system at a 35° pitch, facing due south, with no shading and 14% system losses. Source: PVGIS-SARAH3, European Commission Joint Research Centre. Actual output varies with roof direction, shading and year-to-year weather.
Winter vs summer solar output
The darkest months, December to February, average around 70% less than June to August, and December alone is roughly 77% lower. From November to February, our example system generates around 540 kWh, about 15% of its yearly total of roughly 3,660 kWh.
You might see smaller winter drops quoted online, but in the North of England the gap between June and December is wider. That's completely normal, and it's why solar systems are sized on what they generate across the whole year, not on winter alone. For the full picture, see our guide to how much energy solar panels produce.
Worked example: a 4kW system in December
Generation: around 100 kWh across the month, or about 3.3 kWh a day.
Value: worth up to around £27 if it's all used in your home instead of electricity bought from the grid. This uses Ofgem's average price cap rate of 26.32p per kWh for direct debit customers (October–December 2026). Your own rate may differ, and anything you export earns your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate instead.
Coverage: Ofgem's typical household uses 2,500 kWh of electricity a year, or about 208 kWh a month. December's 101 kWh is equivalent to just under half of that average month. How much of your actual use it covers depends on when you generate and when you use electricity, and most homes use more than average in winter.
With lower generation and higher demand in winter, a larger share of what your panels produce may be used at home rather than exported. Each kWh you use yourself saves you the price of grid electricity, while exported units earn your SEG rate, which is usually lower. This will vary with your household's routine and your system setup, including whether you have a battery.
Why do solar panels produce less in winter?
Solar panels run on daylight, not heat. Winter output falls for three reasons:
Shorter days: much of the UK gets around 7 to 8 hours of daylight in December, compared with more than 16 hours in June.
A lower sun: sunlight reaches your panels at a shallower angle and travels through more of the atmosphere, so it's less intense.
More cloud: thicker, more frequent cloud reduces the direct sunlight reaching your roof.
None of these switch your panels off. Even on overcast days, diffuse daylight filters through the clouds and keeps them generating. We explain this in more detail in our guide to whether solar panels work on cloudy days.
Do solar panels work in snow?
Yes, although how well depends on how much snow there is. Here's what to expect when snow settles on your roof:
Light snow: may reduce generation or stop it, depending on how much of the panels is covered.
Heavy snow: a thick covering blocks the light and stops generation until it clears.
Clearing on its own: panels are smooth glass set at an angle, so snow often slides off or melts once the sun comes out. How quickly depends on the weather, the angle of your panels and how much has fallen.
Bright, snowy days: snow on the ground reflects light, so on a clear day after a snowfall, uncovered panels can get a useful boost.
Should you clear snow off solar panels?
In most cases, no. It's best to let snow melt and slide off naturally. Climbing onto an icy roof is dangerous, and well-meaning fixes can do more harm than good:
Don't go up on the roof or try to reach your panels.
Never pour hot water over your panels. The sudden change in temperature can damage the glass.
Don't use shovels, scrapers or brushes on the panels.
If snow hasn't cleared after a long spell, or you're worried about your system, contact your installer.
Panels are built to cope with British winters, and an MCS-certified installation like ours includes checks on your roof's structure and the loads it needs to handle. A few snowy days also make very little difference to your yearly total, as winter is only a small share of annual generation.
Do solar panels work in cold weather?
They do, and cold actually helps. Solar panels are rated at a cell temperature of 25°C, and for most panels, output drops by around 0.3–0.4% for every degree warmer than that. On a hot summer's day, panels on a roof can run far hotter than the air around them.
On a crisp, clear winter's day, the opposite happens: cooler panels convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. So those freezing Northern mornings aren't the problem. A cold, bright day is ideal for solar; there just aren't as many daylight hours to make the most of it.
Do solar panels work in the rain?
Rain lowers output in the same way cloud does, but your panels will still generate from the diffuse daylight coming through. Rain can also rinse away loose dust and dirt, although it won't reliably shift stubborn grime such as bird droppings. Find out more in our guide to whether solar panels need cleaning.
How to get more from your solar panels in winter
Add battery storage
A battery can store surplus daytime generation for later use, such as in the evening when demand peaks and the winter daylight has gone. Depending on the battery, your tariff and how your system is set up, some batteries can also charge from the grid overnight on a cheaper off-peak tariff, which can help when solar generation is low.
Our guide to the best batteries for solar panels compares the options, or explore our solar battery storage installations.
Get the angle right at installation
Rooftop panels are fixed in place, so their angle is set when they're installed. A steeper pitch catches more of the low winter sun, while a shallower one favours summer. A good installer will balance the two to get the most generation across the year. Find out more in our guide to the best angle for solar panels in the UK.
Use more electricity during daylight hours
Run your dishwasher, washing machine or tumble dryer in the middle of the day, when your panels are producing the most. It won't increase generation, but it means more of your solar power is used at home instead of you buying from the grid.
Keep your panels clear
Leaves, grime and snow all block light. If your panels are visibly dirty, a professional clean before winter can help.
Keep an eye on your generation
Checking your output regularly helps you spot problems early, such as a sudden dip that the weather doesn't explain. If your system includes monitoring, a solar monitoring app makes this easy.
Are solar panels worth it if they produce less in winter?
Yes, for most homes. Solar is sized on what it generates across the whole year. Long summer days produce a surplus that you can use, store or export, and that balances out the quieter winter months.
Every kWh you use yourself is one less you need to buy from the grid. See how much you could save with solar panels.
Funding and savings
Solar panels and batteries for homes currently qualify for 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, and the Smart Export Guarantee pays you for any electricity you send back to the grid. Some eligible households may also qualify for council-run funding such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Our guide to UK solar panel grants explains who qualifies, and we can help you check what's available to you.
Solar panels in winter: FAQs
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Solar panels are designed and tested to withstand freezing temperatures, frost and hail. Frost on the surface usually clears once the sun reaches it.
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No. Solar panels need daylight to generate electricity. A battery can store surplus daytime generation for use after dark.
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Not on their own. Standard grid-connected systems switch off during a power cut for safety. To keep power running, you need a battery set up with backup capability.
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Yes. P4 Solar install throughout the winter months and always aim to go ahead on the agreed date. We’ll only rearrange if conditions are unsafe, such as particularly cold and icy weather or very heavy rain, and that rarely happens. Your system starts generating as soon as it’s switched on, so it’s ready for the longer days of spring.
Make the most of winter solar with P4 Solar
Solar panels work all year round, even through a Northern winter, and they work harder with the right system behind them. As an MCS-certified, family-run installer based in Keighley, we design every system around your roof, your energy use and Yorkshire's weather, so you get the most from every season.
Solar solutions for every type of property
Whatever your property, we’ll design a system that works hard all year round, winter included.
Homes: Cut your bills and make the most of every daylight hour with residential solar panels, designed around your roof and how your household uses energy.
Businesses: Reduce running costs and protect your business from rising energy prices with commercial solar for offices, farms, hospitality and industrial sites.
Schools, charities and community spaces: Put more of your budget back into what matters with community solar for schools, village halls, sports clubs and charities.
Find the right installation for you
Rooftop solar: the most popular choice, fitted onto your existing roof
In-roof solar: a sleek, flush finish that sits in line with your tiles
Ground-mounted solar: ideal if you have land but limited roof space
Battery storage: store surplus generation for later use, morning or night
Check where we operate or book a free survey to see what solar could do for your property, month by month.
