In the hunt for a more environmentally friendly solution to fuel the way we live, solar power was one of the energy sources discovered. Now, we’re sure you have heard of this before, even if only in passing due to its popularity over the last few decades. It’s still gaining traction, but more people are starting to see this appeal. However, one of the main concerns is how effective this kind of energy is in the winter due to the temperatures and the lack of sunlight. In this article, we will discuss some of the facts about solar power, including whether or not it is reliable in the winter. If you’re interested in finding out more, read on.
What is solar power?
Solar power, which is also known as solar electricity, is the result of turning energy from the sun into electricity. Solar refers to the sunlight, and we can use solar panels to capture this energy from the sun when it’s out and shining, turning it into electricity to power our homes and everything else that we use electricity for.
Solar panels have become more popular in recent years with the increase in concern about the environment. It is a renewable and sustainable solution, which has seen a lot of people convert to this type of fueling their home. If you are considering getting solar panels, we recommend looking into a high-quality solar panel installer in London or wherever you are located. Make sure you check out reviews before you commit.
Do solar panels work in winter?
So, due to the fact that solar panels rely on sunlight to work, it seems like a reasonable question to ask whether or not they work in the winter. The good news for those who are considering getting solar panels is that they do, in fact, still work in the winter months. Whether there is rain or shine outside, your solar panels will continue to produce electricity for you. Having said that, though, the days are shorter in the winter, meaning there are fewer sunlight hours and, therefore, less output from your solar panels.
If your solar panels are covered in snow, you need to remove this as soon as possible. Obviously, your panels are not going to be able to absorb any of the sunlight if they are covered, so this has got to be sorted pretty sharpish if you want your panels to keep working for you.
The only time that you are at risk of your solar panels stopping working altogether is during heavy snowfall. So, if you live somewhere that this is common in winter, this could be an issue only because it can damage the panels themselves.
Are they reliable in winter?
Solar panels may work no matter what the weather is like outside, but are they reliable? Well, that depends on the weather, to be completely honest, and where you are located. Some places are sunnier than others, even during winter, so your climate will heavily play a part in this.
If you live somewhere that is generally quite dark in the winter, then your solar power output is going to be considerably less than it will be in the summer months. While this isn’t exactly ideal, it does mean that your solar panels will be working even more efficiently than they normally do, saving you a little more money.
What can you do to prepare?
As your solar panel output is going to be lower during the winter months, what can you do to prepare for this? There’s no reason you shouldn’t still have solar panels because, as we have emphasised above, they will still work and produce electricity. The best piece of advice that we can give you is to look at solar panel installers in London and have a backup generator in your home just in case your solar panels aren’t producing quite enough. You won’t need to use these all of the time, but they are a good backup plan just to be on the safe side.
So, the conclusion then is that solar panels can be reliable in winter, they just experience a reduction in their performance. Solar panels are a fantastic option for the sake of the environment, and there is no reason that a decrease in output during the winter months should deter you from getting solar panels. They are a fantastic investment, and they will save you a load of money on the whole throughout the year.
