Installing solar is one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills and even earn some back. And the best part is, there is benefit to solar installations no matter where you are in Australia! From sunny Queensland and Western Australia to cities along the east coast like Sydney and Melbourne, solar is worth it anywhere and anytime.
And yes, you heard that right: solar is worth it any time of the year, even in winter! Many people often wonder whether solar panels actually work when it’s cloudy, cold, or rainy… and if it’s even worth installing rooftop solar in places like Victoria. The good news is that solar panels will work in winter and even on cloudy days.
Keep reading to learn more about how over half a million Victorian homes are already enjoying cheaper and cleaner energy all year round thanks to solar!
Will Solar Panels Still Work In Winter?
Short answer: yes! Solar panels will work in the winter!
Long answer: Yes, because the sun never stops shining! Even through cloud cover, there is still remnant sunlight that can make its way past the atmosphere and onto your rooftop solar panels. The important thing to know, though, is that solar panel performance will vary throughout the year and across seasons.
So while your solar panel installation in Melbourne will continue to work even on the cloudiest of days, it will, on average, produce less energy in winter.
Why Solar Panels Produce Less Energy In Winter
There are several reasons why solar panels may not perform as well during the winter months. It all depends on where in Australia your solar panels are installed as well as what kind of winter you’re experiencing. Weather conditions play a big part in how solar panels perform, so there are often multiple factors that contribute to lower energy output in the winter.
Shorter days mean fewer hours of sunlight
Australia experiences less sunshine in winter than in summer due to shorter daylight hours. Peak energy production usually occurs at midday, when the sun is highest in the sky for the longest period. In winter, the sun shines less often at its maximum and at an optimal angle, resulting in fewer hours of available sunlight for generation.
Lower angle of the sun
The arc of the sun’s rotation is lower during the winter, and this can reduce solar production. However, it depends on the angle of your rooftop, too, and how it aligns in relation to the sun’s angle. Steep roofs can be an advantage in Melbourne and Hobart during the winter months, though, as the panel angle is more perpendicular to the sun’s angle.
Cloudy conditions
Australia typically experiences increased cloud cover during winter, and less unobstructed sunlight means less energy. This is why the positioning of your solar panels is so important to avoid shade and other obstructions. During winter, however, more opaque days simply mean less sun to generate energy from.
Is Solar Worth It In Winter?
Despite generating less energy, solar panels and solar batteries are still worth it in winter! Solar panels are obviously most effective in direct sunlight, but they can also generate power even from indirect sunlight. That means even on cloudy, rainy days, you can expect solar panels to continue generating some energy.
Pro tip: Rain can also wash away dirt and dust that’s gathered on them. This helps keep your solar panels clean and working well!
What temperature is too cold for solar panels?
Even the cold air won’t necessarily stop your solar system from producing energy. If there’s sunlight falling directly on the cells in your panels, they will produce energy. In fact, cooler conditions can even create a better operating environment for your solar panels compared with scorching summer days!
How Well Does Solar Work in Melbourne Winter?
So, yes, it is definitely worth installing solar even if you live in a cold, cloudy area like Melbourne. Hundreds of thousands of Victorian homes are already enjoying increased savings from solar, despite the gloomy weather. Households can expect their solar panels to generate less power in winter than in summer due to the shorter, cloudier days, but they’ll still help reduce your energy bills even at a reduced capacity due to the energy being added to your battery storage.
In fact, many households with solar find they receive a credit from their electricity retailer in the sunnier months. That’s because they feed excess solar power into the electricity grid. In winter, they may need to draw more from the grid due to lower solar generation and higher energy needs, such as heating. Those winter bills are partially offset by the credit that built up during summer – that’s a win-win in our book!
Tips to Make The Most of Your Solar Panels in Winter
Here are our top tips to help you maximise your solar output and get the most out of your inverter in winter, so you can reap increased savings in both the colder months and the summertime!
* Keep your panels clean and maintained: Dust, debris, and other buildup can reduce solar generation. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and have your system checked by an accredited solar installer or qualified electrician when required.
* Check for shade: Look at your panels from the ground throughout the day to identify trees or other objects blocking sunlight. Trimming overhanging branches can help maximise winter generation where appropriate.
* Watch the weather: Check the forecast and plan energy-intensive tasks, such as laundry and batch cooking, for sunnier days when your system is likely to generate more electricity.
* Use appliance timers: Schedule your washing machine, dishwasher, pool pump, and other appliances to run during the sunniest part of the day, when your solar system is producing electricity.
* Make use of daytime heating: On sunny winter days, open curtains and blinds to let in natural warmth, and consider running your heating during peak solar generation periods.
* Switch to solar heating: You can also explore solar hot water in Melbourne as another way to reduce your reliance on grid electricity and stay warmer for cheaper through winter.
Make the Most of Solar in Winter with Solargain on Your Side!
Ready to make the most of solar, even through Melbourne’s cloudy winter days? Our experienced Melbourne solar installers can help you choose a system designed around your home and energy needs. Explore our solar packages and pricing, or consider solar battery storage in Melbourne to store more of the energy your panels generate.
Find out how to get the most out of your inverter, and contact us today about making your solar investment work harder year-round.
