When most people think of solar energy, they picture their panels churning out kilowatt-hour after kilowatt-hour under the summer sun on a long July day.
Because of this, some may think it’s better to install solar panels in the spring or summer as opposed to the fall or winter. But even though the longer days help solar panels produce more electricity in the summer, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Can You Install Solar When It’s Cold Outside?
Yes, you can install solar panels in the fall or winter, even though it’s colder and the days are shorter. And you might be smart for doing so.
Here are four reasons why installing solar in the fall or winter is a good idea.
1. Installers May Be Less Busy
Solar installers strive for a full installation schedule throughout the colder months. Just because the sun sets earlier doesn’t mean they can’t install new systems. And it doesn’t mean that those new systems won’t still produce a significant amount of electricity.
However, many people opt for installing their solar systems in the spring and summer, and installers’ schedules can fill up fast. Depending on how busy they are, you may have to wait longer for your installation than you’d like, should you opt to install it during the busy season.
By opting for a fall or winter installation, you can get in during the time they may be less busy, which is good for you and good for them. If your solar installer is less busy, you may be able to get a better deal, as they could be willing to negotiate a little more if they’re on the slower side.
As long as you’re partnering with a reputable solar contractor, you should feel confident that you’re getting a fair price. You should also trust that your team will have enough time to devote to your project to ensure a quality system, no matter what the season or how busy they are.
However, opting for installation during a solar installer’s slower time may give your project a slight boost in these areas.
If you’re thinking about a fall or winter solar installation, it’s important to note that your installers won’t be able to work on your project if there’s ice or snow on the roof. They’ll want to postpone until the slippery stuff has melted away and they can once again safely get to work.
As far as the cold goes, some installers actually prefer working in colder conditions as opposed to the summer heat. Working on unshaded roofs in the dead of summer for a full workday can be very demanding. However, they’re able to bundle up against the cold weather.
2. Your System Will Be Ready for the Peak-Production Seasons
Once you’ve gotten a few quotes, evaluated them, and selected your installer, there is still quite a bit of work to do before construction starts.
While the installation of the system itself is relatively quick (one day to a few weeks, depending on the size of your system), it could be a few weeks or months until the system is fully up and running.
From permitting to utility approvals to ensuring the installer has the materials needed for your project, there are a few important items your installer needs to take care of beforehand.
By choosing to install in the fall or winter, you’ll be giving your system plenty of time to get going before the spring and summer, when the sun is out the longest, and your electricity production is the highest.
3. Your Solar System Will Still Produce Electricity in the Colder Months
Solar panels produce free electricity every season of the year, even in the winter when days are shorter, and the sun is at a lower angle in the sky.
In many areas of the country, fall and winter could come with cloudy, snowy weather. While clouds can reduce the amount of electricity your panels produce, they don’t completely block your panels in most cases. It’s often said that if you can see a shadow outside, it’s sunny enough for your panels to produce electricity. Click here to learn more about how weather can impact your solar system’s production.
Another common weather-related concern is snow. Snow can accumulate on panels and block the photons from the sun (these are what your panels use to generate electricity). However, snow will quickly melt and slide off the panels in most cases.
So even if you live in an area that gets a significant amount of snow in the winter, like Upstate New York, your solar system will still be able to produce a substantial amount of electricity during the winter.
And because the snow melts off the panels so quickly in most cases, you can stay safe and warm inside as opposed to getting on your snowy roof and trying to clean the snow off the panels yourself.
Not only is this dangerous for you to do, but you can damage your solar panels, permanently reducing their production or even voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Those risks aren’t worth the few extra kilowatt-hours that clearing the snow off your panels would save you.
Additionally, the colder weather can even help increase the efficiency of your solar system. Electronics like colder temperatures - including the equipment in your solar system. They’re able to run with less resistance and with more efficiency.
So while your overall production will decrease in the winter because there are fewer hours of sunlight, your system will produce more electricity with less of that sunlight.
Pros and Cons of Installing Solar in the Fall or Winter
While it may seem counterintuitive to start your solar energy journey during a time of year when the sunlight is at a minimum, there are several factors that can make it a great idea.
From negotiating a better deal to taking full advantage of favorable incentives, you could end up going solar for less money than if you waited for sunnier weather. Your new solar system will also be ready and in full swing to churn out tons of free electricity during the spring and summer.
And solar systems still produce a substantial amount of electricity in the fall and winter, which you’d be missing out on. The colder months are often when our electricity bills are the highest, as we spend more time indoors and need lights for a greater part of the day. You'll feel this if your home or business uses electric heat.
However, installing solar in the fall or winter can have a few downsides. While installers don’t mind cooler weather, icy conditions could cause a few short delays until it becomes safe enough for the crew to work. You’ll also have to wait for sunnier weather and longer days to see what your solar system can really do, but you’ll still be producing tons of free electricity in the meantime.
If you’re thinking about going solar, it’s easy to put off until a more “favorable time.” But more often than not, waiting to install the system can do more harm than good for your wallet or bottom line.
Any time of the year is a good time to go solar!
