Learn how solar panels perform during winter and rainy days. Tips from trusted solar installation experts in Garfield and the best installer in Carbondale.
Think solar panels stop working when skies turn grey or snow hitsthe roof? They don’t. That’s one of the biggest myths out there. In reality,solar panels keep generating power—even during colder or wet seasons.
In areas like Garfield and Carbondale, where temperatures drop andweather shifts fast, the question often asked is: Do solar panels forresidential use in Pitkin still make sense in the winter? The short answer:yes, absolutely.
How Solar Panels Perform on Cloudy or Rainy Days
Cloudy doesn’t mean powerless. Even when it's cloudy, some sunlight still reaches the panels. This softer light means they still work,just not as strongly as on sunny days. According to the U.S. Department ofEnergy, solar panels can produce about 10%to 25% of their standard output on overcast days.
Rain can actually help in some cases:
· It clears off dirt and dust that block light.
· It cools the system, helping it run more efficiently.
A bestsolar installers in Carbondale or Garfieldwill plan your system with local climate in mind, making sure it handles bothsunny and rainy seasons well.
Winter Doesn’t Shut Down Solar
Snowfall isn’t as big a problem as people think. Light snowusually melts or slides right off due to the smooth, tilted surface of panels.Plus, solar panels actually run better in cold weather. Heat can lower their efficiency, but chilly, sunny days help them perform at a higher level.
Snow can temporarily reduce output if it piles up, but angled designs and darker panel surfaces help melt it faster. A top installer in Carbondale will design for snow loads and recommend the best panel angle, so you don’t need to worry about frequent manual clearing.
Net Metering Balances the Seasonal Dip
This is where net metering becomes valuable. When your panels make more power than you need—typically insunny months—that extra power goes to the grid. You earn energy credits for it.
Later, during lower-output days in winter or rain, you can usethose credits to offset your bill. This keeps annual electricity costs stable and predictable.
Mid-year, this credit system helps homeowners using solar panels to maintain energysavings even when the sun is hiding.
How to Get the Most from Your Panels Year-Round
Simple steps can go a long way toward keeping your solar systemworking its best:
· Gently remove snow using a soft brush or a roof rake specifically designed for use on solar panels to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
· Trim trees that could block winter sunlight.
· Monitor system output using a mobile app.
· Schedule periodic checks to catch performance drops early.
Installation matters more than anything. Efficient system layout,panel selection, and tilt all make a difference. Local installers know how tobuild with real-world weather in mind, not just ideal forecasts.
The Bottom Line: Solar Still Makes Sense
Rain or shine, solar power works—especially when it’s in experthands. That’s where SoL Energy comes in. As trusted solar installation experts in Garfield, Carbondale and surrounding areas, they know how to make your panels perform all year long.With 20+ years of hands-on experience, they don’t just install systems—they build solar confidence.
If you’re thinking about going solar, start with the team that truly gets it. SoL Energy helps you poweryour home smarter, every season.
FAQs
1. Do solar panels still work on cloudy or rainy days?
Yes! Solar panels work even on cloudy or rainy days. While theiroutput will be lower than on sunny days, they can still capture diffused sunlight and convert it into energy, ensuring your system continues to work year-round.
2. Will snowcover affect my solar panels?
If there is light snow, it usually slides off the smooth surfaceof the panels. Heavy snow can temporarily block sunlight, but since solar panels are often angled, the snow tends to melt faster compared to other surfaces. Regular maintenance, like clearing excessive snow, can help optimize performance.
3. What is the best time to install solar panels in areas with cold or rainy weather?
Solar panels can be installed year-round. However, it's important to choose a reputable installer who understands local weather conditions, ensuring your system is optimized forperformance no matter the season. In places with heavy snow or rain, expertinstallers will angle and design the system accordingly.
4. How do I ensure my solar panels are performing at their best during winter?
Regular maintenance is key to maximizing your system’s performance during the winter months. Ensuring snow iscleared from panels, trimming trees to reduce shade, and conducting periodic inspections will all help keep your system running efficiently through winter and beyond.
5. What happens to my energy production if there’s a long period of cloudy weather?
If there's a prolonged cloudy period, your solarpanels will produce less energy, but they will still generate power. The key advantage of solar energy is the ability to store excess electricity during sunnier months, which you can then use during lower-production periods, thanks to netmetering or battery storage solutions.
