If you’re thinking about solar panels, it’s natural to wonder whether winter is the right time to invest. The days are shorter, the skies are greyer, and the sun feels like it’s on holiday until March at the earliest. So is it really worth getting solar panels when there’s not much sunlight around?
The short answer is yes. Solar still works in winter, and there are some very good reasons to plan your installation now rather than waiting for summer.
At Solar First, we install solar panels, batteries and EV chargers across Rutland, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. We’re a local team of accredited installers who believe in honest advice, tidy work, and clear recommendations before you decide. No pressure. No exaggerated promises. Just the right system for your home or business, done properly.
Here’s what you need to know about going solar in winter.
Solar panels still generate energy in winter
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception first.
Solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine or 30-degree heat to work. What they need is light, and so even on cloudy days, there’s still enough daylight to generate power. In fact, cold, clear winter days can be surprisingly productive. Panels actually work more efficiently at lower temperatures, which means they perform well even when the air is crisp and the skies are pale blue.
Yes, you’ll get less overall generation in December than in June. But your system doesn’t stop working just because it’s winter. A well-designed setup will still contribute to your energy usage, even during the darker months.
We can show you expected performance figures based on real local data, so you know exactly what to expect, not just in July, but in January too.
Installing in winter means you’re ready for spring
Spring and summer are when solar really starts to shine. So if you’re thinking about installing panels, winter is a great time to get ahead.
Getting started now means your system will already be in place by the time daylight hours start to climb. You won’t be joining the queue of people trying to book installation slots when the weather improves. You’ll already be generating.
There’s also more breathing space. Winter tends to be a quieter period for the industry, which means we can often be more flexible on dates and turn projects around a little faster. In short, install in winter, be ready when the sun returns.
Energy bills don’t care what season it is
Most of us use more energy in winter. Heating, lighting, cooking, it all adds up. And with energy prices ever increasing, the cost of powering your home through the colder months can be significant.
Installing solar in winter won’t make the problem disappear, but it can make a dent. Even a modest amount of generation can reduce your reliance on the grid, especially if you pair your system with battery storage or an immersion diverter.
Once your system is installed, any excess electricity you don’t use can be exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). That means income from day one, not just when the sun comes out in force.
Battery storage makes winter systems smarter
Many of our customers now choose to install solar panels with a battery, and in winter, that can make a real difference.
During the day, your battery can store the energy your panels generate. That energy can then be used in the evening, when demand is higher and grid prices are at their peak. If your panels aren’t producing much on a cloudy day, you can also charge the battery overnight using cheaper off-peak electricity (depending on your tariff), and use it during the day.
It’s all about making more use of the energy you generate and making the most of the energy you buy. With the right setup, you can do both. We’ll talk you through the options and help you decide whether battery storage is right for your home.
It’s a long-term investment, not a seasonal one
One of the reasons we avoid exaggerated claims is because solar is not a quick win. It’s a long-term decision that pays off over time. A well-installed system is expected to last 20 to 25 years. That means it will go through hundreds of winters and just as many summers.
The value isn’t just in how much you generate in February, but in how much you save and export across the whole year. If you wait until spring or summer to get started, that’s a few more months of high bills and missed generation. The sooner you start, the sooner you benefit. Simple as that.
You’ll get clear recommendations before you decide
We know solar isn’t right for everyone. That’s why we always start with a proper assessment.
We’ll look at your roof orientation, shading, household energy use, and whether you’re home during the day. We’ll show you realistic performance estimates using local data, not vague averages. And we’ll talk you through options for battery storage, immersion control, or EV charging — if they make sense for you.
You’ll get a clear picture of what’s possible, how long it will take, and what sort of savings or returns you can expect. No pressure. No salesy follow-ups. Just straight answers from a local, accredited team who care about doing things properly.
We don’t just install, we support you long after
Going solar isn’t just about the panels. It’s about the full picture: the wiring, the metering, the aftercare, and the support when things need adjusting or updating.
We’re based here in the East Midlands, and we don’t disappear after installation. Whether you need help understanding your app, switching export providers, or just want a bit of reassurance during your first few weeks, we’re on hand to help.
That’s why so much of our work comes from referrals and word of mouth.
So… should you buy solar panels in winter?
If your home is suitable, and you’re ready to start using more of your own energy, there’s no reason to wait. Winter might feel like the wrong time, but it can actually be one of the best times to get going. You’ll beat the rush, avoid installation delays, and be generating long before the sun returns in full force.
It all starts with a conversation. We’ll talk you through the options and give you clear, honest advice, whether you go ahead or not. Call us on 01572 373342, email hello@solarfirst.uk or get a quick quote now.
