01482 230 422
During the winter months, the days grow shorter, and sun-exposure is at a minimum. It’s the time of year when energy bills are through the roof and every penny counts. This begs the question; how can you maximise your solar panels, and therefore your savings, during these shorter days?
You may already have solar panels and are looking to get the most out of them despite the lack of sun, or maybe you’re a prospective buyer questioning if solar panels are worth it in the winter months. Either way, we are here to guide you through how you can maximise performance, utilising these shorter daylight hours as sun-exposure begins to decline.
Can Solar Panels Work with Less Sunlight?
Whilst shorter days mean less sunlight, this won’t by any means stop the production of electricity by your solar system completely. One of the biggest myths around solar power is that it requires constant, direct sunshine to work. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Over the years, constant technological advances mean that solar panels have improved drastically enabling them to be extremely efficient. This means that whilst the days may be growing shorter, you’ll still be generating plenty of energy to help cut down the cost of your bills and reduce dependence on the grid.
Make The Most of The Sun
Solar panels only produce power when the sun is out, therefore, won’t be able to do so at night. With a shorter window of opportunity to generate electricity, it’s vital to take advantage of this limited timeframe. One way of doing this, would be to invest in a solar battery.
Solar batteries can store excess electricity generated during the day to be used later or in times of high demand, such as in the evening. This means that even though the sun isn’t out as long, you will have a reserve of power to fall back on when it gets dark.
In addition, you can take advantage of lower night time tariffs from your electricity grid supplier and use this cheaper source of energy to top-up your battery overnight, for use when you need it.
Together, this will increase your system’s functionality, adapting more to time changes and allowing you to be more energy independent. Having a solar battery will also reduce your carbon footprint and provide you with a more sustainable lifestyle. For more information on how solar barriers work, check out our full guide to solar battery storage.
The Role of Inverters in Low-Light Solar Production
One key component when it comes to less sunlight is an inverter. This device converts the current generated by solar panels, transforming it into standard electricity so that it is usable within your home.
This conversion is critical in low-light conditions as inverters adjust energy production based on the current lighting conditions. There are a variety of different inverters to choose from, each with differing powers. Some are even specifically designed to optimise energy production in low-light, making them an ideal choice for shorter days.
Boost Your Solar Panel Efficiency
Making the most of the dwindling sunlight can be done by ensuring your solar panels are working to top efficiency. For those of you on the cusp of installing solar panels at home, this may involve simply finding the best placement for your solar panels, whilst people with existing solar panels may need to monitor them more thoroughly.
There are many factors to consider when deciding where to place your panels, with the most important ones being shading and roof orientation, which are crucial in maximising sun-exposure. Overhanging trees, chimneys and nearby buildings can all block light to your panels, impacting their performance. South facing roofs will experience the most sun coverage, which is vital during these shorter days. However, roofs directed towards the east or west will also be well-exposed to the sun, providing good performance.
But what if you already have them installed? There are still plenty of ways you can ensure your solar panels are in the best condition and utilising every ray of sun possible, including:
- Regular cleaning – Built up dirt and grime can block the about of light your panel receives, reducing energy output.
- Checking for damage – Cracked or damaged panels will work at a lower efficiency or stop working entirely.
- Checking for wildlife – Animals can cause a variety of issues when it comes to solar panels. Birds may build their nests underneath them which can restrict airflow and potentially damage wires. Further impairment to wires may occur from animals chewing on them, which can cause system failures.
- Smart monitoring – This provides you with in-depth insights into how your system is performing, allowing you to optimise usage whilst maximising the return on your investment.
Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption in Winter
Now that you’ve maximised the efficiency of your solar system, increasing the power produced, how can you make this energy last longer in winter?
Something as simple as switching your lighting can help. LEDs consume significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan, resulting in fewer replacements and lower maintenance in general. They are a much more energy efficient option due limiting the amount of power wasted on heat energy.
Heat being lost through poorly insulated roofs is one of the biggest sources of heat loss. Therefore, investing in quality loft insulation is a cost-effective solution to prevent this wastage.
There are also little, much more affordable ways to save energy without requiring huge upgrades. Boiling the right amount of water needed in a kettle means less energy is wasted boiling water you won’t use. You can also turn your thermostat down by one degree, a very minor difference that can have a major impact on your gas bill.
Why Choose East Yorkshire Solar?
So, why choose us? Whether you are new to solar energy, have domestic solar panels, or own a business that utilises commercial solar panels, we are here to help.
Not boosting efficiency through smart monitoring because you don’t understand the systems? We have a dedicated Customer Online Monitoring system to help you improve your energy usage and performance, especially with shorter days approaching.
We don’t just stop at the installation process either. We can help you keep your panels running in prime condition through repairs and maintenance. Whether they are damaged, cracked or just not generating power effectively, East Yorkshire Solar is a quick and affordable option when it comes to getting your system back on its feet.
Purchasing from us provides peace of mind as all our solar panels come with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty along with a comprehensive 2-year insurance backed workmanship guarantee.
Furthermore, it’s not just solar energy we specialise in, but renewable energy altogether. We install EV chargers both at home and commercially, offering expert advise on the most optimal location and providing you with a full demonstration of how to use your new EV charger. To find out more about introducing an EV charger into your space at home, see out domestic EV chargers page for more information.
Final Thoughts
With most energy prices skyrocketing as winter days draw shorter, it is even more vital to turn to renewable energy such as solar panels to help save you money on everyday household bills. Solar panels still function despite having limited sun-exposure, it is all about boosting efficiency to make the most of a smaller window of opportunity. Upgrading your system with the addition of a solar battery could be essential in increasing the versatility of your set-up by allowing you to store surplus power for those long, dark nights. There are many different actions you can implement that will maximise energy production despite the lack of sun.
From general cleaning to smart monitoring or taking your first steps investing in solar energy, East Yorkshire Solar can help you with it all. You can save money whilst reducing your carbon footprint, paving the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Start your journey today by using our instant quote form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Further Support
We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of solar panel experts today for further guidance and advice.
Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk
Telephone: 01482 230 422