Winter Solar Performance: Essential Maintenance Tips for Snow and Cold Weather

While the South West typically experiences milder winters than the rest of the UK, recent weather patterns have brought increased snowfall and cold snaps to our region. As your local solar experts, we’re sharing essential insights on maintaining optimal solar performance during these challenging conditions.

Key Winter Performance Insights

Recent data from our monitored installations shows that well-maintained solar panels can maintain 80-85% efficiency even during winter months. Here’s what you need to know:

Snow Impact on Solar Generation

Contrary to common belief, light snow coverage isn’t always detrimental to your system. Our recent monitoring shows:

Light snow usually melts within hours due to panel heat
Panels tilted at 40° or more typically self-clear
Brief snow coverage has minimal impact on daily generation

Cold Weather Benefits

Winter brings some unexpected advantages:

Solar panels operate more efficiently in cold temperatures
Clear winter skies can boost generation
Reflective snow can actually increase performance

Essential Winter Maintenance Tips

Based on our recent installation experiences across Devon and Cornwall, we recommend:

Monitor System Performance
- Use your SolarEdge or GivEnergy app for real-time tracking
- Watch for unusual performance drops
- Compare output with previous winter data
Snow Management
- Allow natural melting where possible
- Never use hot water or harsh tools
- Consider professional cleaning for heavy buildup
Regular System Checks
- Ensure panel mounting is secure
- Check for winter debris
- Monitor inverter performance