16/10/2026
As the days get shorter and the weather gets a bit more dreary, I always hear the same thing about solar: “Surely solar panels are pointless in winter?”
Honestly, it’s a fair question, but it’s a bit of a myth! Solar panels need daylight, not blazing sunshine.
They generate electricity from daylight, so even on cloudy, grey days, they can still produce energy. Yes, they’ll generally generate less in winter because the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, but that doesn't mean they're doing nothing.
It's about the bigger picture 🌦️
Solar generation naturally goes up and down throughout the seasons. You'll usually generate much more in the longer, brighter days of spring and summer, with less coming in during autumn and winter.
That's why it's important to look at the expected generation across the whole year, rather than judging a solar system by what it produces on a miserable Tuesday in November!
And if you've got a battery, there's another benefit.
You can store excess solar electricity generated during the day and use it in the evening when your panels aren't producing much, rather than buying as much electricity from the grid.
Depending on your setup and energy tariff, a battery can also help you make the most of cheaper-rate electricity. It's all about using your energy a bit smarter.
Solar isn't about getting sunshine every day. It's about making the most of the daylight we do get.
And living and working around Sheffield, I can tell you we can't exactly rely on constant sunshine! 😂
