Thinking about going solar but wondering how well rooftop solar panels actually work through the changing seasons? It’s a common question!
Solar panels use light, not heat, to generate electricity, which means they work all year, even during the cold winter months. However, the amount of electricity your system produces will vary by season, with highest production in the late spring and early summer.
In this guide, we cover seasonal solar panel performance in Massachusetts, so you know what kind of energy production you can expect throughout the year and how much it can change with weather and the seasons.
Solar Panel Output by Season in Massachusetts
How Much Power Do Solar Panels Generate in the Summer?
Solar panels produce their highest electricity output in late spring and early summer, when the days are long, the sun is high in the sky, and temperatures are still relatively cool. This is ideal because electricity usage also tends to be higher this time of the year due to air conditioning. With solar, you can run the AC guilt-free.
On many late-spring and summer days, your solar panels will actually generate more electricity than you need. The excess is automatically sent to the electric grid, and you receive net metering credits in exchange. You can bank these credits from your strongest production days and apply them to your bills in the winter when your solar production is lower.
How Much Power Do Solar Panels Generate in the Winter?
Solar production takes a noticeable drop during the winter months. The days are shorter with more frequent storms and cloud coverage, reducing the amount of light your solar panels receive and, therefore, the amount of electricity they can generate.
However, it’s a common misconception that solar panels don’t work in the winter. During the daylight hours, they will produce efficiently, just at lower levels when compared to late spring and summer because of the shorter days and lower sun angle. If it’s not enough to cover all your electricity needs, your house will automatically switch over to grid power, and your net metering credits will help offset the cost.
How Does Snow Affect Solar Panels?
When snow accumulates on your solar panels, it can block the sunlight, reducing their output. But this isn’t as much of a problem as you might expect. Snow often melts quickly on solar panels and, because they’re installed at an angle, will typically slide right off.
How Do Power Outages Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels don’t work during a power outage. When the electric grid is down, all of the solar systems connected to it are automatically turned off to stop them from sending power into the grid and putting utility workers at risk.
If you install a solar battery, however, your solar panels will disconnect from the grid and stay on during an outage. Your battery will provide backup power to your home, and your panels will recharge it whenever there’s sunlight available.
How Much Power Do Solar Panels Generate in the Fall and Spring?
The spring is a great time for solar energy production. The days are getting longer and sunnier, and production begins to ramp up to its peak.
During the fall, solar production will slowly start to drop as the days get shorter. But you’ll still be producing plenty of power, and you’ll be able to use your net metering credits to help cover the extra power you buy from the grid to supplement your solar production.
How Does Weather Affect Solar Panel Output in Massachusetts?
Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, so the weather will affect their output. Naturally, bright sunny days are best for solar. But it’s a myth that solar panels only work when it’s sunny. They still produce power on cloudy and rainy days, just less of it.
Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
Solar panels work when it’s cloudy by using the diffuse sunlight that passes through the clouds to generate electricity. Their output will, however, be reduced, depending on how cloudy it is. You can still generate close to your peak output on partially cloudy days, but your power will be significantly reduced on fully overcast days.
Do Solar Panels Work When It’s Raining?
Water does not impact solar panels, and they will continue to produce power when it’s raining, although cloud coverage may cause their output to drop. Surprisingly, rain is good for solar panels because it washes away the dust and grime that can collect on them and block sunlight.
Do Solar Panels Work in Cold Weather?
Solar panels work perfectly in cold weather. They use sunlight, not heat, to produce electricity, so cold weather has no impact on their output.
See How Much Power Solar Panels Can Generate for Your Home
Solar production changes with the seasons, but thanks to Massachusetts’ strong net metering policy, your long-term electric bill savings can stay consistent throughout the year even if production goes up and down.
If you’re interested in what solar production could look like for your home, reach out to My Generation Energy today. We’d be happy to estimate your solar potential based on your home and roof, and help you decide if solar is right for you.
