Winter Solar Performance in the North East: The Real Data
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners considering solar panels in the North East is whether they generate enough electricity during the darker winter months. It is a fair question. From November through February, daylight hours are shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky. But the reality is more positive than many people expect.
Month-by-Month Generation Data
Here are average monthly generation figures from a 4kW south-facing solar panel system in Teesside, based on monitored data from our installations:
- January: 110 kWh
- February: 170 kWh
- March: 310 kWh
- April: 420 kWh
- May: 470 kWh
- June: 480 kWh
- July: 460 kWh
- August: 400 kWh
- September: 310 kWh
- October: 200 kWh
- November: 120 kWh
- December: 90 kWh
Annual total: approximately 3,540 kWh. The four winter months (November to February) contribute approximately 490 kWh, which is roughly 14% of the annual total. While this is clearly lower than summer, it is far from zero and still represents meaningful electricity generation.
Why Solar Panels Still Work in Winter
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine. Even on an overcast December day, there is sufficient light to generate useful amounts of electricity. Modern panels like the Jinko Tiger Neo and JA Solar units we install are specifically designed to perform well in low-light conditions, with improved cell technology that captures diffuse light more effectively than older panel designs.
There is also a less obvious benefit: solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cold temperatures. The electrical resistance in solar cells decreases as temperature drops, meaning each hour of winter sunshine is converted to electricity more efficiently than the same hour of summer sunshine. This partially offsets the reduced daylight hours.
How Battery Storage Helps in Winter
Even though winter solar generation is lower, battery storage makes it significantly more valuable. Without a battery, much of your winter daytime generation may be exported to the grid at a low SEG rate because you are out at work. A battery captures every kWh generated during the short winter daylight hours and makes it available for use in the evening when you actually need it.
Additionally, batteries enable tariff arbitrage year-round. By charging the battery overnight at cheap rates (7-10p per kWh on tariffs like Octopus Go) and using that stored energy during the expensive daytime and evening periods (24p+ per kWh), you save money every single day regardless of solar generation. This winter strategy alone can save £300-£500 per year.
Does Snow Affect Solar Panels?
Snow can temporarily reduce output if it covers the panels. However, in the North East, heavy snowfall that persists on rooftops is relatively rare compared to regions further north or at higher elevations. Solar panels are installed at an angle, which helps snow slide off naturally. The dark surface of the panels also absorbs heat and accelerates snow melt. In most cases, any snow cover clears within a day or two.
We do not recommend attempting to clear snow from solar panels yourself. Climbing on a roof in icy conditions is dangerous, and the temporary loss of generation is not worth the risk. The panels will clear themselves.
Optimising Your System for Winter
- Roof pitch: A steeper pitch (35-40 degrees) captures more low-angle winter sun than a shallow pitch.
- Panel orientation: South-facing panels maximise winter generation. East-west split arrays perform slightly less well in winter.
- Battery storage: Essential for capturing every kWh of limited winter generation and making it available when you need it.
- Smart tariff: Combining solar with a smart tariff and battery ensures you save money year-round, even on the darkest days.
The Bottom Line
Solar panels absolutely work in winter in the North East. Output is lower than summer, but the combination of winter solar generation, battery storage and smart tariff arbitrage means your system delivers value every month of the year. Contact us for a personalised assessment including projected month-by-month generation for your specific roof.