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Do solar panels also generate energy in the winter?

Written by Marijn

Edited on

26 May 2026

·

12:17

How much energy do solar panels generate in winter?

Solar panels generate the most energy from May to July, but you'll also generate some energy in winter. In this advice article, you can read more about this.

  • Smaller yield
  • Better with cold weather
  • Influence of snow
  • Installation in winter
Solar panel yield

Less sunlight, less yield

Compared to the summer, winter days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky. This means your solar panels catch less sunlight and generate less energy. On average, your solar roof generated between 20 and 30% of their annual yield in the winter months. The yield is bigger during the rest of the year.

Detailed photo solar panels

Better with cold weather

People often expect that the yield of solar panels is best during the summer, but solar panels actually work better during colder weather. When the solar panel heats up a lot, it loses more energy. This makes the yield of your solar roof better in spring, from April to June.

Coolblue van in winter

Influence of snow

During the winter, there's more chance of snow. When there's a thick layer of snow on your solar roof, the panels don't catch sunlight. Luckily, the snow won't stay for long because the solar panels are smooth and stand at an angle. Isn't this the case? Call a company to carefully and safely make your solar roof snow-free.

Coolblue van in fall

Installation in winter

Are you thinking about your own solar roof? The best season for a solar panel installation is fall or winter. The installers aren't as busy in this period, so the waiting times are short. You'll be fully prepared for the good yield in spring and summer months this way. Do you want to know more about solar panels? Contact us for personal advice and discover that you can save on your energy bill even during the winter months.

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