Rain or snow, you can still save with solar this winter

If you’re a East Coast homeowner, you’re probably no stranger to it’s long and snowy winters. But you might be surprised to know that home solar panels will stand up better to New England winters than your daily commute. Still got cold feet? We’re here to answer some of the most common questions we get about solar panels in winter.

Do solar panels work in winter?

Yes, your solar panels will work in winter. Your solar panels’ efficiency won’t be affected by the cold. In fact, much like other electronic devices, solar panels work more efficiently in lower temperatures.¹

How much power can I expect in winter?

Since shorter days mean less available sunlight, your panels will be producing less power in the winter. But since solar panels work more efficiently in the cold, it’ll be making the most of all the sunlight available.

Can solar panels handle snow?

If you think you’ll run into solar panel snow problems, you’ll be happy to know that solar panels are already made to stand up to the weight snow. Also, solar panels are usually built at an angle so that snow will slide right off. However, you may need a snow rake to remove any excess snow that could potentially block your panels’ access to sunlight.

Is my state good for solar?

If you’re from New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York, be proud—you live in one of the top ten solar states in the country³ (that’s along with year-round sunny states like California and Arizona). It just goes to show that no matter where you are, going solar can make sense for you.

Want extra peace of mind? Sunrun BrightSave® plans include maintenance and performance guarantees* to ensure your solar panels are working as expected, whatever the weather. See how much you could save with a quick and free solar quote or contact one of our solar experts to get started.

Sources:

http://news.energysage.com/solar-panels-in-winter-weather-snow-affect-po...

https://www.wwu.edu/skywise/a101_seasons.html

http://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

^{*Sunrun guarantees 100% of the guaranteed output during the initial term of the agreement for BrightSave Prepaid and 95% for BrightSave Monthly Lease. Please see https://www.sunrun.com/why-sunrun/your-guarantee for details.}