During the summer months, the abundance of daylight and favourable weather conditions allow solar panels to generate plenty of electricity. However, as we move into the winter months, solar generation naturally declines. Reduced daylight hours and poorer weather conditions mean your solar panels won’t generate as much as they do in the summer. Don’t worry! - While this drop is inevitable, there are still ways to make the most of your solar power system, including home storage batteries and cheaper night tariffs.
Why Does Solar Generation Decline in Winter in Northern Ireland?
The primary reason for reduced solar generation in the winter months is the shorter daylight hours. In the summer, the UK enjoys long, sunny days, with the sun rising early and setting late, which means your solar panels have more time to generate electricity. However, in winter, daylight can last as little as seven to eight hours, significantly cutting the time available for solar power generation. The lower position of the sun in the sky also reduces the intensity of sunlight, which results in lower solar generation’. Rest assured that your panels will still generate and save you money - just not as much as in the summer.
Poorer weather conditions also play a significant role. Cloud cover, rain, and even snow can limit the amount of sunlight that reaches your PV panels, reducing the electricity generated. That said, solar panels do still generate power in cloudy conditions, just at a lower rate.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you’re likely familiar with the less predictable weather, which can make it harder to rely solely on solar generation throughout the year. Keep an eye on your inverter app and weather app to optimise your energy use on those bright winter days! Solar panels perform efficiently in cold, sunny conditions, so try to schedule tasks like running your washing machine for when the sun is shining.
How Can I Maximise Solar Energy All Year Round?
Although solar generation is lower in winter, it’s still possible to reduce your electricity bills. Even with reduced daylight, your system will continue to generate electricity. However, it’s important to understand that you’ll produce less excess energy compared to the summer. This reduction will have an impact on any additional systems you may have installed to make the most of your solar power, such as a My Energi Zappi car charger, a My Energi Eddi immersion heater controller, or home storage batteries.
1. My Energi Zappi Car Charger and Winter Performance
If you own an electric vehicle (EV) and have a My Energi Zappi car charger, you may find that it receives less solar energy during the winter months. The Zappi charger is designed to prioritise charging your EV using excess solar energy, but with lower production, you may need to rely more on the grid.
For those who have an cheaper night tariff, this isn’t a huge issue. Many customers use off-peak tariffs to charge their EVs overnight, when electricity is cheaper. This means that even if your solar panels aren't generating enough power during the day, you can still charge your vehicle affordably overnight, keeping your costs down. If you don’t have a cheaper night tariff, we recommend getting in touch with your electricity provider to discuss the option.
2. My Energi Eddi Immersion Heater Controller and Winter Efficiency
During the summer, the Myenergi Eddi immersion heater controller can provide an abundance of hot water generated by solar - however, this will naturally decrease in the darker months. However, during the winter, you’ll likely have your central heating system on, which means your home’s boiler will be doing most of the work to heat your water.
If you check your app or the screen on the Eddi, you’ll see that the controller is simply “waiting on surplus,” as there is no excess energy being generated to divert to heating. This is completely normal in the winter months and doesn't indicate an issue with your system. The controller is designed to use surplus solar energy when available, so you may see this message more often during periods of lower generation. If you're concerned about your system's performance, simply check your inverter app. It will display if there's no export happening, confirming that there’s no excess energy being generated.
3. Home Storage Batteries: A Winter Lifeline
For many homeowners, home storage batteries are key to making the most of solar power all year round. In the summer, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evening or on cloudy days. In the winter, while you may generate less excess energy, home storage batteries like the Duracell home battery can still help to reduce your bills.
If you have an night tariff, you can charge your battery at a reduced rate during off-peak hours. This way, even when your solar panels aren’t producing much energy, you can still reduce your electricity costs by using cheaper stored energy from the grid.
Do Solar Panels Still Work Effectively During Winter in Northern Ireland?
In regions like Northern Ireland, solar power remains an excellent investment, even with its seasonal variations. While solar power in Northern Ireland may be less predictable than in sunnier climates, modern solar systems are designed to cope with local weather conditions, and the energy savings during the brighter months more than make up for the drop in production over the winter.
For those interested in off-grid solar, careful planning is key. While it’s harder to rely completely on solar power in the winter, with adequate solar power battery storage and energy-saving measures, you can still reduce your dependency on your diesel generator.
At Solarfix, we know how crucial it is to work with experienced solar panel suppliers who understand local conditions and can recommend the best system for your home. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing since 2015, focusing exclusively on Solar PV to ensure our customers get expert advice that’s tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while solar generation does decline in winter due to shorter days and poorer weather, you can still enjoy significant energy savings with the right strategy. And with summers that can sometimes be as unpredictable as the winters—especially in places like Northern Ireland—making the most of your solar energy system year-round is essential for long-term savings and sustainability.
If you’re looking to see what we can do for your home, business or farm please do not hesitate to contact us by by calling our office on 0800 246 5198 or completing our contact form here.