
The answer to all these questions is that solar cells use direct light and diffuse light, which means light that scatters (e.g., by way of clouds or rain particles) before it hits the panels. That means that in the winter months, when the sun's rays hit the Earth at a shallower angle, the sun's light will still hit the solar panels and generate electricity.īut if your solar capacity is diminished, you might end up asking yourself if you can make up the shortfall and generate solar electricity from moonlight or by using artificial lights to power your solar panels. Instead, the energy originates from the sun’s light. It’s a common misconception that solar panels generate electricity from the sun’s heat.

We highlight below what we believe to be essential issues you need to understand to make an informed decision and lessen the effects of the colder months on the effectiveness of your solar panels. We’re here to tell you about the benefits and downsides of solar panels in the winter months and what to do to mitigate the effects of the winter months on your power output. That remains true, whether you are living somewhere with long winter months and snow or whether you’re in a place with a shorter winter period.

The answers, however, are more readily available than it appears at first glance.

With so much hearsay evidence available on whether solar panels work in winter or not, discerning the facts from the rumors can be a daunting task.
