Was your solar panels’ winter performance last year pretty disappointing? Winter in Australia means the days are shorter and the sun angles are lower, directly impacting solar energy generation. While they can still be effective in winter, most homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that compromise efficiency.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most common winter solar panel mistakes and how to avoid them. VoltX offers reliable solutions supporting solar setups, ensuring better energy management throughout the colder months.
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Impact of Dirt and Debris
One of the tried-and-true solar maintenance winter tips? Never ignore dirt on your panels. Accumulated dirt, dust, fallen leaves, and frost can block sunlight and lower solar efficiency even when it’s sunny.
Cleaning solar panels in winter in Australia is as important as in summer. Sure, the rain could remove some dirt—but it’s rarely enough to remove stubborn grime or frost. To do so, gently hose spray it or use a soft brush. You may also consider hiring a professional.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Panel Angle and Orientation
One of the most common winter solar panel mistakes users make is neglecting panel angle and orientation. The sun’s lower arc across the sky in the winter affects how the light hits your panels. As a result, your panels might not capture as much sunlight.
You can avoid this by optimising solar panels for winter sun. To do so, you simply have to adjust the panel angle. Tilting your panels more vertically can help increase their solar efficiency.
While orientation is usually fixed, understanding how the sun’s path shifts in winter will also allow you to plan properly before installing them or placing additional portable panels (if you already have a system installed).
Mistake 3: Underestimating Increased Winter Energy Needs
Energy consumption typically rises in winter. This is a common fact that most users fail to consider. Heaters, lights, and other seasonal appliances work overtime, creating a gap between what your panels generate and what your home needs.
This results in homeowners depending more on their grid connection during winter. To avoid this, you can install battery storage, which lets you store excess energy your panels generate during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. If getting the most from solar in winter is your goal, VoltX offers battery solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing systems.
Mistake 4: Failing to Account for Seasonal Shading
That tree or building nearby that didn’t block your panels in summer might be casting a shadow now. The winter sun’s lower angle can create longer shadows and introduce new shade issues. This is another thing users usually forget to take into account.
Seasonal shading is problematic, especially for systems with a single inverter, where shade on even just one panel can drastically reduce solar output across the entire array. To avoid this, inspect your surroundings and trim back vegetation that could potentially bring new shade. This can make a big difference to your solar panels’ winter performance.
Mistake 5: Skipping System Checks and Monitoring
Never skip system checks in winter. This season can reveal weak points in your system. If you’re wondering “Why is my solar production low in winter?”, it could be one of several common solar panel problems in winter like a faulty component or shading issue.
Start by inspecting your inverter. Check for error messages, odd noises, or blinking lights—these often indicate trouble. Staying on top of solar output readings also helps you act quickly before small problems escalate.
Keep Your Solar System Winter-Ready
The best way to improve your solar panels’ winter performance? Avoiding common winter solar panel mistakes. Neglecting cleaning, ignoring seasonal shade, or failing to monitor solar output all significantly impact your panels’ solar efficiency.
Be sure your solar system is winter-ready by doing the few easy, proactive steps we discussed in this article. VoltX supports homeowners with smart solutions to keep solar systems running strong all year long. Visit our blog for more tips and information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar panels work in winter in Australia?
A: Yes, solar panels absolutely work in winter in Australia. They convert sunlight into electricity, not heat, so they still generate power on cold days. However, shorter daylight hours and potentially more cloudy cover mean they typically produce less energy than in summer.
How much less electricity do solar panels produce in winter?
A: The reduction varies based on location, weather, and system specifics, but homeowners might see a 20-50% decrease in daily solar production compared to summer months. Cooler temperatures can actually slightly improve solar efficiency, but the reduced sunlight hours are the main factor.
Should I clean my solar panels in winter?
A: Yes, cleaning your solar panels in winter is recommended, especially if they have accumulated dirt, dust, or debris. Keeping panels clean ensures maximum sunlight can reach the cells, helping to maximise your solar output during the limited winter sunlight hours.
How can I maximise my solar energy use during winter?
A: To maximise winter solar use, try to shift high energy consumption activities (like running appliances) to the middle of the day when your panels are producing the most power. Installing battery storage is also an excellent way to store daytime solar energy for use in the evenings.
Why is my solar production lower than expected this winter?
A: Lower winter solar production is normal due to shorter days and lower sun angle. However, significantly lower output could indicate issues like excessive shade, dirty panels, or a problem with your inverter. Regular monitoring and maintenance checks can help identify and address these common solar panel problems in winter.
