Do Solar Panels Work in Winter? Solar Performance All Year Round Explained
- Kennedy's Plumbing & Electrical
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
When it comes to solar energy, one of the most common myths we hear is:
“Do solar panels even work in winter or on cloudy days?”
Wondering if solar still works in winter? It does — and then some. At Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical, we install high-performance solar systems designed for Solar Performance All Year Round. From the peak output of summer to the surprising efficiency of winter, learn how solar performs through every season — and why your home can benefit from reliable energy savings year-round.
Summer:
Max Output, Peak Savings, and AirCon Freedom
Summer is solar’s superstar season. With long daylight hours, high sun angles, and generally clear skies, your system is exposed to the highest
levels of solar irradiance all year — giving you:
Maximum daily solar production
Higher feed-in tariff credits (if exporting to the grid)
Energy independence during peak A/C usage
Pro Tip: If your home uses air conditioning, this is when solar really pays off. You can run your cooling systems throughout the day knowing the sun is doing the heavy lifting. With smart solar monitoring, you can time other high-usage appliances like dishwashers or pool pumps to operate during peak sunlight hours.
Autumn:
Cool Weather, Surprising Panel Efficiency
Autumn offers a bit of an underdog advantage: cooler temperatures + decent sunlight = surprisingly strong efficiency.
While the days slowly shorten, your solar system benefits from:
Lower panel temperatures, which reduce electrical resistance
Consistent daylight, especially through early autumn
Less cloud cover than winter
Solar panels are more efficient at cooler temperatures. So although your total output may drop slightly compared to summer, each ray of sunlight is converted more effectively into usable energy.
Bonus Benefit: Autumn is the perfect time for a solar health check or panel clean — removing leaves, dust, or debris to keep your system at peak performance heading into winter.
Winter:
Yes, Solar Still Works on Cloudy Days!
Let’s bust the big myth:
“Solar panels don’t work in winter.” Wrong — they absolutely do.
Solar panels don’t require direct sun - they need daylight, and Australia gets plenty of that year-round. Even on overcast days, modern systems (especially ones using Enphase microinverters) can still generate solid output.
Here’s what to expect in winter:
Lower output than summer (but still meaningful)
Stable performance thanks to cool temperatures
Reduced self-consumption if heating with gas or efficient electric systems
Smart Strategy: Consider using your solar power for off-peak heating like heat pump hot water systems or energy storage batteries that charge during daylight hours for use at night.
Spring:
Clean Panels + Mild Weather = High Output
Spring is often the most overlooked solar season - and one of the best.
Why? You get:
Longer daylight hours returning
Cool to mild temps ideal for panel efficiency
Clean panels thanks to winter rain (less dust and pollen build-up)
Spring gives your system the best of both worlds: increased sun hours like summer and cool weather like autumn. Many homes see a return to high output levels during spring, especially when paired with consumption monitoring tools that help homeowners shift energy usage to daylight hours.
Good Time For: Battery-ready upgrades, installing electric vehicle chargers, or analysing system performance before peak summer.
Why KPE Solar Systems Perform Year-Round
At Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical, we only install solar systems that are built for Australian conditions.
That includes:
Tier 1 panels like for reliable performance
Enphase microinverters for individual panel optimisation
Smart solar monitoring so you can track your system daily
Professional installation from licensed and experienced tradesmen
No matter the season, we design your system to meet your household’s energy goals — and we don’t just install and disappear. We’re your local, long-term partner in energy savings.
Explore the solar panel brands we offer on our website to find the perfect year-round solution for your home.
Don't Let the Weather Fool You — Solar Is a Year-Round Investment
Still unsure about going solar in winter? Here’s what to remember:
"Solar doesn’t just work in summer – it works 365 days a year. What matters most is the quality of the system and the team behind it."
And that’s where we come in. From design to install to post-service support, Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical is your trusted solar expert in the Hawkesbury, Windsor, and Greater Western Sydney area.
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