Yes, solar panel systems can still work during winter days, albeit with some variations in performance compared to sunny summer days. Here's how solar panel systems function during winter:

1. Sunlight Exposure: While winter days are generally shorter and sunlight may be less intense compared to summer, solar panels can still generate electricity. Even on overcast or snowy days, solar panels can capture diffuse sunlight and convert it into electricity.

2. Cold Temperatures: Contrary to what one might expect, solar panels often perform more efficiently in colder temperatures. Cold temperatures can actually improve the conductivity of the solar cells, allowing them to generate electricity more effectively.

3. Snow Coverage: Snowfall can temporarily cover solar panels, reducing their ability to generate electricity. However, many solar panel systems are designed with tilted surfaces, which can help snow slide off more easily. Additionally, the dark color of solar panels often absorbs sunlight and helps melt snow faster.

4. Angle of Incidence: The angle at which sunlight hits the solar panels, known as the angle of incidence, plays a role in their performance. In winter, the sun's angle is lower in the sky, which may reduce the efficiency of solar panels slightly compared to summer when the sun is more directly overhead.

5. Battery Storage: To ensure continuous electricity supply during shorter days or periods of reduced sunlight, some solar panel systems are equipped with battery storage. These batteries store excess energy generated during sunny periods, which can be used to power homes during cloudy or nighttime hours.

6. Net Metering: Thanks to net metering, you don’t need to rely solely on your day-to-day energy generation to offset your electric bill.  Through net metering, the utility awards you credits in return for this electricity you send to the grid. These credits help pay for the electricity you use from the utility during the night, after a blizzard, or when you have higher-than-normal energy usage. 

Overall, while the performance of solar panel systems may vary slightly during winter due to factors like sunlight intensity and snow coverage, they remain a viable and efficient source of renewable energy year-round. With proper design, installation, and maintenance, solar panel systems can continue to provide clean electricity even during the coldest winter days.

First of all, our assessment will consider such factors, and we will propose a solution with minimal or no maintenance required. Large trees around house, existence of farms or industrial buildings in the area, air pollution and some other factors may lead to dust or debris accumulation.

For snow accumulation, cleaning is usually not necessary. Most solar panels can absorb energy (reduced) even below snow layer, and that also helps melting snow layer quickly.

For dust or leaves, natural factors like winds and rains clean up panel surfaces. In rare cases, you may need a direct intervention to clean panels.

Solar energy system (also EV charger, heat pump, battery backup and/or generator backup) will increase the value of your house. Regarding price premium led by energy efficiency and cost saving equipment, please read our article.

Accordingly, your insurance policy must cover protection of these systems and equipment. Some home insurance policies may automatically include coverage for solar panels as part of the dwelling coverage. However, it's essential to review your policy carefully to understand the extent of coverage provided for solar panel systems. If solar panels are not explicitly covered, you may need to add an endorsement or rider to your policy to ensure they are protected.

Installing a solar panel system may prompt your insurance provider to conduct a reassessment of your home's value and risk profile. This evaluation may result in adjustments to your insurance premiums or coverage limits.

Before installing a solar panel system, it's essential to consult with your insurance provider to understand how it may affect your home insurance policy. By proactively addressing any coverage gaps or concerns, you can ensure that your solar panel system is adequately protected, and you have peace of mind knowing that your home and investment are secure.

Also, hiring a licensed and insured contractor for the installation of your solar panel system is crucial. Most insurance providers require that installations be performed by qualified professionals to ensure compliance with safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents or damage.

Solargy is a licensed solar system designer and installer, and our services are covered by our comprehensive liability insurance.

Once the system is installed by an experienced and licensed installer, solar equipment needs little or no maintenance on equipment as there is no moving parts in a solar energy system. Similar to your home electrical system (panels, boxes, sockets), solar equipment works for years without any periodical maintenance. During our free assessment, we will clarify this specifically for your case.

Regarding cleaning of panels, please check our response above relevant question.

The amount you can save with a solar system depends on various factors, including your location, energy usage, system size, and the cost of electricity and natural gas (if heat pump installed along with solar system). A solar system with battery backup and net metering would replace most of your hydro and natural gas bills with proper equipment replacements. In a well-designed system, your monthly cost would be repayment installments of financing and some additional use of power from general power grid after net metering credits are consumed. During our free assessment process, we may give you a better picture of your solar economy based on your specific use of power and natural gas compared to your desired solar system along with other supporting equipment (e.g. battery backup).