The sun’s back in full swing, do you know what to expect from your solar panel output? As the seasons change, it’s important to know what your output is so you can plan ahead. 

There are various factors that change how much energy your panels produce depending on the season. 

On average, solar panels will produce 50% less energy in winter in comparison to summer. Less output is produced due to factors like sun exposure and additional sunlight. 

In an ideal world, your solar panel output would be the same throughout the year, here are some factors that have a direct impact on your output: 

  1. Geographic location – A change in season has a significant impact over the amount of sunlight your panels are exposed to each day. The shorter days in winters result in a decreased solar energy production. Fewer hours of daylight means less energy.
  1. The time of day – In summer, the sun rises earlier and sets later in the day which gives your solar panels more sunlight and increases your solar panel output. The more energy you’re able to harness with your solar panel, the less you’d need to depend on your batteries and inverters to cover the difference. 
  1. Seasonal change – Longer summer days allow your panel to generate more solar power which can be stored and used on days when less energy is generated. That’s why you’ll likely find a higher solar output is generated in summer vs winter. The more sun your panels are exposed to, the higher your solar output will be.
  1. Landscape – This is about where your home is situated. In South Africa, it’s best that your solar panels are orientated northwards at an angle of 25 to 35 degrees for maximum energy. It’s important that your solar panels aren’t placed in areas that create shadows, as this directly impacts energy storage during peak hours.
  1. Atmospheric conditions – In summer, you get a lot more sunny days vs the cloudy and rainy winter days. This doesn’t mean your solar panel doesn’t produce any energy in winter but you get a higher solar output during the hot and sunny days in summer.

Be smart and savvy – the sun is your friend! Ensure that you’ve got your solar panels in an optimum space to get as much sun exposure and sunlight. It’s always about the location, angle, time and season that allows you to maximise your solar output and get the best from your panel. Go sunshine!