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If you’re like many Wisconsinites, you might wonder: “Will solar panels work during our snowy, icy winters?” The good news is YES! Solar panels are built to handle the toughest Midwest seasons and keep generating clean energy even when the temperature drops.
Ultimately, the reduced daylight does mean that your solar array will produce less energy in the winter, but smart design, Net Metering, and accounting for lower production in winter still make solar a smart choice. In this blog post, we'll break down the viability of solar even during Wisconsin winters.
It’s a common misconception that solar is only effective in the warm months. While we do have shorter days and a fair share of snow, that doesn’t mean solar is sidelined until spring. In reality, cold weather can actually improve panel performance! When temperatures drop, the electrons inside a photovoltaic (PV) cell are less energized before sunlight hits. That greater difference gives solar panels a boost in efficiency, helping you get even more from the limited winter sunshine. Plus, colder wiring means electricity flows more smoothly with less loss on its way into your home, making more of the shorter days.
Another winter bonus: snow can actually benefit your panels once it slides away. After a fresh snowfall, the “glare” from sunlight bouncing off the white ground can reflect extra rays onto your solar array, ramping up your system’s output on bright winter days. Even a dusting of snow or thin layer of ice can allow enough sunlight, or strong ultraviolet rays, to filter through and keep your system producing.
Here at Northwind Solar, we know Wisconsin winters can be harsh, but we love a challenge! Our approach uses modeling software that factors in regional weather, like shorter daylight hours, lower winter sun angles, and expected snow loads, to generate a precise picture of your site’s yearly solar production.
We add a conservative production buffer, typically around 3-7% (industry standard), to our designs to account for winter losses, so you get reliable numbers that stand up to Midwest realities. It’s completely normal to see some dip in generation during the darkest and snowiest months, but with smart design, your solar still delivers strong annual savings. We also offer power optimizers and real-time monitoring apps, so you can easily track your system’s output and get alerts if snow ever significantly impacts performance.
Example: Real-World Winter Production Planning
Here’s an example from a Northwind Solar proposal for a grid-tied 7kW ground-mounted system. The customer’s goal was to offset 100% of their electrical consumption.
We designed and sized this system to still meet that goal—even with more consumption than production during the winter months—by calculating both generation and usage across all seasons. Net metering ensures the system balances out over the whole year.
Annual Production is What Matters
Here’s where Wisconsin net metering steps in: any bonus energy your system makes on long, sunny summer days is credited and used on those shorter, cloudier winter ones. Typically, we see annual and/or monthly true-up net metering regulations from utilities. Wisconsin utilities use different "true-up" methods for net metering, with some using a monthly reconciliation and others a yearly one. Monthly true-up means excess generation credits are often lost each month, while annual true-up allows credits to roll over, with a final reconciliation at year's end. The specific policy varies by utility; at Northwind Solar, we stay up-to-date on net metering policy for the central Wisconsin communities we serve.
The safest way to handle snow on solar panels is to let it melt naturally. Panels’ dark surfaces absorb heat even on partially cloudy days. If you must remove snow from accessible panels, use a soft-bristled broom or squeegee, and never use metal tools that could scratch or damage the glass. For most rooftops, patience is best; let the panels do most of the work. We don’t recommend climbing onto your roof in icy winter conditions. Remember, your safety first. If you do encounter any issues, please contact our service department for assistance.
Adding a battery storage solution to your solar electric system not only reduces your dependence on the electric grid, but it can also allow you to continue using solar energy even when the grid is down, or draw energy from your battery that has been previously charged by your solar array. Solar storage batteries work just like cellphone batteries, storing power produced by your solar array for later use. This means that you have a fully charged battery ready to go when you need it most. We can design backup power to provide your whole home with electricity or just your critical loads, like freezers or electric heaters. Additionally, battery backup is great for those instances when the grid goes down due to winter storms.
A: Yes! Solar panels are designed to operate efficiently year-round, including through snowy, icy Wisconsin winters. Cold temperatures can actually boost panel efficiency, and design adjustments help maximize output all season. Snow-covered modules will reduce output in winter, but Northwind Solar designs your system with this in mind, taking into account lower production for winter months.
A: When panels are fully covered by snow, they’ll pause production temporarily. However, panels are angled to promote natural snow sliding, and their dark surface absorbs warmth, usually melting snow quickly when the sun reappears. Even a thin layer of snow or light ice often allows enough sunlight to generate some power.
A: In most cases, it’s safest and best to let the sun melt snow off naturally. If you must clear panels, use only a soft-bristled broom, your glove, or a soft squeegee (never metal, as it can scratch panels). Northwind Solar does not recommend any roof activity during snow and icy conditions. Please use extreme caution and prioritize your safety!
A: It is entirely normal for a solar system to not produce enough energy to cover your entire energy needs during the winter months. Because the days are shorter and sun intensity is lower, you will likely need to purchase supplemental electricity from your utility to cover the gap.
While the goal of a solar system is often to cover annual energy usage (achieving "net-zero" over 12 months), the reality of a winter bill often depends entirely on Net Metering and the surplus energy generated in the sunnier months.
Northwind Solar designs systems specifically for winter. We include a performance buffer (typically industry standard of 3-7%) to account for reduced sun. When possible, we use steeper panel angles to maximize snow shedding and provide real-time monitoring so you always know your system's output.
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