Solar Works Year-Round
Solar panels generate electricity whenever there's light—including in winter. In fact, cold temperatures improve solar panel efficiency.
Why Cold Is Good for Solar
Solar panels are rated at 25°C (77°F). For every degree cooler, efficiency increases by about 0.3-0.5%. A bright, cold winter day can produce more power per hour than a hot summer day.
What About Snow?
Snow on solar panels is a minor, temporary issue:
- Tilted panels shed snow — The smooth glass surface and panel angle cause snow to slide off
- Dark surface melts snow — Panels absorb any light that penetrates, warming and clearing snow
- Snow reflects light — Surrounding snow can actually boost production (albedo effect)
- Light snow clears quickly — Often within hours as panels warm
Heavy Snow Events
After major snowstorms, yes, panels may be covered for a day or two. This is accounted for in annual production estimates. Solar projects calculate expected generation based on real historical weather data—including snowfall.
Cloudy Days
Solar panels don't need direct sunlight. They generate power from diffuse light too:
Production is reduced but never zero during daylight hours.
Germany: The Proof
Germany has cloudier weather than New York but was long the world's largest solar market. If solar didn't work in cold, cloudy climates, Germany wouldn't have invested €100+ billion in it.
| Location | Annual Sun Hours | Solar Success? |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson Valley, NY | ~2,500 hours | Yes - excellent solar resource |
| Germany | ~1,600 hours | Yes - solar leader |
| Alaska | ~1,800 hours | Yes - growing solar market |
Seasonal Production Pattern
Solar production varies by season, which is expected and planned for:
- Summer: Longest days, highest total output
- Spring/Fall: Moderate output, often efficient (mild temps)
- Winter: Shorter days, lower total output, but high efficiency per hour
Annual production estimates account for all seasons. Projects are financed based on realistic year-round output.
Grid Integration
The grid balances solar's seasonal variation with:
- Other generation sources (hydro, wind, natural gas)
- Energy storage (growing rapidly)
- Demand management
- Regional transmission (sunny areas help cloudy areas)
No single source powers the grid alone. Solar contributes its share year-round.
Hudson Valley Performance
Columbia County's existing solar projects (~36 MW) operate through Hudson Valley winters. Their actual production data confirms solar works here.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the Hudson Valley as having "good" to "excellent" solar resources—comparable to many regions with thriving solar industries.