If you live in Maine and are considering solar, you’ve probably wondered:
Does still solar work in the winter?
Yes—solar panels absolutely work during the colder months. In fact, they’re often more efficient in the cold than in extreme heat.
solar works in the winter—even in Maine. Here’s how it performs in cold weather and what to expect when the snow flies
Here’s what you need to know about solar performance in the winter—and how it plays into your year-round energy savings.
1. Cold Weather = Higher Efficiency
Solar panels are electronic devices, and like most electronics, they perform better in cooler temperatures.
While winter days are shorter, the panels operate more efficiently when it’s cold—offsetting some of that seasonal drop in daylight.
2. Net Metering Makes It Work
Even if you produce less solar power in December than in July, Maine’s net metering policy makes up for it.
Here’s how:
- You build up energy credits in sunny months (May–September)
- Those credits roll forward to cover winter bills
- You still reduce or eliminate your CMP payment in December, January, and beyond
3. Snow Does Have an Effect—But It’s Temporary
Heavy snow can temporarily block panels, but:
- Panels are installed at an angle, so snow slides off quickly
- Dark panels absorb heat from the sun and melt snow faster
- A couple of clear days can “catch up” on energy production
Some homeowners clear snow manually—but for most, it’s not necessary.
4. We Design for Year-Round Performance
At Aurora, we size systems to account for:
- Winter dips in solar output
- Your year-round energy usage
- Maine’s specific climate conditions
We’ll show you exactly what to expect in each season—no guesswork.
5. Batteries Add Backup (If You Want It)
If you want power during outages (especially in winter storms), we offer battery storage options.
Batteries allow you to:
- Store excess energy
- Keep lights on during blackouts
• Avoid relying fully on CMP during emergencies
6. Don’t Wait Until Spring
Winter is not a bad time to go solar. If anything:
- Installers are more available
- You’ll be ready to maximize savings by spring
- You’ll avoid the spring/summer rush
We install solar year-round—even with snow on the ground.
Wondering how solar would perform on your property this winter?