Will solar panels generate enough electricity year-round?

Whether they'll generate enough electricity for your home year-round will depend on: if your solar panel system works in a power cut. It may be more realistic to think about whether you can be self-sufficient for the brighter parts of the year, and then top up your energy use from the grid at other times.

How do solar panels work?

In simple terms, solar panels use the power of the sun to generate electricity. Solar power is one of the most popular and well-known renewable energies. Although different kinds of solar panel exist, most work in a similar way. Solar panels collect energy from the sun through contact with daylight. There are two basic iterations of solar panels.

How much power do solar panels provide?

Nearly 30% told us that their solar panels provided between a quarter and a half of the total electricity they needed over a year. There's a huge seasonal variation in how much of your power solar panels can provide. Read our buying advice for solar panels to see how much of your power solar panels could generate in summer.

Do solar panels work in winter?

Even on overcast days, the UK has enough sunlight for solar panels to work. They'll produce some electricity in winter, although the shorter the days are, the less you will get. Whether they'll generate enough electricity for your home year-round will depend on: if your solar panel system works in a power cut.

Can solar panels generate electricity?

Yes, it can – solar power only requires some level of daylight in order to harness the sun’s energy. That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity does vary depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use.

Do solar panels work in the UK?

The UK isn't famous for its bright sunshine, but the sun doesn't have to be shining for solar panels to work. Even on overcast days, the UK has enough sunlight for solar panels to work. They'll produce some electricity in winter, although the shorter the days are, the less you will get.