When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, many NYC homeowners wonder how their solar panels will hold up. Does snow affect performance? How do you keep snow off solar panels? And are the panels affected by freezing temperatures? (Check out these 11 other non-winter related questions we get from homeowners.) The good news is that solar power works year-round, but winter does bring its own set of challenges and adjustments. With these tips, you can keep your NYC solar system running efficiently and continue to get the most from your clean energy investment.

How Solar Panels Perform in Cold Weather

It’s a common misconception that solar panels need hot, sunny weather to generate electricity. "Solar actually works better in winter," says Jacob Lezell, Chief Solar Officer here at Mpower Solar. "Panels are more efficient during the wintertime with less heat."

Homeowners don’t need to worry about reduced sunlight hours in winter, either. "We make sure that we look at your 12 months usage and then we make a system that can produce that over the year, Jacob explains. "With the extra energy from the fall and spring, you're able to utilize that in the winter months."

So what's a homeowner's main concern when it comes to solar panels in winter?

‍Read on and learn how to clear snow off your solar panels.

Snow and Solar Panels: What to Watch For

Snow is usually the biggest winter concern for solar owners. A light dusting will often slide right off panels, especially if they’re mounted at an angle. Plus, dark surfaces absorb heat, so panels tend to warm up and shed snow faster than you might expect.

Heavy snow can be more of an issue, however. (You know the kind—that damp, wet snow that makes for excellent snowball fights). It’s especially something to watch for if you have a canopy mount or flat panel system. If several inches accumulate, the panels can’t generate electricity until the snow melts or is removed. In most cases, the occasional snowstorm won’t drastically reduce your overall annual production, since winter already accounts for fewer total daylight hours.

That said, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall (like NYC), it’s worth paying attention to how long the snow takes to melt so you can clear the panels if necessary.

How to Keep Snow and Ice Off Your Solar Panels

It may be tempting to grab a ladder and start clearing panels yourself, but climbing onto a snowy roof is not recommended. Safety should always come first. If snow removal is necessary, here are a few safer options:

Clear Snow with an Extendable Roof Rake

‍These are specially designed tools (think giant squeegee) designed for solar panels. These tools have soft, non-abrasive heads that won’t damage the surface. Work from the ground when possible. Extendable poles designed for cleaning solar panels can help you reach them without climbing.

Install a Critter Guard

In the fall, debris like leaves and branches can collect under your panels. Install a critter guard before winter hits to ensure the area around your panels remains clear.

Let Nature Do the Work

Often the safest approach is patience. Panels usually clear on their own as the sun warms them.

Adjust Panel Tilt and Mounting Design

If snow consistently causes issues, consider consulting your installer about panel tilt adjustments.

Hire Someone

Depending on your situation the safest approach may be to hire a company that specializes in clearing snow from solar panels.

Monitoring System Performance in Winter

Winter is a good time to pay closer attention to your solar monitoring app. At Mpower Solar, for example, we connect our clients with Enphase. Shorter days and occasional snow cover mean output naturally dips, but sudden drops could signal a maintenance issue.

Keep an eye out for:

• Sharp, unexplained declines in production compared to the same time last year.
• Alerts from your monitoring system about connectivity or panel performance.
• Persistent shading from nearby trees that may have grown since installation.
  

Catching small issues early helps ensure your system is ready to maximize production once spring returns.

Practicing Good Energy Habits in Winter

Even though solar production tends to be lower in winter, some households see higher electricity use because of heating systems, holiday lights, and more time spent indoors. Some common ways to increase your energy efficiency include sealing drafts around windows and doors. Use a programmable thermostats to reduce heating costs and switch to LED lights for indoor and outdoor use. Run appliances during the sunniest hours of the day to take advantage of active solar generation. And when purchasing new or used appliances, look for Energy Star certified appliances to ensure they’re operating at maximum efficiency.

By pairing solar with smart energy habits, you can balance out some of the seasonal fluctuations in production.

Easy Maintenance Checklist for Solar Panels in Winter

Here are a few practical steps to keep your system in good shape during colder months:

1. Check your panels visually. Look for debris, branches, or anything that could shade or damage them.
2. Review your monitoring data. Confirm your system is producing as expected for the season.
3. Inspect your inverter. Make sure the display is on and not showing error messages.
4. Schedule an annual inspection. Winter is a good time to have your installer do a quick health check.
5. Trim nearby trees. Bare branches make it easier to spot potential shading before leaves return.

Setting Expectations for the Season

It’s important to remember that solar production is seasonal. Winter will naturally produce less energy than summer, but this is factored into the design of most systems. Your annual production estimates already account for shorter days and weather variations. "As long as you're producing what you're consuming, you'll have a clean usage offset," Jacob says.

Think of solar as a long-term investment. Some months will be lower, others higher, but over the course of the year it balances out—and most importantly, your system is safe from those annual rate hikes by Con Edison. 

Looking Ahead to Spring (and Sun)

Winter may slow down your solar production, but won’t stop it. Now that you've learned how to keep snow and ice off your solar panels, it just takes a little maintenance and realistic expectations so you can keep your system running smoothly all season long.

When spring arrives and daylight hours increase, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of peak production again. In the meantime, winter is an opportunity to fine-tune your energy habits, keep an eye on system health, and make a snowman or two. 

Ready to learn more? Contact Mpower Solar today and schedule your free consultation.