Thinking about switching to solar power? It’s a great move for your home, your bank balance, and the planet. It’s natural to have a lot of questions, including: When’s the best time to have solar panels installed?
While there’s no bad time to install solar panels, each season has pros and cons. For example, solar panels work at maximum capacity in the sunny spring and summer months, but the demand for installation is high, meaning a longer wait.
In this guide, we’ll look at the factors that affect solar panel installation to help you make the best decision for your home or business.
Contact Cinergi for advice on when to install solar panels. We are trusted renewable energy experts serving the South of England and can help you maximise your solar energy investment.
Considerations when choosing what time of year to install solar panels
Your energy consumption
How much energy your household uses and when should play a role in your decision. Many homeowners decide to install solar panels before their highest energy use period to maximise cost savings straight away.
For example, do you use a lot of electricity in the summer months (think air conditioning, fans, hot tubs, and garden equipment)? Or is it winter when you burn through the most electricity to keep your home light and warm? Do you spend any part of the year at another home or abroad?
Check your energy bills or get a smart meter to find out when you consume the most electricity. You might consider installing solar panels a few months in advance to get prepared and start saving sooner.
Incentives and grants
The UK Government offers various solar incentives and grants to encourage UK homeowners to install solar panels, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Incentives and schemes do change, and many have limited funding, so if you are eligible, it’s important to keep an eye on expiry dates and plan accordingly.
Roof conditions
Your roof must be in good condition for a solar panel system. If it needs repairs or reinforcement, you must take care of it before installation. Roofing work is often easier in the cooler temperatures of autumn and winter, which means that you will be ready for solar installation later in the spring or summer.
Another consideration is how much shade your roof receives. If nearby trees cause excessive shading, it may be worth cutting them back before installation to improve your solar panel efficiency.
Solar installer availability
People naturally think about solar panels more when the sun is shining, making solar power feel like a more immediate and obvious solution. For that reason, solar panel installers can get booked up quickly in the spring and summer.
Booking during the quieter autumn and winter periods may mean a shorter waiting time.
Contact Cinergi to check availability and start planning your solar panel installation today.
Best time of year for solar panel installation
While it’s important to remember that solar panels work well in all seasons, including winter, choosing the right time of year for installation can make a difference, depending on your priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season to help you decide.
Spring (March – May)
Pros:
- Longer daylight hours – Your panels will get off to a great start and begin to generate electricity more efficiently as the days get longer and brighter.
- Mild temperatures – The mild spring days are ideal for panel performance and provide good installation conditions.
- Ready for summer – Installing solar panels in spring means you are all set to benefit in the peak sunlight months of summer.
Cons:
- Unpredictable weather – Spring showers and cloudy days could cause minor delays. It’s not unheard of for the UK to have snow in March, even in the balmy South of England!
- Pollen build-up – More pollen in the air means you may need to clean your panels more frequently in spring.
- High demand – Solar panel installation demand is at its highest in spring and summer, meaning you may have to wait longer or plan further ahead.
Summer (June – August)
Pros:
- Warm weather – The (generally) sunnier, drier and warmer summer weather means less chance of delay.
- Immediate impact – The summer is the best time for solar energy production due to the longest daylight hours, so you can start benefiting straight away.
Cons:
- High demand – Summer is the busiest period for installers, leading to longer wait times.
- Heatwaves – Extremely high temperatures can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency by around 0.5% for every degree above 25°C. So, if a heatwave is predicted, you won’t see maximum performance immediately. The heat can also make conditions difficult for installers, so it may take a day or so longer.
Autumn (September – November)
Pros:
- Drier conditions – September is one of the driest months in the UK, especially in the South. This reduces delays and makes installation safer and more efficient.
- Cool temperatures – Solar panels actually work well in cooler temperatures, so crisp, bright autumn days are ideal.
- Preparation for winter – Installing in autumn means you are all set for the winter, which is ideal if your energy consumption is naturally higher in the darker months.
- Lower demand – Installers are often less busy, meaning a shorter waiting time.
Cons:
- Shorter daylight hours – As the days draw in, peak hours for solar generation reduce.
- Falling leaves – An accumulation of leaves can reduce the efficiency of solar panels, so they may need regular cleaning in autumn.
Winter (December – February)
Pros:
- Lowest demand – Installers usually have more availability in winter.
- Clear winter skies – Solar energy generation isn’t the highest in the winter, but cold, sunny days can still provide sufficient solar energy for most households.
- Be prepared for spring – Installing in winter means you are well prepared for the upcoming lighter months.
Cons:
- Shortest daylight hours – Reduced sunlight limits energy production.
- Challenging weather conditions – Rain, snow, and ice can delay or complicate installation.
- Potential snow build-up – Snow-covered panels are less efficient and will need regular clearing – but on the plus side, they will be nice and clean!
When we recommend installing solar panels
Solar PV panels continue to work efficiently year-round, so there’s no bad time to install them. But, if you want fast installer availability and preparation for peak energy use, we recommend installing in autumn.
That said, if you want to start seeing savings as soon as possible, booking an installation in early spring is a great choice. Just be sure to plan ahead, as good solar installers tend to get busier when the weather warms up.
Ultimately, the best time to install solar systems is as soon as you’re ready. The sooner you start generating your own electricity, the sooner you’ll see the benefits – lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and a step towards a more sustainable future.
Interested in solar panel installation? Contact Cinergi
At Cinergi, we specialise in various kinds of renewable energy, including solar PV panels, battery storage systems and air source heat pumps. We offer high-quality solar panel installation, helping homeowners and businesses transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
Ready to make the switch to solar energy? Book a call today, and let’s find the optimal time to install your new solar PV system.
This article provides general information on the best time to install solar panels based on seasonal factors and typical industry trends. However, property suitability, installer availability, and energy requirements may vary. We recommend booking a consultation for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.
