Do Solar Panels Work in Canadian Winters?
- Tom Sherwood
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Quick Answer
Yes, solar panels work in Canadian winters. Here's what you need to know:
Cold improves panel efficiency. Solar panels are electronics, and like all electronics, they perform better when cool. Canadian winters actually boost output per hour of sunlight.
Snow clears faster than you'd think. Panels are installed at angles that help snow slide off. Dark panels absorb heat and accelerate clearing.
Summer production is massive. Canada's long summer days (up to 17 hours in Alberta) generate enormous output that compensates for shorter winters.
Systems are designed for annual production. Installers use local weather data to size systems for real-world year-round performance, not ideal conditions.
Thousands of Canadian homes prove it works. Solar has been successful in Canada for over a decade. The technology is proven in our climate.
Why Cold Weather Is Actually Good for Solar
This surprises most people: solar panels perform better in cold temperatures than hot ones.
Solar panels are semiconductors, similar to computer chips. Heat reduces their efficiency. In hot climates like Arizona, panels can lose 10-25% of their rated output on summer afternoons when temperatures soar. In Canada, our cool temperatures mean panels consistently perform at or above their rated efficiency.
A crisp, clear winter day in Calgary or Edmonton can actually deliver excellent solar production. The sun may be lower in the sky, but each hour of sunlight generates power efficiently.
What About Snow?
Snow is the most common concern about winter solar. Here's the reality:
Snow Clears Faster Than You'd Expect
Panels are installed at angles (typically 20-45 degrees) that help snow slide off.
The dark surface of panels absorbs sunlight and warms up, even under a thin layer of snow.
The glass surface is smooth and slippery, unlike roofing shingles.
Light, dry snow (common in Alberta) clears especially quickly, often within a day.
Production Loss Is Already Factored In
When your installer designs your system, they use historical weather data specific to your location. This includes typical snow days, cloud cover, and seasonal variations. The production estimates you receive already account for winter conditions. There are no surprises.
Should You Clear Snow Off Panels?
Generally, no. For most residential installations, the risks of climbing on a snowy roof outweigh the benefits of a day or two of extra production. Let nature do the work. However, if panels are easily accessible (ground mount, low roof with safe access), gentle clearing with a soft brush can help.
How Summer Compensates for Winter
Canada's northern latitude creates dramatic seasonal variation in daylight hours. This actually works in solar's favor:
Summer Daylight Hours by City
Calgary/Edmonton: Up to 17 hours of daylight in June
Toronto: Up to 15.5 hours of daylight in June
Vancouver: Up to 16 hours of daylight in June
Montreal: Up to 15.5 hours of daylight in June
Production Throughout the Year
A typical Alberta solar system might produce:
December/January: 3-5% of annual production
March/April: 10-12% of annual production
May/June/July: 35-40% of annual production
August/September: 20-25% of annual production
October/November: 8-12% of annual production
The massive production from April through September more than makes up for reduced winter output. What matters is annual production, and that's what your system is designed to deliver.
Canada's Sunniest Cities
You might be surprised which Canadian cities receive the most sunshine:
Calgary: 2,400+ hours of bright sunshine annually
Edmonton: 2,300+ hours of bright sunshine annually
Winnipeg: 2,300+ hours of bright sunshine annually
Toronto: 2,000 hours of bright sunshine annually
Montreal: 2,000 hours of bright sunshine annually
Vancouver: 1,900 hours of bright sunshine annually
Alberta's cities are among Canada's sunniest despite their cold winters. Combined with the efficiency gains from cool temperatures, this makes Alberta one of the best places in Canada for solar.
Real-World Performance
Solar has been installed in Canada for over a decade. Real-world data confirms that properly designed systems meet or exceed production estimates year after year. At Firefly Solar, we monitor all installed systems and can verify that Canadian winter performance matches projections.
With 8,000+ residential customers across Canada, we have extensive data showing that winter is not a barrier to solar success.
Ready to Learn More?
Canadian winters are not a barrier to solar success. Thousands of Canadian homes generate clean energy year-round. If you're considering solar, a personalized assessment will show you exactly what to expect in your location.
FAQ: Solar in Canadian Winters
Do solar panels work when it's snowing?
Panels covered in snow produce little to no power. However, snow typically clears within a day or two due to panel angle, dark surface, and smooth glass. Light snowfall may not even accumulate. The small production loss is factored into annual estimates.
Will cold damage my solar panels?
No. Quality solar panels are tested to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. Canadian winters are well within operating limits. Panels installed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have operated reliably for years in extreme cold.
Should I clear snow off my panels?
Generally not necessary and not recommended if it requires climbing on a snowy roof. The risk of injury or panel damage usually outweighs the benefit of a day or two of extra production. Let the snow clear naturally.
How much less do panels produce in winter?
December and January typically produce 3-5% of annual output each, compared to June which might produce 12-15%. However, systems are sized for annual production, and summer's long days compensate fully.
