Top five reasons to shop for solar in the winter

Many people believe solar panels go hand-in-hand with sunny summer days. But truthfully, winter is the smartest time to invest in solar. Here are the top five reasons to turn your winter blues into solar greens.

Summer is the busiest time of year for solar installations, so many installers offer seasonal deals during the slower winter months to bring in new customers. Data from the EnergySage Marketplace shows that homeowners who shop in the winter tend to get lower quotes than those who shop in other seasons. Winter solar shoppers also get more quotes, so they have more options to choose from and a better chance of finding an installer that meets their needs.

Think that solar panels only work in the hot sun? Think again! Solar panels are actually more efficient in the cold. Plus, they’re made of durable materials that can handle wintery weather and generate electricity even when it’s snowing (unless they become completely covered by snow). Rest assured you’ll still enjoy the financial benefits of going solar even if your system is turned on in mid-winter.

If you’re waiting for the ice to thaw before going solar, know that some of your potential solar savings may melt away with it. Millions of Americans have gone solar, which is great, but unfortunately, some of the incentives that made solar so popular are now being rolled back.

Many utilities have reduced their payouts to homeowners for their excess solar power (see: net metering changes in 2023) and several local solar incentive programs are near or at capacity, or are set on a tiered system that lowers over time.

There’s also uncertainty over the long-term fate of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers a tax credit worth 30% of your solar panel system. The IRA is currently set to start phasing out in 2033 and expire in 2035, but Trump vowed to "...rescind all unspent funds under the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act” back in September. While a full repeal of the IRA is unlikely, you never know.

Installing a solar energy system takes a few months, so it’s smart to get a head start and shop for solar in the winter. That way you can get in the queue before next summer's big rush and (hopefully) before current incentives disappear.

Speaking of the length of the solar installation process…

Once you find a company for your installation, it’ll be about three to six months before your solar panel system is up and running. Think of it this way: if you wait until spring training to start shopping for solar, the panels may not be installed until the World Series. Review quotes from multiple installers and schedule a site visit as soon as you’re ready to ensure your panels will be good to go before spring.

Shopping for solar during the slow season means a higher chance of finding an installer who can devote more time and energy to your project. Your solar company will likely be able to start the installation process sooner rather than later. Plus, if you’ve ever been on a hot roof in the middle of the summer, you’ll understand why many companies prefer installing solar panels in winter. As long as there’s no snow or ice on your roof, your solar panels can be installed at any point in the year.

If you do live in an area with heavy snowfall, ask your solar installer if they recommend snow guards for your solar panels. But most solar homeowners find they only need a roof rake to clear off panels after a snowstorm.

The hottest solar deals happen in cold weather—if you’re ready to shop, register on the EnergySage Marketplace to start receiving bids from local installers. It’s free to use and most EnergySage solar shoppers save more than 20% on the cost of their system.