Yes. Solar panels work in daylight, not just sunshine, so they keep making electricity on cloudy days and through winter. They make much less than in summer, though, and here is what that means for you.
The short answer
Yes. The Energy Saving Trust is clear that solar cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can still make electricity on cloudy days. They make far less in winter than in summer, because the days are shorter and the sun is lower, but they don’t stop.
Daylight, not sunshine
Panels turn daylight into electricity. Bright, direct sun gives the most, but light still gets through cloud. On a heavily overcast day a system makes a small fraction of what it would on a clear day. On a bright day with broken cloud it can do surprisingly well.
Summer does the heavy lifting
E.ON Next says UK panels make only 10% to 25% of their yearly electricity across December, January and February, so most of a system’s output comes in spring and summer. The difference shows up nationally too. According to Carbon Brief, UK solar farms and rooftops made a record 3.3 terawatt hours in July 2026 alone, and 8.8 terawatt hours over June, July and August.
This is why solar savings are always quoted over a whole year.
Cold weather actually helps
Panels work more efficiently when they are cold. They are rated at 25°C, and above that they lose a little efficiency. E.ON Next puts the gain at about 0.5% for every degree below 25°C. So a bright, cold spring day can be one of the best days of the year for a solar system.
Snow
A covering of snow stops panels making electricity until it melts or slides off. Because panels are smooth, dark and tilted, snow usually clears from them faster than from the rest of the roof. Never climb onto your roof to clear them: it is dangerous and can damage the panels. Snow in the UK rarely lasts long enough to make much difference over a year.
Why winter output drops
Three things cut what panels make in winter, and none of them is the cold:
- Shorter days. There are simply fewer hours of daylight for the panels to work with.
- A lower sun. Sunlight arrives at a shallower angle and passes through more of the atmosphere, so less of it reaches the panels.
- More cloud and shade. Winter weather is duller, and long low shadows from trees and buildings reach further across roofs.
This is also why the direction of your roof matters a little more in winter. A south facing roof catches more of the low midday sun than an east or west facing one.
Getting more from solar in winter
- Use a battery. A battery stores what the panels make during the day for the evening. In winter, many batteries can also charge from the grid overnight on a cheap tariff.
- Run appliances in the middle of the day. If you are home, put the washing machine or dishwasher on around midday, when the panels make the most.
- Check your export tariff. In summer you will have spare electricity to sell. A good Smart Export Guarantee rate helps balance out the quieter winter months.
Is solar still worth it in the UK?
Yes, for most homes with a suitable roof. The figures you see for UK savings and payback already include dull days and winter, because they are based on a full year of UK weather. See our guide to whether solar panels are worth it, or try the savings calculator.
What to do next
Want a number for your own home? Try our solar savings calculator, or answer a few quick questions below and we’ll match you with an installer who covers your area. It’s free and there’s no obligation.