When most homeowners think about solar panels, they picture long summer days and peak sunshine. In reality, January is one of the smartest times to plan a solar PV installation, particularly for homeowners across the South East.
Planning early in the year allows you to secure better availability, maximise annual generation and be fully prepared to benefit from the UK’s strongest solar months. Here’s why winter planning delivers year round savings.
Solar Panels Work Efficiently in Winter Conditions
A common misconception is that solar PV panels don’t work well in winter. While shorter days reduce total generation, colder temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Solar panels operate more effectively in cool conditions than in excessive heat, which means winter sunlight is converted very efficiently into electricity.
Planning your installation in January ensures your system is ready to capture increasing daylight hours from February onwards, allowing you to generate power throughout spring, summer and autumn without delay.
Get Ahead of Spring and Summer Demand
The demand for solar installations rises sharply as daylight hours increase. By planning in January, homeowners avoid the seasonal bottleneck that often occurs as we go into spring and summer.
Early planning allows time for securing installation dates before peak demand. DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approval tends to come through quicker in the winter months as demand is lighter and they have less applications to process.
Maximise Annual Solar Generation
A solar system installed in early spring generates significantly more electricity in its first year than one installed later. Planning your solar PV panels in January ensures your system is operational in time for the UK’s highest irradiance months.
This results in:
- Greater self-consumption of solar energy
- Reduced reliance on the grid
- Faster return on investment
Even though January itself is a winter month, it sets the foundation for maximum year-round performance.
Lower Energy Bills When They Matter Most
Winter energy bills are typically the highest due to increased heating and lighting demand. While solar generation is lower during winter months, planning early allows homeowners to integrate battery storage or prepare for future upgrades that maximise savings. By the time energy use peaks again later in the year, your solar panels are already offsetting costs and protecting you from rising electricity bills.
Ideal Time to Review Roof Condition and System Design
January is an excellent opportunity to assess roof suitability and plan any required improvements before installation. Addressing roof work early avoids delays later and ensures your solar PV panels perform optimally over their full lifespan.
By ensuring your roof is in optimal condition before your solar panels are installed, you reduce the risk of needing your panels to be removed and reinstalled in the future, as solar panels can last up to 40 years or more.
This proactive approach is particularly valuable for older properties common across the South East.
Beat Price Increases and Secure Future Savings
With ongoing changes in energy pricing and strong demand for renewable technologies, planning early helps homeowners lock in installation schedules and future savings. Solar panels are a long term investment and starting the planning process in winter gives you time to make informed decisions without pressure, ensuring your system is sized correctly for your home and lifestyle.
Energy prices are unpredictable, and while it is expected energy prices may decrease slightly in the first quarter of 2026, the Energy Price Cap is reviewed every three months, so prices could increase as we go through the year.
Plan Your Solar Installation with Confidence
January isn’t just the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to take control of your energy future. By planning your solar installation during winter, you ensure your home is ready to benefit from cleaner, cheaper electricity all year round.
Ready to Join the Solar Revolution?
If you’re considering solar panels or battery storage in the South East, early planning puts you in the strongest possible position to maximise performance, savings and long term value. Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Start planning your solar installation today and make this year the year your home switches to renewable energy.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
