Yes, solar panels absolutely work in winter — they just produce less than in summer. On average, expect 40–60% of your peak summer output during the coldest months. But here's the thing most people don't realise: your panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. The issue isn't temperature — it's shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.
Winter Output by State
Queensland and Northern Territory barely notice winter — output drops only 20–30%. Victoria and Tasmania see the biggest seasonal swing, with winter output around 40–50% of summer peaks. NSW and SA sit in between. The key factor is your latitude: the further south, the lower the winter sun angle and the shorter the days. A north-facing roof becomes even more important in winter because the lower sun angle means panels facing north can capture more light.
Why Cooler Temps Help Efficiency
Solar panels have a 'temperature coefficient' — typically -0.3% to -0.4% per degree above 25°C. On a 40°C summer day, your panels lose 4–6% efficiency from heat alone. In winter at 15°C, they're actually performing above their rated efficiency. So while you get fewer hours of sunlight, each hour is slightly more productive per panel. This doesn't fully offset the shorter days, but it means winter performance is better than you might expect.
Tips for Maximising Winter Solar
First, keep your panels clean — dust and debris have a bigger impact when output is already reduced. Second, shift your heavy electricity use (washing machine, dishwasher, pool pump) to midday when generation peaks. Third, if you're installing new panels, consider a steeper tilt angle — panels in southern Australia optimised for winter should be tilted at 30–35° rather than the typical 20–25°. Finally, a battery becomes especially valuable in winter because you can store limited midday generation for evening use.
Will I Still Save Money in Winter?
In most cases, yes. Even with reduced output, your panels are still offsetting grid electricity at 27–38c/kWh. Your feed-in credits will be lower because you're exporting less, but your self-consumption rate typically increases in winter (you use more of what you generate because there's less surplus). Many solar owners find their winter bills are still 50–70% lower than they were pre-solar.