When homeowners in the Midwest see snow on their roofs, a common question arises: “Will my solar panels still work?” The answer: Yes — and in many cases, surprisingly well.
Cold + Snow ≠ No Output
One of the most pervasive myths is that solar panels need heat or sunshine like a plant needs warmth to grow. Actually, the key ingredient for power is light photons, not heat. According to a recent U.S.-focused analysis, panels composed of crystalline silicon (which make up ~84 % of the U.S. market) do not suffer in cold temperatures — in fact they often perform better
Why Cold Makes Panels More Efficient
Here’s the science in short: Solar cells are rated under standard test conditions at 25 °C (≈ 77 °F). Above that temperature, the voltage output of the cells drops, causing the panel to lose efficiency.
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A rule of thumb: Many silicon panels lose about 0.3 % to 0.5 % of output per °C above 25 °C.
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Conversely, when cell temperatures are below 25 °C — such as on a crisp, clear winter day — output can be 5 %–7 % higher than the nominal rating.
In cold Midwest winters, two favorable factors combine:
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The snow’s white surface can reflect additional light, enhancing irradiance (especially if the module is tilted)
That means solar in snowy climates isn’t just viable — it often means you’re getting more “bang for your buck” than many think.
Snow on the Panels — What’s the Impact?
Of course, snow does pose two primary challenges: reduced light (if panels are covered) and physical load. But modern systems are built for this.
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Many Tier-1 modules today come rated for snow loads of 5,400 Pa or higher, meaning they can withstand heavy snow accumulation without damage.
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Light snow cover does not necessarily stop production — thin snow layers or partial clearing often still allow photons through.
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The best recommendation: Don’t manually clear snow from panels unless you have the correct safety equipment — doing so can void warranties or damage the module surface.
For the homeowner in the Midwest, this means: yes, there will be short periods of shading or output reduction when snow is thick. But on most winter days, with panels exposed and light available, you’ll still produce meaningful power — sometimes at higher efficiency than a hot summer day!
Why Solar Still Makes Sense in the Midwest & Northern States
Many early solar narratives focused on sun-drenched deserts (California, Arizona, Florida). But today’s data and market installations tell a bigger story:
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High electricity rates — common in northern states — drive higher savings from solar installations regardless of climate.
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Cold, clear days allow your panels to operate at higher efficiency than you might assume.
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Solar in winter is proven: Northern countries (e.g., Germany, Canada, Scandinavia) demonstrate strong solar adoption despite limited sunlight hours.
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For residential and commercial customers in Illinois and the Midwest, choosing the right panel tilt, pitch, and optimizing orientation for winter sun angles can unlock strong year-round performance.
In Summary
For Midwest homeowners or business owners considering solar: don’t let snow and colder climate be a deterrent. In fact, they can be an advantage. Your panels are going to work — and thanks to physics and modern module design — they’ll often perform better on crisp winter days than many people assume!
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