With the environmental and financial benefits it can offer, solar power has been growing in popularity every year. Thinking of going solar? Do it this winter!

Most people assume that spring or summer is the appropriate time to put up solar panels. After all, it means more sunshine and translates to more energy production for the year.

However, the truth might surprise you... winter is actually the best season for solar.

We’ve listed the reasons to start shopping for solar during the cold weather:

You could get much better deals

Many people are away during the winter holidays and are often caught up with all the festivities. They don’t have the extra time and attention to shop for panels. This is why winter is considered the slowest season for solar. Installers usually offer seasonal discounts to attract new customers. So if you’re thinking of going solar, do it this time of year and get better deals. As an added benefit, companies have fewer booked jobs in winter which means they can devote more time to your project.

Solar panels work best in cold weather

A common misconception is that solar panels do not generate as much electricity come winter time—but it’s actually the opposite. Solar panels operate even more efficiently when it’s cold outside, according to a study sponsored by San Francisco Department of Environment. For example, New Jersey doesn’t receive as much sun as California, but it ranks third in solar energy production. If you go solar in the winter, you begin to enjoy the financial benefits even if summer is still months away!

Take advantage of financial incentives

Governments and utilities offer solar tax credit and financial incentives to make solar more accessible to average consumers. However, solar is becoming so popular nowadays that many states are starting to put an expiration date on their incentives. For instance, tax credits will remain at 30% only until 2019. By 2020, owners of solar only get to deduct 26%. This will further decrease to 22% in 2021. So don’t wait until the spring to shop for panels!

Solar installation could take time

The actual installation of an average-sized solar system on a residential roof should only take about a day or two. But taking the whole process into account, installation could take around three to six months. The process includes finding the right installer, getting quotes, home assessment, the actual installation and connecting the panels to the inverter. If you wait until summer, you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the abundant sunshine. Schedule a site visit in winter and get it ready by spring.

Installation companies like to work in winter

Installers don’t mind setting up your solar system in cold weather. This means they don't have to be up on your roof in the middle of the summer, when the sun is uncomfortably hot. As long as there’s no snow or ice on your roof, they can install the solar panels at any point in the year. For those living in snow-prone areas, panels are installed at an angle so snow can slide off on its own accord, especially as they heat up.

Don’t miss out on great solar deals this winter! With solar energy, you not only enjoy financial rewards but also tap into a clean power source.

At Sun Path Electric, we guide shoppers throughout the installation process—from finding the right system to assessing their roofs to optimize maximum efficiency.

Register below for a free sun analysis today!