When's the Best Time to Install Solar Panels?

By Hannah Stephens

December 19, 2018

If you've noticed your neighbors installing solar panels as the mercury rises, you may wonder if you've missed a trick. Before jumping on the summer solar panel bandwagon, it's worth considering the potential benefits of waiting for a quieter season.

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What Time of Year Is Best for Solar Panel Installation?

The best season to install a solar panel system depends on your preferences, and each season has benefits and downsides. Several factors can help you make your decision:

Fluctuations in solar panel prices
Seasonal energy yields
Local wait times for solar panel installation
Availability of incentives

Residential Solar Panel System Costs

Solar panels are generally more expensive in periods of high demand. Installation companies are busiest during summer in most areas, and they often hike their prices as homeowners rush to install solar systems to offset their HVAC costs. Therefore, installing a system in spring, fall or even winter is often cheaper up front.

Wait Times For Solar Installation

Lead times generally follow the same pattern as price increases. Solar installers often advertise their products more aggressively in summer to generate interest, frequently resulting in longer waiting times. If you want your solar system installed quickly, off-peak seasons could be your best bet.

Solar Energy Incentives

It's also worth considering how quickly you want to realize savings from your new residential solar system. Installing your system in summer allows you to generate significant amounts of solar power from the get-go. Summer installations can help power your cooling system over the hottest months and may generate enough energy to sell back to your utility company for solar credits.

Consider the Climate

Consider the practicality of installing solar panels during each season in your local climate. If your area experiences sweltering summers, high temperatures may put installers at risk.

Verdict: Install Solar Power in the Spring or Fall

Many homeowners choose to install solar panels in spring or fall. Mild temperatures can make the installation process more straightforward, especially if your contractors need to cut off power to your home and deprive you of your heating and cooling system during the installation process.

Installing your panels in spring allows you to take advantage of the upcoming summer to generate as much energy as possible. On the other hand, waiting times and prices tend to be lower in the fall than in the spring, and you should get enough sunlight before winter to make your investment worthwhile.

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Can You Install Solar Panels in the Winter?

Installing solar panels during winter is often possible, and many solar installers offer shorter waits and lower prices at this time. However, there are several disadvantages to winter installation.

First, your contractors may need to alter your roof and turn off your power supply while installing your panels. Cold temperatures and poor weather conditions could make roof adaptations and lack of heating difficult to manage. Roof installation could be challenging or even dangerous in areas with heavy snowfall.

Furthermore, you'll likely have to wait until spring before generating significant solar energy due to limited sunlight. Inefficiency over winter could be an issue if you need to produce energy to offset your heating costs.

During rollover periods at the end of each year, incentives may become unavailable or less beneficial. For example, homeowners must complete solar panel installation during the tax year to claim the federal residential solar energy credit. Some incentives may reduce their rates at the end of each tax year, so researching the cut-off points for any incentives you intend to claim is essential when installing solar panels during winter.

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