5 Causes of Low Power Generation in Winter and Measures to Avoid Losses

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Key conclusions to know first during winters with low power generation

If you feel that solar power generation is low in winter, in many cases it is not a "fault" but is caused by natural seasonal changes. In winter, daylight hours are shorter and the sun's position is lower, so compared with summer and spring the time available for generation and the amount of solar irradiance tend to decrease. Furthermore, when snow or frost, shadows from surrounding buildings, or shadows from trees overlap, the power output can drop more than you might expect.

However, simply assuming "it's because it's winter" can be dangerous. If power generation is significantly lower than usual, if it isn't generating despite clear skies, if an error is displayed on the monitor, or if the power conditioner is making unusual noises, there may be hidden equipment malfunctions, connection problems, or age-related deterioration.

When power generation is low in winter, the following three things are important.

• Determine whether the decline is a normal seasonal effect.

• Check for visible causes such as snow, dirt, shadows, and errors

• Detect abnormalities early that, if left unattended, would lead to losses.

Solar power systems tend to cause concern if evaluated solely on daily generation. In particular, in winter the amount generated can vary widely from day to day. Prolonged periods of cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather lead to sharp declines, and even on sunny days generation can be lower than in summer because of the sun’s low angle and shading.

Therefore, if you feel that power generation is low, it is important to compare not only "yesterday and today" but also "the same month last year," "days with the same weather," and "monthly trends." If there is no significant difference compared with last winter, it is likely a seasonal decrease. On the other hand, if generation is clearly lower than the previous year, falls well below regional benchmarks, or the generation graph is unnaturally interrupted even on sunny days, a prompt inspection is necessary.

5 Reasons for Low Power Generation in Winter

The five main reasons why power generation is low in winter are as follows.

Of these five factors, "hours of sunlight", "solar elevation", and "shading" are particularly common. Even when it's sunny in winter, because the sun travels low in the sky the angle at which light reaches the panels is very different from summer. Depending on a roof's orientation and tilt, the drop in power generation can be especially noticeable in winter.

On the other hand, in regions with heavy snow or frost, power generation may decrease significantly if even part of a panel's surface is covered. Solar panels tend to perform best when their entire surface is exposed to sunlight, so even partial shading or snow can affect the overall output.

Also, equipment failures are not causes limited to winter, but the problem is that they are easy to overlook amid the reduced power generation in winter. If you leave them unaddressed thinking "it's low because it's winter," you may miss out on revenue from selling electricity and savings from self-consumption.

Cause 1: Shorter sunlight hours mean there is little time available for power generation

The biggest reason why power generation is lower in winter is that daylight hours become shorter. Solar power generation produces electricity by receiving sunlight. Therefore, if the time the sun is up is shorter, the time during which electricity can be generated is also shorter.

In summer, power generation is possible from early in the morning until late in the evening, but in winter generation starts later and ends earlier. In other words, because the daily generation time itself becomes shorter, even when using the same solar panels the total amount of power generated tends to be lower.

For example, in summer power generation can start in the 6 a.m. hour and continue until the 6 p.m. hour. On the other hand, in winter generation may not start until after the 7 a.m. hour, and by the 4 p.m. hour there may be almost no generation. If the hours during which generation is possible are shortened by several hours, daily power generation will naturally decrease.

What you should be careful about here is not to assume that "lower air temperature means lower power generation." Solar panels tend to have better conversion efficiency at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. In other words, the cold air of winter itself is not necessarily bad for power generation. Even so, generation can be lower because sunlight hours and solar irradiance have a greater impact than air temperature.

How to check whether hours of sunlight are the cause

To determine whether the decrease is due to reduced sunlight hours, check the daily power generation graph on your power monitor or app. If it takes the following shape in winter, it's likely a seasonal decrease.

• Morning power generation starts later than in summer.

• The end of power generation in the evening is earlier than in summer.

• The graph is mountain-shaped, centered around the period just before and after noon.

• On sunny days, a certain amount of power is generated.

• No error messages are displayed

Even if the generation time is short, if a clear mountain-shaped graph appears around midday, the equipment itself may be operating normally. Conversely, if it is sunny but the graph suddenly cuts off midway, the power generation is near zero, or there is an unnatural dip at the same time every day, you should also suspect shading or equipment trouble.

Cause 2: Low solar elevation reduces the solar irradiance reaching the panels

In winter, the sun's altitude is lower. The sun's altitude refers to the height of the sun in the sky. In summer the sun passes through a higher position, so roofs and solar panels are more likely to receive sunlight. Conversely, in winter the sun passes through a lower position, so the angle at which light reaches the panels is shallower and the amount of energy they can receive tends to be reduced.

Solar power generation is more efficient the closer the sunlight strikes the panels at an angle near perpendicular. In winter, because the sun’s rays enter at a more oblique angle, even on the same clear day the peak power output may not be as strong as in summer.

The installation conditions that are especially likely to be affected are as follows:

• The roof has a shallow slope.

• The panels are not facing south.

• Installed on an east-west-facing roof

• There are buildings, mountains, and trees in the surrounding area.

• Shadows are likely to be cast in the mornings and afternoons during winter.

Of course, east- or west-facing panels can generate electricity. However, in winter the sun is lower and the period during which they can generate electricity is shorter, so the effects of orientation and tilt tend to be more noticeable than in summer. Even on south-facing roofs, generation can drop in winter depending on the roof's pitch and the surrounding environment.

Why Power Generation May Appear Low Even on Clear Winter Days

Sometimes you might feel, "It's sunny today, yet the power output is low." However, the sun's height and the intensity of solar radiation differ between clear winter days and clear summer days. Even with few clouds, if the sun is low, the amount of energy reaching the panels is reduced.

Also, because the sun is even lower in the mornings and evenings during winter, the bulk of power generation is concentrated around midday. Therefore, even if generation in the morning or evening is low, that alone does not indicate an anomaly.

What you should check is whether there is a power generation peak around noon on clear days. If the generation peak is about the same as in the same month of the previous year, it is likely a seasonal change due to solar altitude. Conversely, if it is extremely low even at noon on a clear day, check for dirt on the panel surface, snow, shading, or an abnormality in the power conditioner.

Cause 3: Solar panels covered by snow, frost, or dirt

A factor not to be overlooked in winter power output declines is the impact of snow, frost, and dirt. Solar panels can generate electricity only when light reaches their surface. Therefore, if a panel is covered in snow, it may produce almost no power.

In snowy regions, after snowfall the amount of power generated can suddenly fall to near zero. This is not a fault but rather because light is not reaching the surface of the panels. Power generation often resumes when the snow naturally slides off, but if the roof pitch is shallow or wet snow has accumulated, the snow may not come off easily.

The same applies to frost. If the panel surface is white and frozen in the morning, the start of power generation may be delayed. When the sun hits the panels and the frost melts, generation will recover, but on winter mornings the sun is low, so it can take some time to melt.

Furthermore, in regions with little rain during winter, dirt is less likely to be washed away. Sand and dust, bird droppings, fallen leaves, and exhaust-related grime adhering to the panels reduce power generation efficiency. Even if dirt is concentrated in only part of the panel, it can still affect the amount of power generated.

Precautions for Snow and Dirt

If you find snow or dirt, it is dangerous to climb onto the roof to remove it yourself. Roofs in winter are slippery and pose a risk of falling accidents. Also, scraping the panels with hard tools can scratch their surfaces or damage the mounting racks and wiring.

If you're going to check it yourself, inspecting from the ground within the visible range is sufficient. Use binoculars or your smartphone's zoom to make sure the panels aren't covered in snow or dirt. If work on the roof is required, it's safer to hire a contractor who handles solar power inspections.

In regions with heavy snowfall, it is important at the time of installation to consider snow guards and measures to prevent falling snow, the angle of the panels, and compatibility with roofing materials. Even if the system is already installed, if power generation drops significantly every year because of snow, it is a good idea to discuss countermeasures during inspections.

Cause 4: Shadow effects tend to be more pronounced in winter

Winter is a season when the impact of shadows tends to be greater. Because the sun's elevation is low, shadows from buildings, utility poles, antennas, trees, neighboring houses, mountains, and the like stretch longer. Even places that were not shaded in summer can cast shadows on solar panels only in winter.

A solar panel generates electricity either as a whole single panel or with multiple panels connected together. Therefore, even if only part of a panel is shaded, the power output can fall by more than the shaded area. In particular, when a narrow shadow crosses part of a panel or when the same area is shaded at the same time every day, dips are more likely to appear in the power generation graph.

The things that are likely to cause shadows are as follows:

• Neighboring houses and nearby apartment buildings

• Utility poles and power lines

• TV antenna

• Chimneys and equipment on the roof

• Garden and street trees

• Mountains and elevated areas

• Balconies and handrails

The troublesome thing about shadows is that their appearance changes with the seasons and time of day. Even if there was no problem at the time of installation, new shadows can appear a few years later as trees grow or as buildings are constructed nearby.

How to Confirm Whether Shadows Are the Cause

To check for the impact of shadows, inspect around the panels on a sunny day three times: in the morning, around noon, and in the afternoon. In particular, around 10:00 to 14:00 in winter is a period that greatly affects power generation. If shadows are present during this time, they may be the cause of reduced power output.

The graph from the power generation monitor is also helpful. If the output drops at the same time every day, it may be due to shading. For example, if the output suddenly falls around 10:00 a.m. and then recovers, something may be casting a shadow on the panels during that time.

If the cause is trees in your yard, pruning may improve the situation. However, if trees or buildings on neighboring property are the cause, you may not be able to resolve it on your own. Even then, understanding the effects of the shading will make it easier to adjust how you use your storage battery and the timing of your electricity usage.

Cause 5: Equipment malfunctions and aging-related degradation are hard to detect

One thing to watch for when power generation declines in winter is equipment malfunctions and age-related deterioration. Because power generation tends to drop in winter, abnormalities can be overlooked as "it's probably just the season."

A solar power generation system consists not only of solar panels but also of a power conditioner, junction boxes, wiring, breakers, and a generation monitor. Of these, the power conditioner is the one you should particularly check. The power conditioner is an important device that converts the electricity produced by the solar panels into electricity usable in the home.

If the power conditioner is faulty, the panels may be generating electricity but it may not be usable at home or available for sale. If an error message appears, the operation lamp is off, you hear unusual noises, or there is a burning smell, it should be checked promptly.

Also, solar panels and related equipment are installations intended for long-term use. Over the years, their performance may gradually decline and components may need to be replaced. Because the reduction in power generation due to aging usually progresses slowly rather than suddenly, it can be difficult to notice from daily generation figures alone.

Signs of Trouble

If you have the following symptoms, consider not only seasonal factors but also equipment malfunction.

• Power generation is almost zero despite sunny weather.

• An error code is displayed on the power generation monitor.

• The lamp on the power conditioner is off.

• The circuit breaker has tripped.

• The power generation graph is unnaturally cut off midway.

• Power generation is significantly lower than in the same month of the previous year.

• An abnormal noise is coming from the power conditioner.

• There is a burnt smell.

• The amount of electricity sold to the grid suddenly decreased.

In particular, if "no power is being generated even on sunny days," "an error is being displayed," or "there are unusual noises or smells," do not leave it unattended. There may be safety issues. Do not disassemble the equipment or touch the wiring yourself; consult the installation company, the manufacturer, or an inspection/service contractor.

5 Things to Check When Power Output Is Low

If you feel that your power generation is low, before hastily contacting a service provider, first check the following five items. By isolating the cause within the range you can safely check yourself, you can reduce unnecessary worry and costs.

1. Check the weather and power generation together

Power generation is greatly affected by the weather. On cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, power generation drops significantly compared with sunny days. In winter, the weather is more changeable, and even a prolonged spell of cloudy conditions can reduce monthly power generation.

When checking, record not only the power generation but also the weather for that day. If you categorize days as sunny, cloudy, and rainy or snowy, it will be easier to determine whether anything is abnormal.

2. Compare with the same month in the previous year

The basic approach is to compare winter power generation not with summer but with the same month of the previous year. If you compare January’s generation with July’s, it will naturally appear lower. By comparing January with January and February with February, you can assess performance excluding seasonal differences.

If there is not a large change compared with the same month of the previous year, it is likely due to seasonal or weather influences. On the other hand, if it is substantially lower than the same month of the previous year, you should check for snow, dirt, shadows, equipment malfunctions, etc.

3. Examine the shape of the power generation graph

Not only the numbers for power generation, but also the shape of the graph is important. On a clear day when the system is generating normally, generation typically starts in the morning, peaks around midday, and then declines toward the evening, forming a mountain-shaped curve.

The following are examples of unnatural graphs.

• Power generation suddenly drops to zero even though it's daytime.

• Feel deeply depressed at the same time every day.

• Despite the clear weather, the graph becomes flat and low.

• The start or end of power generation is extremely unnatural.

• Large, jagged fluctuations continue.

If it dips at the same time every day, it's likely due to shading; if it suddenly goes to zero, it may be caused by the power conditioner (inverter), the breaker, or communication failures.

4. Check the monitor and inverter for errors

Check the power generation monitor and the power conditioner for any error messages. If an error code is displayed, check its meaning in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website, and consult a service provider if necessary.

However, depending on the error, there is a risk of electric shock or equipment damage, so it is important not to attempt to restore it yourself. In some cases, simply operating the breaker may restore service, but avoid repeatedly doing so without knowing the cause.

5. Check for snow, dirt, and shadows around the panels

From a safe location, inspect the condition of the solar panels. There is no need to go up on the roof. From the ground or from your balcony, within the visible area, check whether any snow remains, whether there is frost, whether fallen leaves or dirt are noticeable, and whether any shadows are being cast.

Especially in winter, the way shadows appear changes between morning and midday. There are cases where shadows fall only in the morning, or where a neighbor’s shadow extends only in the afternoon. If the periods with dips in the power generation graph match the actual times when shadows occur, it becomes easier to identify the cause.

Measures to Avoid Losing Out Even in Winter

A certain drop in power generation during winter is unavoidable, but countermeasures can reduce the losses. What's important is not only forcing an increase in generation, but also using the electricity generated as effectively as possible.

Reassess Your Electricity Use During Periods of Low Power Generation

Winter is a season when electricity consumption tends to increase due to heating, hot water, lighting, and clothes dryers. Because power generation is low while power consumption rises, the amount of electricity purchased increases, and electricity bills tend to be higher.

To make the most of solar power generation, it is effective to use electricity during the hours when it is producing. For example, shifting tasks such as running the washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, charging, and heating an EcoCute water heater to the daytime can increase your self-consumption rate.

In households where the price paid for electricity is higher than the price received for selling it, it can be more economical to use the electricity yourself rather than sell it. Precisely because power generation is lower in winter, it is important to use the electricity you generate without waste.

Optimize how you use heating

Heating tends to account for a large share of electricity bills in winter. If you use heating too much during periods when solar power generation is low, the amount of electricity you purchase is likely to increase.

To reduce heating costs, it's important to modestly adjust the thermostat and combine that with insulation measures. Window insulation film, heavy curtains, sealing drafts, and using an air circulator are relatively easy measures to adopt.

In rooms that receive sunlight during the day, open the curtains to let in solar heat, and close them in the evening to keep that heat from escaping. It's not just about power generation; reducing heating demand also helps prevent winter losses.

Panel dirt will be addressed during regular inspections

Solar panels are basically designed so that rain easily washes away dirt, but not all dirt will come off naturally. If bird droppings, fallen leaves, yellow dust (Asian dust), sand, or dust remain, they may affect power generation.

However, cleaning panels on the roof yourself is dangerous. Not only does it involve working at heights, but you may also damage the surface of the panels. If you are concerned about dirt, consult a professional company that handles inspection and cleaning.

During regular inspections, you can check not only the panel surface but also the mounting structures, wiring, junction boxes, and power conditioner. Keeping inspection records provides peace of mind and helps detect drops in power generation early.

Prune trees that cause shade

If trees in your garden or on your property are casting shadows, pruning can sometimes improve power generation. Especially in winter, branches tend to extend and shadows tend to become longer, so be sure to check for any shade falling on the panels.

The timing of pruning depends on the species of tree, but if you are considering its effect on power generation, it is effective to check where shadows fall during the daytime in winter. By looking at the actual shadows during the hours when the power-generation graph shows a dip, it becomes easier to determine which tree is causing it.

If neighboring trees or buildings are the cause, rather than negotiating emotionally, first record changes in power generation and the times when shadows occur. Having objective information will make it easier to discuss the matter.

Utilize storage batteries and time-of-use pricing

For households with low power generation in winter, it is also worth considering battery storage or reviewing electricity rate plans. With battery storage, electricity generated during the day can be used more easily from the evening onward. In winter, the sun sets early and the use of heating and lighting increases from the evening into the night, so battery storage can be a good fit.

However, battery storage systems are expensive equipment. Before installing one, make a comprehensive assessment of your current electricity usage, the price at which you sell electricity, the price at which you buy electricity, the necessity of blackout countermeasures, and the installation costs. Rather than thinking "install a battery right away because my generation is low," what matters is whether it fits your household's overall electricity usage.

If you are on a time-of-use pricing plan, using electricity during cheaper periods and taking steps to reduce electricity purchased during more expensive periods can also be effective. In households that combine solar power generation, storage batteries, EcoCute, and electric vehicles, simply reviewing the control settings can change electricity costs.

Cases When You Should Consult a Professional

Although many causes of low power generation are seasonal or weather-related, we recommend consulting a service provider in the following cases.

• Even on clear days, there is almost no power generation

• Power generation is clearly lower than in the same month of the previous year.

• An error code is displayed on the monitor.

• There are unusual noises and odors coming from the power conditioner.

• The circuit breaker frequently trips

• Damage or misalignment of the panels is visible.

• Power generation has dropped after typhoons, heavy snowfall, and earthquakes.

• The amount of electricity sold suddenly decreased.

• I would like to confirm whether it is still under warranty.

• Has not been inspected for a long time.

When consulting, it's helpful to have the following information ready.

When hiring a contractor, be sure to confirm the inspection details and costs in advance. Costs and scope vary depending on whether it is an inspection only, includes cleaning, involves a diagnosis of the power conditioner (inverter), or includes a visual inspection on the roof.

Also, if the installation warranty is still in effect, it may be best to consult the installer or the manufacturer. Because having another contractor perform work during the warranty period could affect the warranty terms, first check your contract and warranty documents.

What Not to Do in Winter When Power Generation Is Low

When power generation is low in winter, it's natural to feel anxious, but if you panic and take incorrect measures, it can instead lead to danger or loss. Avoid the following actions:

Go up onto the roof to remove snow and clean.

Even if you find snow or dirt, it's dangerous to climb onto the roof yourself. Roofs are slippery in winter and there's a risk of falling. Stepping on solar panels may also damage them.

Avoid trying to force it off with long poles or brushes that can reach from the ground. This can scratch the panel surface or put strain on the wiring and the mounting structure. If you cannot work safely, you should leave it to a professional.

Repeatedly restarting a device that is showing an error

If a power conditioner or breaker shows an error, restarting it may fix the issue. However, avoid operating it repeatedly when the cause is unknown. If there are faults in internal components, electrical leakage, or wiring problems, forcing operation can be dangerous.

Check within the scope described in the instruction manual, and if the problem is still not resolved, consult a service provider.

Diagnosing a fault based on a single day's power output

In winter, weather has a large impact, so even if power output is low for just one day, it does not necessarily indicate a malfunction. It can temporarily decrease due to clouds, snow, rain, frost, or shading.

When making a judgment, check the trend for at least several days to about a week, and also compare it with the same month in the previous year. However, if power generation is nearly zero despite clear skies, or if an error is being reported, you should check immediately rather than waiting several days.

Choosing an Inspection Contractor Based Solely on Price

Inspection and cleaning of solar power systems require knowledge of the equipment and proper safety management. If you hire an extremely cheap contractor or one whose inspection procedures are unclear, necessary checks may be left undone.

When obtaining estimates, confirm the inspection items, scope of work, whether a report will be provided, warranty coverage, and the conditions for any additional costs. To accurately identify the cause of reduced power generation, it is important to consider not just a simple visual inspection but to comprehensively review generation data and the condition of the equipment.

Cases that are normal even in winter when power generation is low

Even if the power output is low, the following situations may still fall within the normal range.

• Cloudy and snowy days have continued.

• There is no significant difference from the same month of the previous year.

• On sunny days, power generation peaks around noon.

• No error message is displayed

• The inverter is operating normally.

• The power generation graph has a natural bell-shaped curve.

• When snow or frost melts, power generation recovers.

Winter electricity generation tends to be lower than at other times of the year. In particular, from December to February the hours of sunlight are shorter and the sun’s altitude is lower, so it is natural that output appears lower than in spring or summer.

The important thing is not to assume "it's low because it's winter," but to judge whether it is abnormal for winter. By checking a combination of the same month in the previous year, graphs from sunny days, the presence or absence of errors, and the conditions of shadows or snow, you can more easily determine whether it is a malfunction.

Strategies to Reduce the Impact on Household Finances During Winters with Low Power Generation

Winter is not only a season of lower power generation, but also one in which electricity consumption tends to increase. Therefore, when evaluating the economics of solar power generation, you need to consider not only the amount of power generated but also how much purchased electricity was reduced.

For example, if you sell the electricity generated during the day instead of using it, and then buy expensive electricity at night to use for heating and hot water, the benefit to household finances may be small. Conversely, if you run appliances during the daytime when generation is occurring and increase self-consumption, you can reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy.

Usage tips to keep in mind in winter are as follows.

• Use the washing machine and dishwasher during the day.

• Charge while generating power.

• Review the EcoCute settings

• Use heating together with insulation measures.

• Warm the room during the day and reduce the heating load from the evening onward

• If a storage battery is present, review the discharge time

Solar power generation is not intended solely to "produce a lot of electricity." Even in winter, when output is low, by adjusting how you use it you can expect it to help curb rises in your electricity bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for solar power generation to be low in winter?

It is common for power generation to be low in winter. Because daylight hours are shorter and the sun's altitude is lower, the time available for generation and the amount of solar radiation decrease. However, if the system does not generate power even on clear days, if output is significantly lower than in the same month of the previous year, or if error messages appear, check for equipment malfunctions or the effects of shading, snow, or dirt.

Does power generation decrease when the temperature is low?

Solar panels tend to be more efficient at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. Therefore, low ambient temperature itself is not necessarily the main cause of reduced output. The main reasons for lower power generation in winter are shorter hours of sunlight, lower solar altitude, and the effects of snow and shading.

Is it okay to clean snow-covered solar panels yourself?

Climbing onto the roof to remove snow is dangerous. There is a risk of falling, and you may also damage panels or wiring. Limit yourself to checking safely from the ground, and if work is necessary, hire a professional.

How do you determine whether the power generation is low?

Instead of comparing with summer, compare with the same month in the previous year or with days that had similar weather. Check whether the power generation monitor’s graph shows a natural peak on sunny days, whether there are any error indications, and whether there is any shading or snow. Viewing the monthly trend makes it easier to determine whether something is abnormal.

Why is the power output low even though it's sunny?

In winter, even when it is sunny the sun’s altitude is low and the amount of solar radiation reaching the panels decreases. Also, shadows from buildings and trees stretch longer, so locations that were unaffected in summer may see reduced power generation only in winter. If output is unusually low even around midday on a clear day, check for shading, snow, dirt, or an inverter malfunction.

Could the power conditioner's lifespan be the cause?

There are. Power conditioners are an important component of solar power generation systems, and as they age they may develop faults or require replacement. If there are error messages, unusual noises, strange odors, abnormalities in the operation lamp, or a sudden drop in power generation, consult a service provider.

Can the decrease in power generation during winter be completely prevented?

Reductions in output due to sunshine duration and the sun's altitude are natural phenomena, so they cannot be completely prevented. However, it is possible to mitigate losses by addressing dirt and shading, by aligning electricity use with generation times, by reviewing battery storage and rate plans, and by performing regular inspections.

Summary

The main reasons you may feel that power generation is lower in winter are the shorter hours of sunlight, the lower solar altitude, snow, frost and dirt, shading effects, and equipment problems or aging. In particular, because the sun is out for shorter periods in winter and the angle of the light is shallower, it is natural for power generation to be lower compared with spring and summer.

However, it is dangerous to simply blame everything on the seasons and leave it alone. If it is not generating power despite sunny conditions, if output is significantly lower than the same month last year, if the generation graph looks abnormal, if there are error messages, or if the power conditioner is making unusual noises or emitting strange odors, check it promptly.

The following are five points to avoid losses during winter when power generation is low.

• Compare power generation to the same month of the previous year, not to summer.

• Check the shape of the power output graph.

• Check for snow, frost, dirt, and shadows from a safe location.

• Do not overlook error displays or abnormalities in the power conditioner.

• Use electricity during the daytime while power is being generated to increase self-consumption

The drop in power generation during winter doesn't have to cause undue worry if it is properly assessed. At the same time, detecting abnormalities early can help prevent reductions in revenue from selling electricity and increases in electricity bills. Record your monthly generation and compare it with the same month of the previous year, and, as needed, carry out inspections and review your electricity usage.