Is there a best time of year to go solar? Here’s what you need to know.

When it comes to installing solar panels on your home, the age-old question is always: “when is the best time to do it?” Well, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, we have to say that the best time to go solar was yesterday, and the second best time is today. But, in all seriousness, there are a few factors to consider when deciding when to make the switch to solar energy.

What time of year has the most sun?

First, let’s talk about the obvious – the sun. While solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, the more sun, the more energy your panels will produce.

The Earth spins around the sun and it has a tilt on its axis. When it’s spring and summer, the Earth is tilted towards the sun. This means there’s more daylight and the sun’s light is stronger. But when it’s fall and winter, the Earth is tilted away from the sun, so there’s less daylight and the sun’s light is weaker.

So, it makes sense that the spring and summer months, when there is typically more sunlight, would be a great time to install your solar panels. Not only will you see bigger savings right away, but you’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that your panels are performing at their maximum capacity.

With that said, spring and summer tend to be the busiest months for solar panel installation companies, so it’s a good idea to get started early if you’re planning a spring or summer installation.

Do solar panels need direct sunlight?

The short answer is no. While it’s true that solar panels perform best when they receive direct sunlight, they do not necessarily need it to function. Solar panels are able to generate electricity even on overcast days or in partial shade. This is because they rely on the light from the sun, not the heat, to generate electricity. As long as there is light, the solar panels will be able to produce some amount of electricity.

We always factor in shade and weather when building a solar savings report for your home. That’s an important part of seeing if solar is a good fit. You can learn more about whether or not solar makes sense for your home here.

So just because the sun isn’t shining, doesn’t mean that you have to wait to install your panels. With net metering, you can install your solar panels year-round and still save thousands on your energy bills. Net metering allows you to send any excess energy your panels produce back to the grid, and in return, you’ll receive credits on your energy bill. This means that even if you’re not home during the day, or your energy usage is low, you’ll still be able to take advantage of the energy your panels are producing.

So when is the best time to go solar?

The old adage is true. The best time to go solar was yesterday. The second best time is today. Here’s why: Electric rates are unpredictable and go up about 6% on average every year. Solar payments are flat and price protected. They’re also typically 30%-50% less than an average electric bill. So that means if your home is a good fit for solar, you could pay half the very first month you make the switch. On top of that there is a 30% federal tax credit available that makes the switch to solar easier today than ever before.

In conclusion, there are a few factors to consider when deciding when to make the switch to solar energy. The spring and summer months, when there is typically more sunlight, are a great time to go solar. However, with net metering, you can install your solar panels year-round and still save thousands on your energy bills. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost of solar and any available incentives or rebates. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about when to install solar panels on your home. If you’re still unsure, let us know and we’re happy to see what makes the most sense for your home.