Most people assume there is one obvious answer to this question. “Summer must be the best time to install solar panels, right?”
It makes sense on the surface. Longer days, more sunshine, better generation. But when it comes to installing solar, not just generating energy, summer is often not the best time at all.
In fact, many homeowners benefit more by installing solar outside of peak summer months. Here is what you actually need to know…
Solar Panels Work All Year, Not Just in Summer
First, an important reset. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not heat.
That means they work in:
- Spring
- Autumn
- Winter
- Cloudy weather
The UK generates solar energy year-round, just at different levels.
So the question is not, “When do panels work best?”
It is, “When is the smartest time to get them installed?”
Why Summer Is Not the Best Time to Install
Summer is the busiest period for solar installers. That usually means:
- Longer waiting times
- Less installation availability
- Tighter schedules
- Fewer flexible dates
You may also find that,
- Installers are fully booked weeks or months ahead
- Surveys and installs are rushed to keep up with demand
- You wait longer to start generating savings
Summer is great for solar generation, but it is often the least convenient time to get installed.
The Best Time to Install Solar Panels
Autumn and Spring Are the Sweet Spot
For most homeowners, spring and autumn are the ideal times to install solar.
Why?
- Installers have more availability
- Surveys are more detailed
- Installations are less rushed
- You are set up ahead of peak generation months
Installing in autumn means your system is ready to perform from early spring onwards.
Installing in spring means you capture almost the entire high-generation season.
Winter Is Underrated, But Smart
This surprises a lot of people.
Installing solar in winter can be a very smart move because,
- Installer availability is higher
- Lead times are often shorter
- You avoid the summer backlog
- Your system is fully ready for spring and summer
Cold weather does not prevent solar installation.
Most installs go ahead unless conditions are unsafe, such as heavy snow or high winds.
Does Installing Earlier Save You Money?
Yes. The earlier your system is installed,
- The sooner you start reducing bills
- The sooner export payments begin
- The sooner your payback clock starts
Waiting until “perfect weather” often means losing months of savings.
Even winter generation contributes to lower bills and better system optimisation.
Another Factor People Forget, Batteries
If you are adding a battery, timing matters even more.
Installing outside peak summer gives you time to,
- Learn how the system works
- Optimise battery charging
- Set up smart tariffs
- Understand your usage patterns
By the time summer arrives, you are not learning on the go, your system is already dialled in.
Is There a Bad Time to Install Solar?
There are very few genuinely bad times. The only times solar may be delayed are:
- Severe weather conditions
- Unsafe roof access
- Structural issues that need addressing first
Outside of that, solar can be installed safely and effectively throughout the year.
The Real Best Time to Install Solar
The best time to install solar panels is not summer.
It is when you are ready, when the design is right, and when the system can be installed properly, without rushing or pressure.
For many homeowners, that means,
- Autumn
- Winter
- Early spring
Rather than waiting for sunshine, the smart move is getting ahead of it.
So, When Should You Install Solar Panels?
If you are thinking about solar in 2026,
- Do not wait for summer
- Do not assume winter is too late
- Do not delay once you are ready
Solar works year-round, and the sooner it is installed, the sooner it starts working for you.
If you want honest advice on when to install solar for your home, without pressure or rushed installs,
Simply fill out the form below or give us a call on 01422 768113.