Solar Panel Installation: When Is the Best Time To Soak up the Sun?

Are you thinking of making the switch to solar? You’re not alone.

According to research from 2023, solar energy is expected to soon power one in five homes across the United States. The industry has been booming in the last few years, with a compound annual growth rate of 33%. Residential installations have increased by 84% between 2019 to 2022, and these numbers are expected to continue to rise.

It’s clear that in the last few years, more and more Americans have been reducing their reliance on fossil fuels in favor of more renewable sources of energy. Solar offers precisely that, as well as the advantage of being more cost-effective. Solar installations also increase property values.

But as with any new technology or big infrastructure changes, there will be some pressing questions, such as:

What are the benefits solar power can offer?

When is the best time to install solar panels?

What are the best months for solar production?

Rest assured, we here at AMECO Solar & Roofing have all the answers.

So let’s dive in.

When To Install Solar Panels

Should I get solar now, or wait?

One of the most important decisions to be made before you contact a solar panel company is figuring out when is the best time to install solar panels.

The answer depends on several variables: the amount you’re willing to pay, how long you’re willing to wait, or how complicated the installation process will be.

There is, unfortunately, no exact answer to when to install solar panels. There are some pros and cons associated with every solar season that should help you come to a conclusion.

Let’s take a look.

Solar installations in spring

Spring

Why is spring considered one of the best times to install solar panels? It’s simple: the mild weather means professionals can work on your roof for long hours without being in too warm or cold weather.

This mild weather applies to your personal comfort as well. When carrying out a residential solar panel installation, several electric components in your home may have to be disabled or replaced. This means you will likely go a few hours or even a day without power. Spring weather is the best time for this, as it is easier to survive a few hours without additional heating or cooling.

Another great benefit of solar installations in spring is that it shouldn’t be too hard to book an appointment with a professional, as the demand may not be as high as in other solar seasons.

And if you decide to pick spring as your solar season, your system should be operational by summer. You will have many hours of sunlight to capture as much energy as possible.

The only downside to spring is the increased chance of precipitation. Even slight rainfall could delay the installation process by a few days. This is because it is very dangerous for anyone to work on a roof in such slippery conditions. So the timeline of the project must be planned carefully around the weather patterns in your region.

Summer

Summer is, without a doubt, the best month for solar production.

The sun shines intensely and for longer periods, allowing solar batteries to store a lot of energy for future use.

Unfortunately, almost everyone considers summer the best time to install solar panels. This means scheduling installation with the ideal solar professional may be more challenging, as they will likely be booked out. Given the high demand, the price of installation could also increase significantly, as experts will be more likely to charge a premium for their services.

Solar installations in Summer

That said, summer does not provide the best weather to install solar panels in many regions, as the installers will be forced to work for long hours in the blistering heat. This could slow down the process as they will be at an increased risk of dehydration or sunstroke.

Meanwhile, for residential and commercial solar panel installation, it would make sense to have the solar panels up and running by summer. This means planning the installation process for an earlier solar season works better.

Fall

Much like spring, fall provides the best weather to install solar panels for the experts who will be spending time on your roof. It is neither too hot nor too cold, and there is little chance of rain.

As the peak solar season, summer, comes to an end, there is less demand for professional services. This leads to shorter wait times and the best time to install solar panels if you’re on a budget. Solar companies will be more likely to offer good deals, and you should be able to negotiate the right price.

So while the fall season may not be the best months for solar production, it’s a great time to compare prices and experience a smooth installation process. Your new solar panels can be ready to soak up the sun before the winter months hit.

A common misconception is that solar panels don’t generate as much energy in fall as they do in summer, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

Rooftop solar systems use photovoltaic panels, which require more light than heat to work optimally. Fall is generally a solar season with sufficient amounts of sunshine during the day—it’s just the temperature that is different. The mild weather allows parts of a solar system to work more efficiently, too, while the extreme heat of summer actually increases the risk of the parts malfunctioning.

Solar installations in fall

Winter

Winter may not immediately strike you as the best time to initiate any roofing or solar projects, but there are some benefits to installing solar panels in winter.

As with the fall and spring solar seasons, you’re much more likely to negotiate a good deal with a solar company during winter. You will have to wait less time for experts to visit your home and complete the installation process. And since these months are known to be dry, it is less likely that dust, debris, and humidity will interfere with the installation process.

The materials that make up a solar panel system and the construction equipment used still function perfectly despite cold temperatures. In fact, they fare much better in a bit of cold than in extreme heat, leading to fewer malfunctions and delays.

The disadvantages of installing solar panels in winter are quite evident: fewer hours of sunshine and the likelihood of snow and ice gathering on your roof don’t make for the ideal solar season.

So, can you install solar panels in the winter?

Well, as long as the weather isn’t too extreme, there’s no reason why solar experts shouldn’t be able to work in the winter. They won’t have to labor for long hours under the hot sun and may even get the job done faster than in the summer months.

Any expert will tell you that installing a solar system can take a long time—up to six months, depending on the complexity of the task. So it could make sense to get started on the construction during the winter so your panels are up and ready to go by spring and summer.

Solar installations in Winter

Why Go Solar At All?

At the end of the day, there is no best time to install solar panels because the benefits of having one can be experienced throughout the year.

A solar panel system has the potential to completely transform the energy requirements of both residential and commercial spaces. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why residential solar panel installation is in such high demand these days.

Reduced Monthly Bills

When you decide to supplement a home or business’s energy requirements with a solar system, it goes a long way in reducing monthly utility bills. Many consider summer to be the best time to install solar panels because of how much they can augment energy resources to power air conditioning.

Some of the most efficient solar panels could, in fact, generate up to 100% of a household’s energy requirements. But even the smallest solar panels installed on large commercial properties can significantly reduce utility bills.

Decreased Carbon Footprint

The pressing need to minimize our individual carbon footprints has led us to make many sacrifices in our daily lives. If you want to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, this is the best time to install solar panels.

During a particularly strong solar season, it’s possible to reduce the emissions for a home by about 80% when compared to those using traditional sources of energy. According to research by Columbia, installing solar panels on residential property reduces more carbon dioxide emissions by acre than trees.

Increased Property Value

When is the best time to install solar panels? Right before you sell a home.

Given its impact on carbon emissions and reduced utility costs, a solar system significantly increases the value of any property, whether commercial or residential.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says that the value of a home can increase by $20 for every $1 that’s saved on energy bills. There’s a reason why houses with installed solar systems sell 20% faster than those without.

Increased Property Value

Fewer Power Disruptions

While not so common, power outages can be crippling for a household or commercial establishment. And if you live in an area with frequent power cuts, it is the best time to install solar panels.

With a solar power system, you can keep the lights on all year round with no worry, even during major disruptions in the power grid. Through batteries that store energy, every season is solar season.

Bonus Tax Credits

While the initial cost to install a solar panel system may seem quite high, the government has made it easier on the wallet through the Federal Solar Tax Credit.

Launched in 2022, this initiative allows an individual or business to claim 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, thus reducing their taxes. This credit—coupled with the fact that utility bills go down and property values go up—makes installing solar power a financially sound move.

The Bottom Line: Best Time to Install Solar Panels

Now that we know a little more about the best months for solar production, the decision on when to install solar panels should be a lot easier to make.

If you’re looking for a definitive answer to the best time to install solar panels, it depends on what you prioritize.

Best months for solar production: While spring and fall are promising periods, summer is ultimately the best season for collecting energy from the sun.

Best weather to install solar panels: That said, summer isn’t the best time for experts to carry out construction work for long periods in the heat. So, in this case, the best time would be spring or fall when the weather is milder.

Best time to install solar panels on a budget: The ideal time to get a good deal is any solar season that isn’t in demand—during spring, fall, or winter, you should be able to negotiate some great prices.

Shortest installation times: Winter is ideally the best time to install a solar panel if you don’t want to wait too long for the availability of experts. Spring and fall are better if you want fewer disruptions because of the weather.

Best months for solar production

Conclusion: Sunny Days Ahead With AMECO

Now that you have all the information at your disposal, it’s time to take the next step toward the switch to solar by partnering with AMECO.

AMECO Solar & Roofing is one of the foremost experts in solar panel installation for residential and commercial operations. For close to 50 years, we have offered solar solutions to customers looking to benefit from more sustainable sources of energy, finding the right solar season, or those who are frustrated by blackouts and spikes in energy rates.

So, whether you’re looking to estimate your solar panel needs, for tips on installing solar panels in winter, or a more personalized answer to when to install solar panels in general, you can always count on AMECO.