When temperatures drop, homes and businesses across the UK often see their energy usage rise sharply. For those using renewable systems such as solar PV or air source heat pumps, winter can raise questions about performance, efficiency and running costs.
At Solarus Energy Ltd, we work with customers across Stockport, Greater Manchester and Cheshire to help them get the most out of their renewable systems all year round. Below, we’ve put together a practical guide to keeping your energy efficiency high throughout the colder months — whether you’re using solar, a heat pump, or both.
Why Winter Efficiency Matters
With shorter days, colder temperatures and increased heating demand, winter can be the most expensive season for UK homes and commercial buildings. Effective planning helps you:
- Reduce electricity costs
- Maintain consistent internal temperatures
- Improve long-term system performance
- Increase the return on your renewable investment
Whether you’re looking for heat pump winter tips or help maximising solar performance in winter, the strategies below will help.
1. Solar Panels in Winter: What to Expect
It’s a common misconception that solar panels are ineffective during colder months. In reality, they continue generating electricity — just at lower levels due to shorter daylight hours.
How to Improve Solar Efficiency in Winter
✔ Keep panels clean and clear of debris
Dust, leaves and snow can reduce generation. A simple clean can improve efficiency by 5–15%.
✔ Monitor your system regularly
Your inverter and monitoring app will show daily performance trends. If you spot unusual drops, it may be time for a professional inspection.
✔ Use generation during daylight hours
Where possible, run appliances when panels are generating.
✔ Combine solar with battery storage
A battery helps capture daytime generation and use it later — ideal in winter when demand is highest in the evenings.
For general guidance on expected output, you can read advice from the Energy Saving Trust:
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels
For more information about our solar installs in Stockport, visit our Solar PV page.
2. Heat Pump Performance in Cold Weather
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in freezing temperatures. However, efficiency naturally decreases when the outside air is colder.
Top Heat Pump Winter Tips
✔ Avoid constantly changing the thermostat
Heat pumps work best maintaining a steady, moderate temperature.
✔ Use weather compensation
This allows your system to automatically adjust flow temperatures based on outdoor conditions.
✔ Check airflow around the outdoor unit
Ensure the area is free from leaves, snow and obstructions.
✔ Insulate your property effectively
Good insulation dramatically improves heat pump performance and reduces running costs.
✔ Consider a service before winter
A regular service helps maintain efficiency and ensures your heat pump is operating at its best.
Learn more about our heat pumps. Vaillant have also produced a winter guide for heat pumps here.
3. Smart Electrical Strategies for Winter Efficiency
Renewable systems achieve the best results when combined with smart electrical planning.
Smart Tips:
- Upgrade old lighting to LED
LED lighting reduces winter lighting costs by up to 80%. - Install smart thermostats or zoning controls
Helps you heat only the spaces you need. - Check your insulation and draft-proofing
Small improvements can reduce heat loss significantly. - Use timers and automation
Let your renewable system do the heavy lifting at the right time of day.
Our team can assist with electrical upgrades across Stockport and Greater Manchester.
4. The Benefits of Combining Solar and Heat Pumps in Winter
When used together, solar and heat pumps create one of the most efficient home heating and electrical systems available in the UK.
Solar + Heat Pump Benefits:
- Solar generation reduces heat pump running costs
- Excess solar can be stored in a battery for evening heating
- Lower carbon footprint
- Stronger EPC ratings
- Long-term protection against rising energy prices
This combination is becoming increasingly popular in Stockport and Cheshire, particularly for homeowners planning long-term energy savings.
Need Help Preparing for Winter?
At Solarus, we are NICEIC-accredited, MCS-certified, CHAS-approved, Which? Trusted Traders, Octopus Trusted Partners as well as trusted locally for renewable installations and electrical works.
We install and maintain:
- Solar PV
- Heat Pumps
- Battery Storage
- Electrical Upgrades & Rewires
If you’re looking to improve your winter energy efficiency or explore renewable options, our team is here to help.