Do solar panels work when it snows?

Yes, solar panels do produce power in snowy conditions – as long as the snow isn’t too heavy. 

Sunlight can pass through a light dusting of snow, so your solar panel system will generate solar electricity during light snowfall. And cold weather is actually good for solar panels, as it prevents them from getting too hot and losing efficiency. 

A heavy accumulation of snow, on the other hand, would block sunlight and greatly reduce energy production. The good news is that this situation rarely occurs: solar panels are great at shedding snow. This is because they are slick, warm up as they absorb heat, and are usually installed at an angle. 

The Department of Energy also points out that, similar to rain, snow is effective in cleaning panels, as it melts away.