How Much Solar Power Does a PV System Generate in Hanover During Winter?

As the days grow shorter, the skies turn gray, and sunshine becomes increasingly scarce, many homeowners in Hanover and the surrounding region ask the same question: Is my solar system still worth it during the winter months?

The honest answer is yes, but not in the same way as during summer.

Understanding seasonal differences helps you set realistic expectations, plan more effectively, and make informed decisions about your energy investment. In this article, you’ll discover how much electricity a PV system generates in Hanover during winter, why production decreases, when your system can still perform exceptionally well, and what you can do to maximize output during the colder months.

How Much Sunshine Does Hanover Receive During Winter?

Located in Lower Saxony, Hanover receives approximately 1,720 hours of sunshine per year. While that may not seem particularly high, it is a respectable figure for northern Germany.

The challenge lies in how unevenly those sunshine hours are distributed throughout the year.

Only around 21.6 percent of the annual solar irradiation occurs between October and March, while approximately 78 percent falls between April and September. As a result, solar systems naturally generate much less electricity during winter than they do in late spring and summer.

In practical terms, homeowners should not expect the same output in December or January as they would in May or June. This is not a flaw in the system. It is simply a consequence of geography and seasonal sunlight patterns. Homeowners who understand this from the outset are better prepared to evaluate their system’s performance realistically.

Expected Winter Solar Output in Hanover

With an average annual yield of approximately 940 kWh per installed kilowatt peak (kWp), Hanover is considered a favorable location for solar energy generation in northern Germany.

Winter production, however, follows a very different pattern from the rest of the year.

A typical 10 kWp solar installation generates approximately:

Month	Estimated Output
October	450 to 520 kWh
November	230 to 290 kWh
December	170 to 200 kWh
January	190 to 220 kWh
February	340 to 400 kWh
March	620 to 700 kWh

These figures are based on PVGIS data and German Weather Service solar irradiation values for the Hanover region. Actual results depend on factors such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shading conditions, and equipment quality.

December is typically the weakest month of the year for solar production, not only in Hanover but throughout Germany. Nationwide, December often delivers only 17 to 30 kWh per installed kWp. Fortunately, production begins increasing noticeably again from February onward.

Why Is Solar Production Lower During Winter?

Several factors contribute to reduced solar generation during the colder months.

Shorter Days and a Lower Sun Angle

In December, the sun remains above the horizon for only about eight hours per day in Hanover. Even during daylight hours, the sun sits much lower in the sky than it does during summer.

Because sunlight strikes solar panels at a less favorable angle, the intensity of solar radiation reaching the modules decreases significantly. Less available sunlight naturally results in lower electricity production.

Increased Cloud Cover and Diffuse Light

Northern Germany is known for overcast winter weather, and Hanover is no exception.

During winter, a 10 kWp system may produce only 5 to 10 kWh on an average day, compared with 50 to 70 kWh during a strong summer day. Under dense cloud cover, daily output can even fall below 2 kWh.

Snow Coverage

When snow covers solar panels, it blocks sunlight and temporarily prevents electricity generation.

However, there is a positive side. Snow often slides off smooth solar panels relatively quickly, particularly on steeper roofs. Fresh snow on the ground can also reflect sunlight toward the modules. This phenomenon, known as the albedo effect, can slightly increase production on clear winter days.

The Surprising Advantage of Cold Weather

One fact that many solar system owners do not realize is that solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures.

During hot summer days, modules heat up significantly, which reduces their efficiency. In contrast, cold weather improves panel performance.

This means a clear winter day in Hanover with bright sunshine and temperatures around minus five degrees Celsius can produce surprisingly strong results. In some cases, a cool and sunny day in March can outperform a hot and hazy day in August.

Cold temperatures cannot compensate entirely for shorter days, but they do help maximize the electricity generated from available sunlight.

Is Solar Power Still Worthwhile in Hanover During Winter?

Absolutely.

Consider a realistic 10 kWp system in the Hanover region with a south-facing roof and a roof pitch of approximately 30 degrees.

Typical annual production ranges from 9,000 to 9,400 kWh.

Winter production between October and March usually falls between 1,900 and 2,200 kWh.

Summer production between April and September generally reaches 6,800 to 7,200 kWh.

With electricity prices around €0.34 per kWh, a system producing approximately 9,000 kWh annually can generate savings exceeding €1,700 per year.

Although winter contributes a smaller share of annual output, it still provides meaningful value. Even during December and January, your system continues generating electricity that can be used directly within your home, helping reduce energy costs throughout the year.

How to Maximize Solar Performance During Winter

Optimize Roof Pitch and Orientation

For homeowners in Hanover, a roof pitch between 35 and 45 degrees generally improves winter performance compared with the more common 30-degree angle that is often optimized for summer production.

The steeper angle allows panels to capture low winter sunlight more effectively. Anyone planning a new installation should discuss this tradeoff with their solar installer.

Install Battery Storage

Battery storage becomes especially valuable during winter.

Solar electricity is generated primarily during daylight hours, while household demand often peaks in the morning and evening. A battery stores excess daytime production and makes it available when needed later, reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity.

Keep Panels Clean

Snow, leaves, and dirt can reduce panel performance.

On low-pitched roofs, carefully removing heavy snow accumulation may improve energy production. However, this should only be done safely and with appropriate equipment. Many modern monitoring systems can automatically notify homeowners if a module is underperforming due to contamination or other issues.

Align Electricity Usage With Solar Production

During winter, solar generation typically peaks around midday.

Running appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during these hours allows you to maximize self-consumption. Smart energy management systems can automate this process by activating selected appliances whenever sufficient solar power is available.

How Does Hanover Compare With Other Cities in the Region?

PVPro Solar operates throughout Lower Saxony, and solar production differences between nearby cities are relatively small.

Location	Annual Yield per kWp	Winter Yield per kWp
Hanover	930 to 960 kWh	210 to 230 kWh
Wolfsburg	940 to 970 kWh	215 to 235 kWh
Braunschweig	945 to 975 kWh	215 to 240 kWh
Hildesheim	935 to 960 kWh	210 to 230 kWh
Wunstorf / Garbsen	925 to 955 kWh	205 to 225 kWh

The differences between these locations are relatively minor. Factors such as roof orientation, roof pitch, system design, and module quality generally have a much greater impact on overall performance than geographical location within the region.

Conclusion: Winter Is Not the Enemy of Solar Energy

Winter undoubtedly reduces solar production in Hanover. That is an unavoidable reality. However, it does not stop electricity generation altogether.

A properly designed and professionally installed photovoltaic system continues producing valuable electricity throughout the winter months. Combined with appropriately sized battery storage and intelligent energy management, homeowners can continue benefiting from self-generated solar power even during the darkest period of the year.

Those planning a new installation also gain an important timing advantage. Systems commissioned in spring begin operating immediately during the most productive months of the year, accelerating the path toward energy savings and return on investment.

Get a Free Solar Yield Assessment From PVPro Solar GmbH

Are you wondering how much electricity your roof could generate throughout the year, including during winter?

The team at PVPro Solar GmbH in Hanover provides free, no-obligation solar yield assessments tailored to your specific property and roof conditions.

As a certified specialist company serving Hanover and the wider Lower Saxony region, PVPro Solar GmbH designs and installs complete photovoltaic solutions, including battery storage systems, EV charging stations, and heat pump integration.

Contact PVPro Solar GmbH today to request a free quote and discover the true solar potential of your roof.

Is a Solar System Worthwhile in Hanover Despite Lower Winter Production?

Yes. Lower Saxony receives annual solar irradiation levels of approximately 1,000 to 1,150 kWh per square meter, providing excellent conditions for photovoltaic systems. While winter output is lower, it never drops to zero. Combined with battery storage, many households can cover up to 70 percent of their electricity demand using self-generated solar power.

How Much Electricity Does a 10 kWp System Generate in January?

A 10 kWp system in the Hanover region typically produces between 190 and 220 kWh during January. This corresponds to an average daily output of approximately 6 to 7 kWh, depending on weather conditions.

Why Does My Solar System Produce So Little Electricity in December?

December is the weakest month of the year for solar production throughout northern Germany. The combination of short daylight hours, a low solar angle, and frequent cloud cover significantly reduces available solar radiation. Low production during December is completely normal and does not necessarily indicate a technical problem. Monitoring systems can help determine whether reduced output is weather-related or caused by equipment issues.

Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned During Winter?

Heavy snow accumulation may justify careful removal in certain situations, particularly on low-pitched roofs. Leaves and dirt that accumulate during autumn should generally be removed through professional cleaning at least once per year. Cleaning should always be performed by qualified professionals to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Is Battery Storage Particularly Valuable During Winter?

Yes. Winter solar production occurs mainly during daytime hours, while household demand often peaks in the early morning and evening. Battery storage bridges this gap and allows homeowners to use a much larger portion of their self-generated electricity.

What Roof Orientation Produces the Best Winter Results?

In Hanover, a south-facing roof with a pitch between 35 and 45 degrees generally delivers the strongest winter performance. East-west systems may produce slightly lower total yields, but they distribute generation more evenly throughout the day and can also perform very efficiently when combined with battery storage.