Winter output starts now: Why Autumn is the critical window for solar asset performance

By Darren Lewis | 24-10-25

The first real cold snap hit the South East this week, and while most people just notice the temperature drop, those of us in solar know what it really means: this is the moment that decides how well your assets will perform over the winter months.

Winter doesn’t cause problems — it exposes the ones already there.

As soon as temperatures start to fall, metal contracts, moisture increases and minor weaknesses begin to show themselves. A connector that was holding on in September may start to lose efficiency in October. An inverter running slightly warm all summer might start tripping when the temperature fluctuates. And the impact of these “small” issues? Lost generation, avoidable downtime and reduced returns – just when sunlight hours are already working against us.

It’s never reactive maintenance – it’s proactive performance protection

This is why our winter work starts in autumn

At Solar Group Utilities, we don’t wait for faults to happen. We prepare for what we know is coming. That means we’re already out on sites tightening, inspecting, checking and recalibrating. It’s not reactive maintenance – it’s proactive performance protection.

Here’s what we focus on right now:

• Checking connectors and terminations before thermal contraction causes resistance

• Verifying tracker alignment while adjustments still have maximum benefit

• Clearing vegetation before winter shading reduces output

• Reviewing monitoring data to spot degradation that isn’t yet visible on site

From experience, I can say with certainty: the sites that go into winter prepared always outperform the ones that don’t.

Winter isn’t the challenge – entering winter unprepared is

There’s a belief that reduced winter output is just part of solar ownership. That’s only half true. It’s unavoidable that generation dips in winter – but it is entirely avoidable to lose more than you should.

The difference between a good winter and a poor winter often comes down to decisions made now, not in January.

Looking ahead

Our role as an O&M provider isn’t just to fix faults; it’s to protect performance. It’s to think long-term. It’s to care enough to get ahead of issues before they start costing you money.

That’s the mindset we operate with every day – and it’s exactly why our winter readiness work has already begun.

Winter output starts now.

Because we care.

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