Worrying about January/ Winter Solar

NoobSolar · 28 August 2022 at 10:59AM

I have appreciated all the detailed info shared on the 'talking' bout my generation 'thread.

I am trying to anticipate some decisions in the Winter. Do I try to get my system to send what it generates back to the grid in order to maximise outgoing earnings? I might therefore

- turn off the iboost for two months. Then heat the cylinder with gas. I will have to do a calculation to work out whether the energy the solar might provide for heating the hot water would earn me more than the cost of the gas.

So can you all tell me: what can I expect to generate in January? What range is likely? I have 6.4kw Solaredge. Tell me in 'O' s if you like, or - even better (and I am looking at those VERY helpful people who have shared graphs of their historical generation) share your detailed info for previous years.

I got my system installed in a very generous late Feb this year. I fear I may be pretty depressed by winter generation levels. But hey - everything will be a smoking ruin by the end of Feb next year anyway!

QrizB · 28 August 2022 at 11:14AM

I don't have numbers to hand but I think my system, in December, typically produces about 25% of what it does in June.

Last December was particularly poor and I generated half of the typical amount, so 12-ish% of June.

I have a running account (updated monthly) in the "how low can you go" thread if you want to take a look there.

gefnew · 28 August 2022 at 11:31AM

Just checked my last seven years lowest 80kwh to 166kwh in January so you will use most of that for base load and a bit of hot water topping up with the diverter.3.89 kwp south facing panels East Riding of Yorkshire

Screwdriva · 28 August 2022 at 12:09PM

Hope this helps- expect next to
nothing in the winter months (Dec/ Jan/ early Feb). Things pick up from then…

Image: https://us-noi.v-cdn.net/6031891/uploads/editor/04/vpdrzozkh3ge.png

Solarchaser · 28 August 2022 at 8:58PM

Screwdriva I'm sure is London, so he will be most comparable, his is 4kw, so you can add about 50% on for your generation.

I made less than 50kwh last December and just less than 100kwh this January. I am however 400 miles further north, so you should expect better than that

70sbudgie · 28 August 2022 at 10:07PM

Inspired by others on here, I pulled together a graph yesterday of my PVGIS and my monthly generation data so far. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it all matched. There were odd months where generation didn't follow the trend, but other than that, it all lined up remarkably well. So I highly recommend having a play on PVGIS.