How much do solar panels increase in voltage in winter?

The short answer is that solar panels increase in voltage in the winter as it gets colder. The long answer is a little more complicated, as there are a few factors to consider.

In general, solar panels produce less electricity as the temperature decreases. This decrease is due to two primary factors: a decrease in the panel's power output and an increase in the electrical resistance of the panel's cells. However, when it gets cold enough, the increased voltage can actually begin to compensate for the decrease in power output, resulting in a net increase in electricity production.

This increased voltage occurs because as each cell gets colder, its resistance increases. And since solar panels are made up of many cells connected in series, this increased resistance adds up, resulting in a higher voltage across the entire panel.

However, it's worth noting that the increased voltage is not enough to offset the drop in power output entirely. Nor will this effect be experienced uniformly across all panels; some panels may actually experience a decrease in voltage with decreased temperature. The best way to determine exactly how your solar panels are affected by colder temperatures is to read through the manufacturer's technical specifications for each panel or system you're considering purchasing.

So, while solar panels do increase in voltage as they get colder, this change is not significant enough to make much of a difference when it comes to electricity production. Instead, you should focus on factors like efficiency and price when evaluating different solar photovoltaic options.