Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Install Solar in Portugal

When most people think of going solar, they imagine long sunny days in July or August. But here’s a little insider secret: winter is actually the best time to install your solar system in Portugal — especially if you want to be ready for the summer energy rush.

At Sol Viva, we see the same pattern every year. As soon as spring arrives, installer schedules fill up fast, equipment lead times increase, and everyone wants their system producing before the hot months.
Those who start in winter skip the queue — and are already saving when the sun returns in full force.

Let’s look at why.

1. Get Ahead of the Summer Rush

From March to September, demand for solar installations skyrockets in Portugal. Installers get booked out for weeks — sometimes months.
By starting your project in winter, you:

• Secure your preferred installer before schedules fill up
• Lock in pricing before peak-season markups
• Have your system producing at full efficiency by spring

Result: While others are waiting for installation dates, your system is already generating. 

2. Faster Permits and Grid Registration

Winter is a calmer period for bureaucracy too.

DGEG registrations and E-Redes grid connections process faster when applications are submitted outside the spring rush.

Documentation, inspection, and registration delays are far less common.
By getting all the paperwork done early, you avoid the administrative bottlenecks that can delay summer installations. 

3. Better Access to Equipment and Technicians

During summer, the demand for panels, inverters, and batteries can exceed supply — especially for high-end brands like Aiko, Huawei, Fox ESS, and Deye.

Installing in winter means:

• Greater choice of hardware (no “out of stock” surprises)
• More attention from your installer
• Smoother commissioning and testing

Essentially, it’s the difference between being a priority client and being one of many in a waiting list.

4. Start Saving Before the Heat Arrives

Even though solar production is lower in winter, your system still produces significant energy in Portugal — far more than in most of Europe.
Cascais, for example, averages over 3.5 hours of peak sun per day in January.

That means:

• You start offsetting bills immediately
• Your panels and monitoring system are fully tested before peak season
• You enter summer with a fully optimized, proven system
• By the time electricity use surges in June (air conditioning, pools, etc.), your investment is already performing smoothly.

5. Perfect Timing for Battery Integration

If you plan to add a battery, winter is ideal for fine-tuning system settings:

• Charge and discharge schedules (e.g., using low “vazio” rates)
• Smart load management
• App-based monitoring and alerts
• By summer, you’ll know exactly how to balance your solar, battery, and grid usage for maximum savings.

6. Solar Works All Year in Portugal

Portugal’s mild winters mean your solar system still generates plenty of clean energy.

Even in December, you’ll typically see 50–60% of summer output — and that’s before you optimize usage with smart scheduling or batteries.

Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so winter sunlight can produce more energy per hour of sun than in midsummer.

Pros and Cons of Installing Solar in Winter

Final Thought

Winter isn’t the off-season for solar — it’s the smart season.

While others wait for summer quotes, you can have your system installed, registered, and fine-tuned — ready to capture the best months of production and the highest savings.

Make the most of Portugal’s sunshine — start your solar journey now, while the sun is still low and the schedules are wide open. 

Ready to Plan Ahead?

Let’s design your solar system this winter — so you can relax and enjoy a sun-powered summer. Contact us today and let's get started.