A New Year, Longer Days Ahead – Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Go Solar

05 January 2026

As we step into a new year, there’s an important milestone that often goes unnoticed: the shortest day of the year is now behind us. Since the winter solstice in December, daylight hours have been slowly but surely increasing. While it may not feel like it just yet, brighter mornings and longer evenings are on the way — and that makes now an excellent time to start thinking about solar energy.

The Christmas Energy Hangover

For many households, Christmas is the most energy-intensive time of the year. Extra cooking, festive lighting, guests staying over, televisions on all day, and heating working overtime all add up. With energy prices still a major concern, it’s no surprise that January is when many people get a shock.

Smart meters and energy apps make it impossible to ignore just how quickly the numbers climb. Watching your usage spike over the festive period can be a real wake-up call, prompting many homeowners to ask the same question: Is there a better way to manage our energy costs?

Why January Is the Smart Time to Plan Solar

Although solar panels are often associated with summer sunshine, the best time to start your solar journey is actually right now. Installing solar panels isn’t something most people do overnight — it involves research, planning, surveys, and scheduling. By starting the process in the new year, you put yourself in the perfect position to be generating your own clean electricity just as the days get longer.

From spring onwards, solar panels become increasingly productive. By summer, they can dramatically reduce — and in some cases nearly eliminate — daytime electricity bills. Planning ahead now means you won’t miss out on those high-generation months.

Make the Most of the Long, Bright Months Ahead

Solar panels work whenever there is daylight, not just in blazing sunshine. As we move out of winter and into spring, the increase in daylight hours alone can make a significant difference to how much energy your system produces.

By the time summer arrives, households with solar often find they are:

• Using more of their own electricity during the day

• Exporting surplus energy back to the grid, and getting paid for it through an export tariff

• Relying less on energy suppliers during peak hours

If you pair solar panels with battery storage, you can also store excess energy to use in the evenings — perfect for those long summer nights when you’re still active at home.

A Positive Step for Your Home and the Planet

Beyond the financial benefits, installing solar panels is a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint. Generating your own renewable energy means less reliance on fossil fuels and a more sustainable future — something many homeowners are prioritising as we head into a new year.

Solar can also add long-term value to your property and improve its energy performance, making it a smart investment both now and for the years ahead.

Start the Year with a Smarter Energy Plan

If rising energy bills over Christmas made you wince, you’re not alone. The new year is the perfect time to take control, plan ahead, and make changes that will benefit you all year round.

By starting your solar journey now, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of the longer days, brighter weather, and lower energy costs that spring and summer bring.

If you’re curious about whether solar is right for your home, we’re always happy to help — a conversation today could mean cleaner, cheaper energy for many years to come.