Solar panels gain efficiency in the cold. In winter there is less sunlight so they produce less power overall (40-60%), but you could double up the panels or add alternative energy generating methods.
No they aren't; don't be daft. Power companies and grid operators do their own research. They're not reading HN comments and blindly following their advice. Use some common sense.
And there is plenty of solar in Scotland so it's clearly not that bad.
