Although it might seem impossible to use solar panel in winter, it is possible. With the cold and snowy days coming, many people are wondering if solar panels really work in the winter months. Although snow is not a complete stopper of solar panels producing electricity, it can affect the system's efficiency. If you want to maximize your system's potential, you'll need to be prepared for winter. You can take a few steps to ensure your investment is protected and that it lasts the season.
First, determine the angle of your sun before you start winterizing your solar panel. There are some solar panel models that require a specific angle to be able to operate properly. If you don’t have tools to calculate this angle, it is best to speak with a panel manufacturer. To verify the validity of your warranty, you should also inspect it. If the angle isn't right, a solar panel manufacturer could not honor a warranty.
The winter sun angle can be described as being the same as summer sun angle, but slightly lower. The angle equals your latitude plus 10-15 degrees. Your solar panels should be installed at 45 degrees to the sun. You might need to upgrade your panels' durability rating if the climate is cold.
The one with the highest light-gathering efficiency is the solar panel most likely produce the most energy. While light snow is the best choice for cleaning solar panels, heavy snow can reduce their output.
While you might be tempted to clear off the snow on your solar panels, you should be careful. It is possible to damage your panels or your safety by removing the snow. If you decide to remove the snow on your own, you'll need to wear heavy-duty footwear and a secure harness to protect yourself from falls. To remove snow from your panels, you'll need a soft-bristled toothbrush.
The best solar panels are designed to withstand snow loads. Your system should be maintained in good condition throughout the winter, especially if you live somewhere cold. While snow will not completely inhibit the system's ability to generate electricity, it can add weight and affect the efficiency.
The solar panel that makes the most power is that which produces the greatest amount of energy per hour. The best thing about this is that you can actually produce more power during the winter months then you could during the summer. It won't be as high in winter as it would be in summer, but it is still worth it.
While the sun might not be shining as brightly in the winter, there's still plenty of sunlight to illuminate your solar panels. Furthermore, the ability of your system to generate electricity may be hindered by snow or ice.