As winter sets in, many homeowners with solar panels might wonder how to keep their panels clear of snow or how to remove snow from solar panels effectively. The good news is, in most cases, you don't need to do anything at all.
Solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including snowfall. While it's natural to worry about snow affecting your solar panel's performance, it's important to know that solar systems are engineered with seasonal weather patterns in mind. This means that a few snowy days have already been factored into your system's annual energy production estimates.
In this article, we'll explain why letting nature handle the snow on your solar panels is often the best approach, ensuring both your safety and the integrity of your solar investment.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Do solar panels work when it’s snowing? Yes, they do. Solar panels are quite effective during the colder months, even when it's snowy. In cold weather, solar panels can actually be more efficient.
Cleaning Snow Off Solar Panels
Removing snow from solar panels might seem like a good idea, but it's usually not necessary and can be risky.
The Risks of Manually Removing Snow
Doing it yourself can damage the panels and might void your warranty. It's also unsafe to climb on a snowy roof. Solar panels are built to withstand a lot of snow – they can handle about two to four feet, depending on the snow's density.
Industry experts recommend leaving the snow removal to nature. A layer of snow can temporarily block sunlight, but solar panels are designed to let snow slide off easily since they're installed at an angle and the microinverters help keep them warm.
In most cases, the sun will melt the snow away quickly, so it's best to avoid the risk of manual removal.
Using Brushes to Remove Snow from Solar Panels
When searching for how to get snow off your solar panels, you may come across articles and forums discussing the use of brushes to clear them off. It may be tempting to order a long-handle brush and handle it yourself, but we strongly recommend against it.
While a brush may be effective in getting the snow off your solar panels, it may very well end up doing more harm than good by cracking or scratching the glass.
We recommend avoiding using tools or abrasive chemicals simply because of the risk of inflicting damage which would not be covered under the panel’s warranty.
The Efficiency of Solar Panels in Winter
Solar panels are not only resilient in winter conditions but also surprisingly efficient. Solar performance is actually enhanced by cold weather due to a characteristic known as the negative temperature coefficient. This means that solar panels face less resistance and can generate more electricity when the temperature drops.
However, it's important to note that the overall solar output in winter is often less, not because of the cold, but due to shorter daylight hours. The sun is lower in the sky and the days are shorter, which naturally leads to less sunlight hitting the panels.
Despite these shorter days, the efficiency boost from the colder temperatures helps maintain a steady level of energy production. This balance is a key factor in the year-round effectiveness of solar panels, ensuring that even in the depths of winter, your solar system continues to contribute significantly to your home's energy needs.
The Best Way to Remove Snow From Solar Panels
Solar panels are designed with winter challenges in mind, particularly when it comes to snow. They are often installed at angles, a strategic choice that not only maximizes sun exposure but also aids in the natural removal of snow.
This natural snow removal is an efficient and safe way to deal with winter weather as it ensures that the panels clear themselves without the need for manual intervention, which can be risky and potentially damaging.
The design of solar panels, considering their angle and the presence of microinverters, is a testament to the thoughtful engineering that goes into making solar energy a reliable source throughout the year, regardless of snowfall.
Trusting Your Solar System's Design
When it comes to solar panels and snow, it's important to trust the system's design and the expertise of the installers. Professional solar installers, like those at Astrawatt Solar, carefully consider local weather conditions, including typical snowfall, when designing and installing solar systems.
During the system proposal process, production loss incurred from snowfall is already built into your proposal. This means that the occasional snow cover and its impact on solar energy production have already been accounted for in the system's expected output.
Solar panels are assigned specific pressure ratings, indicating how much weight they can handle without being damaged. Most panels are rated for a load of at least 5,000 Pascals (Pa), which translates to the ability to withstand the weight of about two to four feet of snow, depending on its density. This robust design ensures that, except in extreme and rare snowfall events, the panels are well-equipped to handle the weight of accumulated snow.
Understanding these design aspects can provide peace of mind to homeowners. The solar system installed on your roof is not only efficient but also resilient, capable of withstanding typical winter conditions without compromising its performance.
By trusting in the design and installation of your solar system, you can rest assured that your panels are well-prepared to handle whatever the winter brings, without the need for manual interference.
Embracing a Hands-Off Approach
When it comes to snow on solar panels, the best approach is often to do nothing at all. Homeowners are encouraged to resist the urge to manually remove snow from their panels. The risks involved in this process, including personal safety hazards and the potential for damaging the panels, outweigh the benefits.
Energy loss incurred during days when panels are covered in snow is generally minimal. This is because solar systems are designed to account for seasonal variations, including periods of snow cover. The few kilowatt-hours potentially lost due to snow coverage are not significant enough to justify the risks associated with manual removal.
The natural processes of melting and sliding, aided by the panels' design and installation angle, are usually sufficient to clear the snow. In most cases, the sun and the slight warmth from the panels themselves will take care of the snow, ensuring that the panels return to their optimal functioning state without any intervention.
Embracing this hands-off approach not only ensures your safety but also helps maintain the integrity and warranty of your solar panels. It's a reminder that solar power is about ease and efficiency, letting nature and smart design work together to keep your energy supply steady and reliable, even in the depths of winter.
Ready for the sun to power your home? Click the link to schedule a consultation and get your free solar quote from one of our experts at Astrawatt Solar.
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