Even the most resilient homeowner can be deterred by memories of frigid, snowy winters past. If you’re considering going solar, you may be concerned about the compatibility of solar panels and snow. Quite the contrary. If solar is viewed as an investment, then it should create profits throughout the year, much as other investments. Fortunately, many people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular places for solar in the United Kingdom have snowy winters. Don’t let the cold weather prevent you from getting solar!
Do solar panels function during winter?
Contrary to the prevalent belief that solar panels do not function during the winter, colder temperatures tend to increase solar panel output. Snow can also reflect light, hence enhancing PV performance. Winter will only hinder solar generation if snow covers the solar panels.
What does snow do to the effectiveness of my solar panels?
It is not necessary to reside in a hot country such as Spain to attain high solar panel performance. While considering solar panels for your home, keep in mind that even if we have another really harsh winter, the worst of it lasts only three months, so your days of low sunlight and heavy snowfall are limited. And the further you are from the equator, the longer your summer days are, so while you may produce slightly less energy during the winter, you may make up for it with more sunlight in the summer.
Often, solar panel snow problems are modest. But, there are a few things you should know about the effects of winter weather before building a residential solar energy system:
All solar panels are built to withstand a certain amount of weight, and snow is typically too light to pose problems. All solar panels are subjected to pressure tests to determine their quality and durability. Higher pressure ratings indicate that your panels are better able to handle the weight of snowfall.
If snow covers your panels, they cannot generate electricity, but it is simple to clear them with the proper equipment. Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, thus if your solar panels are covered with snow, they will not produce power. The majority of panels are inclined, so snow will naturally fall off, but this can take time. You can take control of the situation by purchasing a solar panel snow rake or a similar instrument designed to remove snow from solar panels without causing damage.
Actually, cold, sunny weather is ideal for solar panels. Winter months are actually optimal for solar energy production, provided that your panels are not covered in snow. As with the majority of electronic devices, solar panels operate more efficiently in cold temperatures than in warm ones. This implies that your panels will create more electricity for each precious hour of sunlight during the winter’s short days.
Not only do sunny countries like Spain and Portugal make sense for solar energy. In fact, the United Kingdom ranks eighth among the top 10 solar countries in the world. This also occurs with a high proportion of solar installations occurring during the winter months. This is partly due to the fact that power rates are one of the most influential factors in solar savings; the higher your electricity rates, the more money you will save by going solar.
Need greater evidence? Consider Germany, whose sun exposure is comparable to Alaska’s. This northern European nation has led the globe in solar panel installations for over a decade, and solar contributes significantly to their national energy mix. Although other nations, such as the United States and China, are beginning to catch up, Germany’s achievement is a bright example of how solar energy can operate in countries with cold weather. On a global scale, solar panels and snow definitely go together.
Now that you know solar panels can create electricity in the winter, consider this: if you’re a homeowner searching for the best value, winter is the perfect time to shop for solar. Fill out the form below or call 01613307739 to find out how much you can save!
