How Effective Are Solar Panels During Winter Months?

When you picture the ideal weather conditions for solar panels to function, I imagine you see hot summer days with clear, blue skies. One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that solar panels are not effective in winter weather. The fact of the matter is that solar energy is still beneficial in the winter and can properly function in the snow. This blog serves to further explain how solar panels can benefit your home or business no matter the month of the year.

How Solar Energy Works In Colder Weather

In freezing temperatures, solar panels produce electricity by capturing the abundant light from the sun, not its heat. Cold weather is actually beneficial for solar panel efficiency. The panels generate electricity as long as sunlight reaches them.

Sunlight striking your panel sets electrons into motion, creating an electric current. It then channels this current to power essential devices in your home's electric box.

Increased sunlight activates electrons at rest in colder temperatures.This results in a higher voltage difference and more energy production. This explains why solar cells operate more efficiently in colder conditions.

Solar Energy Considerations This Winter

Despite shorter winter days, solar panels still generate substantial energy. During cold and clear days, the albedo effect occurs when snow on the ground reflects additional sunlight onto your solar panels, acting like a mirror. This phenomenon enhances the panels' electricity production in colder conditions.

Electricity consumption, which can vary seasonally, also influences the efficiency of solar panels. Homes generate electricity at a high rate due to air conditioning during the summer, considered the most opportune time for energy consumption. The same could be said for winter through the use of electric heat. Solar panels can be extremely beneficial during the winter if your home utilizes gas heat.

Fortunately, solutions exist to address these seasonal challenges. A practical way to ensure a consistent power supply is to integrate a solar battery into your home's solar system. These batteries store excess energy generated during peak months, compensating for reduced output. Utilizing solar batteries maximizes savings and reduces reliance on additional energy purchases from utility providers.

During major snow storms, your home is susceptible to power outages. With the addition of a solar battery storage and inverter, your solar panels can continue to provide electricity in the case of a power outage.

Solar Panels Covered In Snow

Regarding snowfall, it's a factor worth noting. While a light dusting won't significantly disrupt energy production, heavy snow buildup might affect output. Solar panels are angled to optimize UV ray absorption, which aids in minimizing snow build-up as most of it slides off. Some panels come with frames that can accumulate more snow, so, in case of heavy snow, we recommend frameless solar panels.

If you notice large amounts of snow on your solar panels, there are a number of recommendations we can provide to ensure your solar panels work. Use a soft brush or a snow rake to carefully remove any snow or ice build up, invest in snow guards, install heating systems, and most importantly continue to monitor and inspect. Learn more about our winter care tips by reading our blog, Prep Your Solar Panels for Ice and Snow.

Winter Solar Installations‍

Contrary to popular belief, winter could be the opportune time for homeowners and businesses to invest in installs due to demand. Installations tend to drip in colder months, offering cost advantages to those considering solar in December through March.

If your home or business is interested in a solar installation this winter, schedule your FREE solar assessment on our homepage today!