What does it mean for your solar panels once the temperatures drop? In winter, temperatures don’t dip in because Earth is farther away from the sun. Earth is actually farthest from the sun in July and closest to the sun in January. We will answer all your questions about how solar panels perform during the winter.
Are Solar Panels Effective in Winter?
Solar energy is not about warmth, it’s about sunlight. Solar power production in the summer compared to winter might surprise you. Cold, sunny weather is an ideal time to generate energy because solar panels work better in colder temperatures.
The industry-standard specifications for PV systems are made at 77º F, and they have shown to be even more efficient in colder temperatures. Two of the cities with the most solar panels installed per capita in the US are Burlington, Vermont, and Indianapolis, Indiana. With sunshine levels comparable to Alaska, Germany is a global leader in solar panel installations, with 12.74% of their national energy credited to renewable energy.
When sunlight is shining, even in the coldest winter temperatures, solar panels will produce the electricity you need.
Winter Maintenance
Once installed, solar panels are basically maintenance-free for most part of the year, including in the winter. If you receive a heavy winter storm (VERY heavy), you might want to hire a professional to clean off any wet, heavy snow if you’re worried about roof safety. An important aspect to think about at any time of the year is solar battery storage because it allows the storage of energyno matter the daily production. It works by saving all the electricity your panels produce in your home, rather than sending it back to the electricity grid. You can tap back into that stored energy when you need more electricity than your panels can actually produce at the time, like on cloudy days or at night.
Solar Panels in Snow
Solar panels work just as well in the winter even in snow, as long as they don’t remain covered in snow for an extended period of time. Heavy snowfall can reduce sunlight penetration, but your panels will produce more electricity than you might beleive during the winter. Solar panels also produce more heat from the sun than your roof surface which melts snow more quickly than on your roof, keeping your solar system generating power even when heavy snow may still be on the ground.
There are few days of precipitation in the winter, especially in Texas. For example, Denver, Colorado averages between 2 and 3 days of snowfall, at least 0.1 inch each month between November and March. That snow melts within a few days, especially on solar panels. Solar panels are also designed to hold between 20 to 40 pounds of weight per square foot, snow is usually not heavy enough to be a risk. All solar panels pass pressure tests that assess quality and durability during manufacturing.
Solar Installers in Your Area
Weather can't stop solar panels from generating clean energy. It is an excellent time to go solar. We are here to help if you’re ready to live mor sustainably. As a leading solar installer in Texas, Sunshine City Solar has helped many homes and commercial businesses with solar energy. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll get you ready.