There may be some misconceptions that solar panels aren’t as effective during the winter season, but we’re here to tell you our projects turn sunlight into electricity even in freezing weather. No matter what season it is, solar helps you save money on your energy bills all year round.
Even with the winter coming, there is no reason to fret about your solar installations. Whether you’re a fan of the snow or not, it’s important to know that your panels will still produce power during the cold dark months and any snow maintenance needed can easily be done.
Here are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t worry too much about cold winters when planning additional solar installations or about the effectiveness of your current panels:
Solar Panels Are More Efficient in Cooler Temperatures
You may be thinking to yourself, “How is that even possible?” Well, the Albedo effect proves that snowfall can be highly beneficial to solar energy. Essentially, the Albedo effect is an expression of the ability of light-colored surfaces to reflect sunlight. As Michigan Tech’s Joshua Pearce puts it, “It can make a panel generate more electricity in the same way that it gives skiers sunburn on sunny winter days.”
In addition to the higher reflectivity from snowy surfaces, modules work more efficiently in cold temperatures than they do in heat and humidity.
It Has Never Been Easier to Clean Snow From Solar Panels
Although our solar modules will not produce power while covered with snow, if you have an adjustable ground mounted array it’s easy to tilt the array to the 30+ degree mark to clean off the snow. You may lose energy production depending on how heavy the snow is; however, on single-story homes, a roof rake can be used to keep panels clear. Once a corner of a panel is exposed it will start warming up and help melt off snow. Plus, solar panels’ dark, reflective glass speeds up the snow melting process!
Our team at Green Alternatives is ready to help assist you even in the colder months because solar energy doesn’t stop for anything, including freezing temperatures and snow.
Ready to get started on installing new or additional solar panels this winter? Reach out to the trained technicians at Green Alternatives today! Fill out this form to contact us or reach us directly at 765.480.2423.
