If you live in a climate where it snows you may think that solar panels are not an option for your house. Snow can have a significant impact on the performance of solar panels. In this article, we discuss the effect snow can have on solar panels and how to utilize solar panels in a snowy climate.
Snow on the solar panels is the most obvious issue of having solar panels in a snowy climate. The snow can block out the sunlight and prevent it from reaching the panel. When this happens the output of the solar panels can be significantly impacted.
Another potential problem with snow accumulating on your solar panels is that is heavy. The additional weight can cause the panels to bend or even break. Newer, stronger models are less susceptible to this, but this could be a huge concern for older models.
The formation of ice dams is another potential problem of snow accumulating on solar panels. An ice dam forms when the snow melts and then refreezes on the panels. Ice dams then prevent the water from draining off of the panels. When water accumulates on the panel it can potentially cause damage to them.
Although we have outlined quite a few potential problems with solar panels in snowy climates, all is not lost! There are several steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues and make solar panels a reality even in a snowy climate. One solution is to install a tilt system that allows the panels to be angled to help shed snow and ice. This can help prevent snow from accumulating on the panels and reduce the risk of damage.
Adding heating elements to your solar panels can help melt snow and ice that accumulates on your solar panel. This is the most effective way to combat the snow and prevent it from blocking the sun or causing damage. However, this solution can be expensive and add to the overall cost of the system.
Finally, a more cost-effective solution is to regularly maintain solar panels to ensure that they are functioning properly and are free from any debris or snow accumulation. This can be as simple as cleaning the panels and removing any snow or ice that may have accumulated on them.
In conclusion, solar panels may not be feasible in all snowy climates, but with the right maintenance and system setup they could allow them to work in most. By taking steps to prevent snow from accumulating on the panels and regularly maintaining them, homeowners and businesses can ensure that their solar panels continue to operate efficiently and effectively, even in the winter months.