Did you know that according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), in 2021, renewable energy rose again for the second year in a row? According to IREA, over 80% of the new electricity capacity added in 2021 was renewable, primarily solar and wind energy.
With renewable energy sources becoming more popular, it may have you thinking about making the switch.
But how do solar panels work in winter? Keep reading on to find out the surprising way solar panels work in the snow and cold.
Solar Panels and Snow and Cold
One common misconception with solar panel energy is that solar panels use heat to create energy. However, it is actually the light from the sun that is converted into electricity, not the heat.
Therefore, solar energy can still be an excellent option for people who live in cold regions.
However, there are some instances in that solar power in winter has a lower electrical output. For example, since solar panels must absorb sunlight, heavy snow can decrease your output for your solar panels if the snow is sticking to your solar panels.
In addition, you may experience fewer daylight hours during the winter, and it may be darker longer. Since there are fewer hours during the day for the solar panels to soak up the light from the sun, this can also result in less electrical output.
There are solutions for these problems and can help with the lower electrical outputs you may encounter during the winter.
Ways to Combat Extreme Winter Weather and Solar Panels
Since heavy snowfall and less daylight can be a concern for solar panels during the winter, using a rechargeable solar battery is one way to help combat this.
A rechargeable solar battery helps to store the energy that is collected during daylight hours. This stored energy can be used at night or if heavy snow slows down your electricity output.
In addition, to storing energy for later use, solar panels are designed to have snow slide off easily. Ideally, home solar panels are installed on a slanted roof. The slant helps so the snow can naturally melt and slide right off the roof.
Unfortunately, with solar panels, the snow does slide off in large sheets. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of objects on the ground near the edge of the roof.
It’s recommended that items such as cars and delicate patio furniture are out of the impact of the sliding snow.
There are additional precautions you can take as well. For example, there are options to install snow guards, which help prevent larger sheets of snow from falling off at once.
Tested to Extremes
Did you know that solar panels are durable to withstand extreme temperatures and weights? Solar panels go through extensive testing to be able to withstand below-freezing temperatures and extreme weights.
To put durability to the test, some people have driven vehicles on solar panels and have withstood the vehicle’s weight. So you can rest assured that your solar panels will be able to withstand the weight of snow if they can bear the weight of a vehicle!
Don’t let the worry of winter weather deter you from looking into solar power. Blue Raven can help you save money on your utility bills with solar panels.
Do Solar Panels Work in Winter: The Answer Yes!
You don’t have to live in a region where it is always warm and sunny to reap the benefits of solar panel energy. Solar panels work off sunlight, not the heat, so solar panels can save you money and energy even in snow and cold temperatures.
Now that you know the answer to “do solar panels work in winter?” you should read more of our great articles available on this blog.
