How to keep your solar panels in perfect condition in cold weather
Installing solar panels can be a step towards long-term energy savings for many people. However inflation is cooling, energy costs have increased for many people in the last two years. While solar costs have also risen with inflation, their price generally falls and can be subsidized with them 30% federal tax credit. If you’ve invested in solar, you won’t want to leave any electricity generation (and the associated savings) on the table. Winter weather can add a few obstacles to this goal.
Solar panels work equally well in winter and summer. (Perhaps even better. Cold temperatures can keep solar panels running the most effective.) But shorter cloudy days, snow and ice accumulation and sun lower in the sky all decrease amount of sun available. If solar panels work better in the cold, they have less sun to work with.
You can mitigate some of these effects. You may not be able to do much about the clouds in the sky, but you can do something about the snow on your panels. With just a little extra work, you can get a little more energy from your solar panels in the winter than you would otherwise.
CNET has other solar tips, from how to find a reputable installer among our favorite installers to how to avoid a bad solar deal. See how to save money and electricity around the house and found answers to all your solar questions.
Remove heavy snow from your panels
If you live in an area where it snows, it’s natural for some to land on your solar panels. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The light snowfall is likely to melt fairly quickly. And there may actually be some benefit to snow on your solar panels, as it can clean your panels as it melts or slides off.
While a little snow on your solar panels is fine, be careful of excessive snow accumulation. Solar panels that are covered in snow simply won’t capture sunlight the same way. Additionally, heavy snow can put too much weight on your solar panels, putting stress on the attachment points.
If you’re going to clean snow off your solar panels, be sure to use the right tool. A rough brush or rake can damage your solar panels. Instead, use a soft snow brush that will clean the snow without scratching the surface of your panels. Again, it’s always a good idea to check with your supplier to make sure you don’t void your warranty.
Reduce your energy use (or get ready to pay more for electricity)
Solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home in the winter. But because there are fewer daylight hours, you can also expect your solar panels to produce less energy than they might in the summer. As a result, you may need to reduce your energy use or prepare to pay a higher electricity bill. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your energy use, including:
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. They last longer and perform better. In general, a 60-watt traditional light bulb can be replaced with a 15-watt energy-efficient light bulb.
- Turn off lights and appliances you’re not using. While most of us know we’re wasting energy when we leave these things on, we forget that it’s actually affecting our wallets.
- Unplug small appliances you are not using. Even when not in use, they can use a small amount of electricity, which increases your energy bill.
- Turn down your thermostat. You can save money by lowering the temperature in your home by a few degrees. Wear layers of clothing to be more comfortable.
- Check your home’s insulation. If your home is poorly insulated, more heat will leak out, costing you money.
Adjust the angle of your panels
The sun sits lower in the sky in winter and will likely hit your solar panels at a shallower and less effective angle. Adjusting the angle of your solar panels so the sun hits them more directly, this will increase electricity production. Most people won’t be able to, as solar panels are usually mounted on fixed racks, but for those who can, adjusting the angle can provide a bit more sun for your panels.
Since the sun is lower in the sky in the winter than in the summer, you’ll want your panels at a steeper angle during those months. Some sources suggest a winter angle of your latitude plus 10-15 degrees. In Chicago, for example, it would be an angle between 52 and 57 degrees. (Chicago’s latitude is about 42 degrees.) As an added benefit, a steeper angle will not only help capture more sunlight, but also help snow fall off your panels more easily. Talk to your solar panel supplier about your options before making any adjustments. You must be extremely careful not to tamper with your panels in a way that may void their warranty.
Watch this: Easy ways to lower your utility bills and save money
Insulate your batteries properly
You’ll want to take special care of your solar panels during the winter to make sure they keep working. It’s important to keep your batteries at the right temperature. Batteries are not designed to operate in the very cold temperatures found in some regions. As a result, you should either store your batteries indoors or make sure they are well insulated.
If you keep your batteries outdoors, monitor the temperature to make sure it’s in the optimal range.
Monitor battery discharge
It is also important to monitor your battery discharge levels. It is not recommended to completely discharge solar batteries. In fact, while some batteries may be suitable for discharge levels of 70% to 80%, the recommended discharge level is actually 50%. On high-use days, like you’re likely to have in the winter, keep an eye on your battery drain and consider investing in a backup generator.
The bottom line
The good news is that your solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home during the winter months. They may just require a bit more care and maintenance leading up to and through winter.
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