Solar Energy is Effective Year-Round

It is a common misconception that solar panels are ineffective during the winter months. In reality, modern solar technology is designed to operate efficiently year-round. Cold weather often brings cloudy, rainy, and snowy days, but innovative technology allows solar panels to capture diffuse sunlight.

For those wondering, “Will solar panels work in winter?” rest assured they will. Keep reading to learn how to optimize solar panel efficiency along with winter maintenance tips.

Solar Panels and Snowy Weather

Snowy weather doesn’t make solar panels unusable; in fact, snow can increase solar power energy production.

Benefits of snow for solar panels:

• The Albedo Effect: The Albedo Effect refers to the amount of sunlight a surface reflects back into the atmosphere. Lighter surfaces reflect more light than darker surfaces, making snow highly reflective. The Albedo Effect of snow means more light is absorbed by solar panels, which supplements the lack of direct sunlight and boosts energy output during the winter season.
• Increased Efficiency: Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells composed of semiconductor material. These PV cells absorb energy from the sunlight and transfer it to negatively charged particles, creating electricity. Cold weather is optimal for this process because the conductivity of PV cells increases as the temperature drops.
• Cleanliness: Solar panels covered in snow cannot produce energy, but as the snow melts, it doesn’t harm the panels. The melting snow helps remove dirt and debris that may build up on them over time. Clean panels absorb more sunlight, increasing efficiency, and reducing the need for manual cleaning.

If the weight of snow becomes too much for solar panels, it poses the risk of bending or breaking the frames supporting the structure. Proper installation should allow snow to slide off naturally, but if it does not, manual removal will be necessary.

Cloudy Days and Solar Energy Production

Contrary to popular belief, cloudy skies do not bring solar energy production to a halt. Here’s why:

Diffuse Sunlight

• What is it?: Diffuse sunlight is the sunlight that filters through clouds, fog, or dust and enters the atmosphere as scattered particles instead of direct rays.
• How does it work?: Modern solar technology is designed to capture diffuse sunlight. Diffuse light is not as intense as direct sun rays, but the light still produces electrical currents as it is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells, effectively converting it into energy.

Strategic Placement

• South-facing roofs: It is important to strategically position panels to maximize sunlight. South-facing roofs are ideal for capturing the most direct sunlight. Avoid areas obstructed by trees, buildings, or shade. Solar panels on south-facing roofs will continue to capture diffused sunlight on cloudy days.
• North-facing roofs: North-facing roofs can still be equipped with solar panels. They won’t receive as much direct sunlight, but because of the power of diffuse sunlight, they will generate electricity on both cloudy and sunny days.

Maintenance Tips for Winter Solar Performance

Ongoing professional maintenance will ensure solar panels are performing optimally during sunless days. After installation, homeowners should do the following to keep their system running smoothly:

• Clearing Heavy Snow Safely: Angled panels should allow for snow to naturally slide off, but heavy snowfall may require homeowners to manually remove snow. Use soft brushes to clean solar panels and avoid hard or sharp tools that could damage surfaces.
• Routine System Checks: Solar panels should be regularly inspected for shading caused by tree branches, debris buildup, or snow accumulation. Check for any cracks, chips, or loose parts that may impact performance, and contact a professional if any problems are observed.
• Professional Winter Maintenance: Schedule an annual inspection with a trusted solar company, like {fran_brand_short}. Experts will assess the overall health of a system, make any adjustments needed, and identify less obvious issues that a homeowner may miss.

Cloudy Days and Solar Energy Production

Solar panels are built to provide clean, efficient energy throughout the year, including winter. With proper installation, regular maintenance, and strategic placement, solar systems can maximize energy production regardless of seasonal weather.

For more information on solar panel companies in Atlanta, GA, contact Solar Energy Partners today.