As the days get shorter and colder, many homeowners are wondering how their solar PV system will perform during the winter. Solar panels produce less energy when it is cold outside, but there are a few things you can do to keep your system running smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss how solar PV panels work in extreme weather conditions and provide some tips for keeping your solar PV panels efficiency up and running all winter long! When people think of the perfect situations for solar panels, their minds usually envision bright, sunny days in which the higher the temperature is, the more favourable. While a sunny, hot morning in mid-summer could provide a sufficient amount of solar energy generation, it isn't the only time of the year when solar panels can be utilized to benefit the business or homeowner.
Do solar PV panels work in the winter?
The low temperatures of the winter months don't hinder panels from converting sunlight into energy. The short answer is yes, they can! The more detailed explanation is solar panels are indeed functional in winter conditions, but there are times when their output is lower than during summer. The days are shorter, and snow may temporarily decrease solar energy production. Solar PV panels are typically most efficient during the summer when the sun is high in the sky and there are long days. However, they can still produce electricity during the winter months, even though the solar PV panels efficiency may be lower. The sun's angle is lower in the sky during the winter, which means that the sunlight hits the panels at a more shallow angle. This can cause a reduction in the amount of power that the panels can generate. Additionally, shorter days mean that there is less sunlight available to solar PV panels during the winter months. However, solar PV panels can still produce electricity during these months, and their efficiency will typically increase as the days lengthen and the sun gets higher in the sky.
Solar PV panels efficiency during extremely cold weather
Solar PV panels are most efficient when the sun is directly overhead. This happens more often in the summer than in the winter. Solar PV panels can still produce electricity in cold weather, but their efficiency is reduced. The amount of reduction depends on the type of solar cell and the temperature. At extremely cold temperatures, some types of solar cells can actually stop working. Solar PV panels are designed to operate in a range of temperatures, from -40°C to 85°C. Solar PV systems will still produce some electricity in cold weather, but not as much as in warm weather. Solar PV panels are less efficient at lower temperatures because the sun's rays are not as strong and because the panels are colder. However, you can offset this reduced solar PV panels efficiency by installing more Solar PV panels. Solar PV systems are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electric bill.
Will Snowfall Hurt Solar Energy Production?
If a solar panel gets covered in snow, it cannot produce electricity, but solar arrays can shed snow quite well. The panels absorb the sun's heat and its light. They are positioned to face the sun and are placed on the slope. Although solar panels produce less solar energy when covered in snow, the proportion of production loss is not that significant making them an ideal investment for future clients. We don't suggest that solar system owners remove snow from their arrays because this could cause damage that isn't covered under the warranty. Furthermore, the panels are often located in challenging or even hazardous places to access on the roof.
Tips for making sure that your PV system lasts an extreme winter
Here are some simple tips to ensure that your solar PV panels last an extreme winter:
- To optimize the performance of your solar array, make sure that you set to adjust the tilt angle of your solar array to match the winter angle.
- Use only the essential loads that are needed. Switch off lighting that is not in use.
- Disconnect ghost loaders that consume electricity, even when they're off so long, but they're plugged into.
- Replace all high-watt bulbs with energy-efficient ones to boost solar PV panels efficiency. It is possible to save around 75% of the energy consumed by a 60-watt bulb by switching it to the energy-efficient 15-watt CFL and not sacrificing lighting output.
- Be aware of the battery temperature attentively, and don't allow it to drop below zero degrees.
- Be aware of the voltage level for each lead acid battery. The majority of batteries do not stop working immediately, but they do over time. A regular voltage check can identify an issue before it becomes later.
- Make sure that your house has the proper insulation to save heat.
- Be sure to choose an automatic heating system that keeps a pre-set temperature with the help of an electronic thermostat.
- If a continuous power supply is essential, ensure that you have a spare generator that is tested for functionality. An additional fuel supply is also useful.
- Get your solar PV system professionally serviced before the cold weather hits. This will ensure that everything is in working order and that your panels are able to withstand extreme temperatures.
- Keep an eye on your panel's output. If you notice a decrease in production, it could be due to snow or ice build-up on the panels. You can try to remove the build-up yourself, but be careful not to damage the panels.
- Make sure that your PV system is properly grounded. This will help to prevent any potential electrical issues that could occur during a winter storm.
By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that your solar PV panels efficiency will be able to withstand the extreme cold weather and continue running smoothly all winter long.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember is that in the harsh winter months, you must be wise when it comes to the maintenance of the integrity of your solar system. While you need to be savvy in the ways you can increase the amount of electricity you generate, you must also be careful in the area of consumption. Don't forget that maintenance of your solar PV panels efficiency is your responsibility.
Solar is a great investment regardless of the season!
We've observed that even in the coldest winters, solar energy is an excellent investment. It's a plentiful resource with myriad uses, including one that can heat and cool your home and even work in winter. In addition, if you pair solar power with a backup battery, your home can thrive during the winter months, even during an Ireland winter power cut.
Invest in solar PV panels today with EcoPlex
Solar PV panels are a great way to invest in renewable solar energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar PV panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, making them a clean and efficient source of power even during winter. Solar PV panels are also very durable, with many brands offering warranties of 25 years or more. With solar PV panel efficiency continuing to improve, there has never been a better time to invest in solar PV panels. And with EcoPlex, you can be sure you're getting the best quality solar PV panels on the market. We only sell solar PV panels from top-rated brands, and we offer competitive prices and financing options to make going solar affordable for everyone. So don't wait any longer, contact us now and invest in solar PV panels today with EcoPlex.
