Winter is upon us, and that means considering the performance of certain components around your property. Solar panels are a great example for any property that features them - how can you maximize winter solar performance this season?
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer the top residential and commercial solar power services available around Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho, areas, plus important information on how to maximize solar performance throughout the year. Here are some of the ways cold weather can impact panel efficiency, tips for avoiding snow or ice buildup issues, and additional information to ensure winter solar performance is not negatively impacted by the elements.
While some may simply assume that the cold weather in winter makes every element of the solar power generation process more difficult, this actually isn't true. There's one key area of a given solar panel that actually becomes more efficient during the cooler parts of the year, and that's its operating temperature.
During the summer months, panels can become quite hot, which can affect their performance. Generally speaking, the hotter a panel is, the less efficient it is due to resistance in the electrical circuit. This means that during winter months, when temperatures are lower, panels can actually operate more efficiently and generate slightly more power.
Now, this effect is balanced out by some others on the opposite side of the coin. The largest is the simple reduction in daylight hours - winter months mean shorter days, which means there's less sunlight available to generate electricity. Additionally, the angle of the sun changes throughout the year, with it being at its highest point during summer and lowest during winter. This can also affect the efficiency of solar panels, as they are most efficient when directly facing the sun.
So how can you ensure your winter solar performance is up to par for your home or building's needs this season? Our next several sections will dig in.
If your solar panels are exposed to snow and ice, this coverage can impact their performance. Some panels are designed to be self-cleaning, but others may require manual removal of snow and ice buildup to maximize efficiency. This is especially important if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or prolonged periods of cold weather.
Safety should be your top priority when removing snow and ice from your solar panels. Avoid using sharp tools or excessive force, as this can damage the panels and potentially cause injury. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled broom or specialized tools designed specifically for gently clearing off snow and ice.
It's also important to regularly check your panels for any damage caused by snow and ice buildup. If you notice any cracks or other issues, it's best to contact a professional solar panel maintenance company to assess the situation and make necessary repairs.
As we noted earlier, sun angles in winter can sometimes create issues for solar panels. To maximize their efficiency during this time, it's important to adjust the tilt angle of your panels.
In general, the tilt angle should be adjusted two to three times per year - once in the spring and again in the fall. For winter specifically, you'll want to increase the tilt angle by about 15 degrees compared to its summer setting. Our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar is happy to help with this process in any way necessary.
Solar battery storage can be valuable throughout the year, and especially so during winter. Even if you're dealing with shorter sunlight windows, battery storage can help you make the most of that energy. We offer various options for battery storage systems, so you can find one that best suits your home or business needs.
When choosing a battery storage system, it's important to consider the size and capacity of the batteries, as well as their efficiency and lifespan. Our team can walk you through these factors and help you make an informed decision.
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when looking to maintain winter solar performance and avoid any kind of efficiency drop-off or related issues. And at Intermountain Wind & Solar, our team is here to help with these and numerous other solar panel services around Utah and Idaho - simply contact us to learn more, or browse our full range of solar panel and related services online today.
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