Solar Power in Winter: Overcoming Snow and Cold for Maximum Efficiency

 

Photo Credit: Designer

Employing solar panel systems in cold climates might still seem counterintuitive, but solar power is very effective, even in harsh winter areas. If well-planned, installed, and maintained, solar panels can efficiently provide clean energy, reduced energy bills, and a sustainable future in cold climates. The following article explores best practices for solar panels in freezing temperatures using data and examples from the U.S.

 

While cold climates receive less direct sunlight than warmer areas, it should be noted that solar panels use sunlight and not heat to generate electricity. The efficiency of solar panels is higher at lower temperatures. Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity; the cooler the temperature, the greater the conductivity of the materials that make up the panels, and thus, they can generate more energy from each unit of sunlight. On the other hand, cold weather might provide some specific characteristics, such as accumulation of snow and reduction of daylight hours, which must be paid attention to for maximum performance of the solar panels.

 

Places like Minnesota also use solar energy when winter temperatures usually reach below freezing. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the state's solar capacity has grown by more than 60% in recent years, proof that even in areas with long and harsh winters, solar power can be a feasible energy solution. Many of them mentioned that even below freezing temperatures of 32°F, their solar panels worked effectively, provided the panels were exposed to sunlight. Snow accumulation significantly affects solar panels' efficiency in cold climates.

 

When it snows, accumulated snow may fall on the panels and block sunlight, reducing electricity generation. One common misunderstanding in people's minds is that during winter, snow brings solar power generation to a complete standstill. While snow can be temporarily efficient, many homeowners find it melts and slides off panels relatively quickly, especially when installed at steep angles. For example, during snowy winters, a Colorado study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory showed snow tacked on a production loss of only about 3% annually. The report also found that most of the snow-related energy losses happen in the coldest months, while the yearly production is generally affected very little. One way to avoid snow building up is to install solar panels at a steep enough angle to enable the snow to slide naturally.

 

In warmer areas, the optimum tilt angle when snowing is higher than 30 to 40 degrees. A 45-degree tilt may ensure that snow does not stay long. In addition, high-quality solar panels are made with slick surfaces, reducing the snow's adhesiveness and thus helping it slide off. Because this is a common incidence in Alaska, many residents have become habituated to the practice that allows them to continue producing solar energy despite snowstorms.

 

Another critical factor in cold climates is panel durability. Solar panels must withstand the weight of snow and ice and the freeze-thaw cycle during winter months. The IBC has set structural integrity requirements in the U.S.; hence, solar panels are made to withstand the stresses of cold weather. For instance, the panels installed in Vermont are designed to support heavy snow loads, and many such homeowners report that their systems have worked appropriately during winter months without any operational and structural damage. These would mean specific installation concerns with system components for cold climates.

 

For example, microinverters are preferred over string inverters in cold places. Moreover, these allow each panel to work independently instead of performing like an entire system if snow covers one panel. This setup lets it continue the smooth running of power generation even when a few are smothered with snow for short spans. Real-world data in New York proves that homes with microinverters generate the same amount of energy, even when it snows outside. Another critical factor in maximizing solar energy utilization during winter is battery storage.

 

Solar batteries help homeowners store excess electricity generated during sunny periods for use at night or on cloudy days. Most importantly, the storage of batteries is particularly crucial in cold climates because it provides backup energy during those periods when solar production is reduced. Homes in the northern states, where places like Maine have started using solar batteries to counterbalance a few hours of daylight in winter, can retain renewable energy even during long nights. One such solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall, is designed to operate at temperatures as low as -4°F, thus suitable for cold regions. It is replicated in numerous studies from homes across Massachusetts, demonstrating substantial savings through pairing with battery storage in frigid months. Along with selecting appropriate equipment, regular maintenance is paramount to the optimal performance of solar panels in cold climates.

 

Periodic snow removal helps attain higher energy production. Various specialized tools, such as soft snow rakes, let a homeowner remove snow without scratching the panels. There are also automated systems to remove snow, like heated panels or roof de-icing cables, although these come with an additional cost. Indeed, in areas with heavy snowfall, such as Michigan, many homeowners have tried investing in essential manual removal tools or more expensive automatic systems to get the job done more quickly and efficiently during winter.

 

One example of actual use in cold weather could be in Duluth, Minnesota. In 2018, the city installed a large solar array on the roof of its public works building. Despite cold and snowy winters, the solar panels generate energy for one-third of the building's needs. City officials told Brewster the system did extra well on sunny winter days since the cold temperatures helped boost efficiency. The experience of Duluth shows that solar can be a trusted source of power, even in communities where the winter climate is extreme. Another example is a residential homeowner in Buffalo, New York, who installed solar panels in 2016. Buffalo has heavy snowfall, and he was initially concerned that the panels would not perform well during winter.

 

After several winters of monitoring the system's output, the homeowner found that the panels produced more electricity during the colder months than expected. Although the snow covered the panels occasionally, it would melt on sunny days rather quickly, and cooler temps allowed the system to operate more efficiently. This translated into reduced electricity bills for the homeowner throughout the year, including in winter, proving that solar panels can be effective even in cold climates. At the same time, cold climates create specific challenges for solar energy production but offer particular opportunities for efficiency improvements.

 

This can easily be achieved if proper installation techniques, durable equipment, and routine maintenance are followed. Solar panels provide clean, renewable electricity during the year, even in cold areas. Real-life data in snowy Minnesota and cold New York supports the viability of solar power during winter. Homeowners and businesses in such areas have already realized enormous savings on their energy bills by embracing solar technology. This includes optimizing panel tilt, microinverters, investment in battery storage, and other winter-maintenance panels. With these best practices, people living in cold climates can finally take advantage of solar energy.

 

Solar panels are not only for sunny and warm regions but can also be a worthy investment for those based in colder parts of the country. As solar technology continues to evolve, not even the most freezing winters will stop a homeowner from using the sun.