Cold Climates, Hot Power: The Truth About Snow on Solar Panels

When winter hits, many homeowners with solar panels tend to ask themselves, "Will snow impact my energy production?" The short answer: not as much as you think. In fact, snow covered solar panels can still function efficiently, and in some cases, even enhance performance once the snow melts.

Snow and Solar Panel Efficiency

Snow on solar panels sounds like a recipe for reduced efficiency. But solar panels are designed to mitigate such risks. With a smooth, dark surface, solar panels absorb sunlight and naturally heat up, causing snow to melt and slide off. This is aided by the tilt of most solar arrays, which allows gravity to help clear snow quickly.

Here's what happens when the snow falls on your solar panels:

1. Light Penetration Through Snow: A thin layer of snow does allow some sunlight to pass through, eventually reaching the solar cells and hence facilitating some level of energy production.

2. Self-Cleaning Effect: As it slides off the panels, snow takes the dirt and debris with it, creating a cleaner surface, which may slightly improve its efficiencies.

3. Albedo Effect: Additional sunlight is reflected on the solar panels by the surroundings covered with snow, which assists in capturing the light and producing energy.

Something to Consider  

- Cold Weather Improves Efficiency: Solar panels operate more efficiently in colder temperatures. When the snow clears, the panels can generate even more energy than during very hot months.

- Lightning-Fast Snow Shedding: Panels are said to lose just 1-7% of annual energy production in snowy climates, since the snow does not sit around for too long.

- Durable Design: Panels are built to handle heavy snow loads and are certainly durable to provide performance throughout harsh winters.

Real World Scenarios

Let's consider a common scenario: A snowstorm blankets your panels overnight. The following morning, after the sun is up for several hours, the dark surface of the panels warms up. In a few hours, the snow starts to slide off, sometimes in big sheets. Homeowners in snowy regions like the Hudson Valley of New York often say their panels clear more quickly than they might have anticipated, with no intervention whatsoever.

Besides, all panels are installed at an angle, so the snow is unlikely to stay there for long. It may be necessary to monitor flat-roof installations, but even then, little effort is required to get functionality restored.

Myths About Winter Solar Energy

One myth that has been perpetuated is the belief that solar panels can't function in winter with any bit of snow. Germany and even Canada, with the large amount of snowfall, have indeed become leading solar installers, and their success proves snow does not stop solar.

Tips for Homeowners

- Monitor but Don't Intervene: Most snow falls off the panels on its own. Also, refrain from climbing your roof to remove snow, as that is extremely hazardous and quite unnecessary.

- Invest in Monitoring Tools: Solar monitoring apps keep you informed about the performances of your system, even during snowy conditions.

- Regular Maintenance: While snow removal isn't needed, periodic system checks can ensure your panels remain in top condition year-round.

Snow and solar panels coexist far better than most people think. With innovative design and natural processes, snow causes minimal disruption to the production of solar energy. If one is considering installing solar, winter should not be a factor to decide against it. Instead, enjoy the year-round benefits of renewable energy, and efficiency of a system built to operate through all seasons.