Installing solar panels can be a step towards long-term energy savings for many people. Although inflation is cooling, energy costs have increased for many people in the last two years. While solar costs also increased with inflation, their price falls overall and can be subsidized by the 30% federal tax credit.. If you've invested in solar power, you won't want to leave any electricity generation (and the associated savings) on the table. Winter weather can add a few obstacles to that goal.
Solar panels work just as well in winter as they do in summer. (Maybe even better. Cold temperatures can keep solar panels working at their level most efficient.) But shorter cloudy days, accumulation of snow and ice and the sun lower in the sky everyone cuts it amount of sun available. If solar panels work better in the cold, they have less sun to work with.
You can mitigate some of these effects. You may not be able to do much about the clouds in the sky, but you can do something about the snow on your panels. With just a little extra work, you can get a little more energy out of your solar panels during the winter than you otherwise would.
CNET has other solar tips, from how to find a reputable installer between our favorite installers about how to avoid a bad solar deal. Check how to save money and electricity around the house and find answers to all your solar questions.
Remove heavy snow from your panels
If you live in an area that gets snow, it's only natural that some will land on your solar panels. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. The light snowfall will likely melt fairly quickly. And there may actually be some benefit to snow on your solar panels as it can clean your panels as it melts or slides.
While a little snow on your solar panels is fine, watch out for excess snow accumulation. Solar panels that are covered in snow simply won't catch sunlight the same way. Additionally, heavy snow can put too much weight on your solar panels, stressing the mounting points.
If you want to clear snow from your solar panels, be sure to use the right tool. A rough brush or rake can damage your solar panels. Instead, use a soft snow brush that will clean the snow without scratching the surface of your panels. Again, it's always a good idea to check with your provider to make sure you're not voiding your warranty.
Reduce your energy consumption (or be prepared to pay more for electricity)
Solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home during the winter. But because there are fewer daylight hours, you can also expect your solar panels to produce less energy than they might in the summer. As a result, you may need to either reduce your energy consumption or prepare to pay a higher electricity bill. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your energy consumption, including:
- Switch to energy efficient lamps. They last longer and perform better. Generally, a traditional 60 watt light bulb can be replaced with an energy efficient 15 watt light bulb.
- Turn off lights and appliances you're not using. While most of us know that we waste energy when we put these things away, we forget that it actually affects our wallets.
- Turn off small appliances you are not using. Even when not in use, they can use a small amount of electricity, which increases your energy bill.
- Turn down the thermostat. You can save money by lowering the temperature in your home by a few degrees. Wear layers of clothing to feel more comfortable.
- Check your home's insulation. If your home has poor insulation, more heat will escape, costing you money.
Adjust the angle of your panels
The sun sits lower in the sky during the winter and will likely hit your solar panels at a shallower and less efficient angle. Adjusting the angle of your solar panels so the sun hitting them more directly will drive the production of electricity. Most people won't be able to, as solar panels are usually mounted on fixed racks, but for those who can, adjusting the angle can get a little more sun onto your panels.
Since the sun is lower in the sky during the winter than in the summer, you'll want your panels to be at a steeper angle during those months. Some sources suggest a winter corner of your latitude plus 10-15 degrees. In Chicago, for example, it would be an angle between 52 and 57 degrees. (Chicago's latitude is about 42 degrees.) As an added benefit, not only will the sharper angle help catch more sunlight, but it will also help snow fall off your panels more easily. Talk to your solar panel provider about your options before making any adjustments. You should be extremely careful not to tamper with your panels in a way that could void their warranty.
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Insulate batteries properly
You'll want to take special care of your solar panels during the winter to ensure they keep working. It is important to keep your batteries at the correct temperature. The batteries are not intended to operate in the very cold temperatures experienced by some regions. As a result, you should either store your batteries indoors or ensure they are well insulated.
If you store your batteries outdoors, monitor the temperature to make sure it's in the optimal range.
Watch out for battery drain
It is also important to monitor the battery discharge level. Fully discharging solar batteries is not recommended. In fact, while some batteries may be suitable for discharge levels of 70% to 80%, the recommended discharge level is actually 50%. On high-usage days, like you're likely to have in the winter, keep an eye on battery drain and consider investing in a backup generator.
Ultimately
The good news is that your solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home during the winter months. They may simply require a little more care and maintenance leading up to and through the winter.