The snow is a two-sided sword, the states in the Mid-Atlantic region get to enjoy the beauty which is associated with winter but they also get to face some practical issues. Solar electronic users may also cause concern in this situation, the energy produced by a house which has solar panels and the care taken when handling the panels if they are covered with snow.
Are you curious about preventing snow from settling on the solar panels or how to keep snow off of solar panels? Solar Industry Watch has compiled the answer for you.
Will Heavy Snow Damage My Panels?
Fortunately, under most circumstances, heavy snow will not damage your solar panels. Panels are designed to provide substantial accommodation of pressure; most of them, up to 5000 Pascal (Pa). This means they can shovel through a snow depth of two to four feet depending on the snow density. In most cases, if you are not subjecting yourself and your panels to extreme and persistent snow, their functionality should not be affected.
- Optimize Tilt Angle: such as installing panels at a higher angle to ensure it is easier for the snow to slide off because of the force of gravity.
- Use Snow Removal Tools: Remove snow as soon as possible with a soft broom or a snow sweeper if possible one that is specifically designed for use on solar panels so as not to harm the efficiency of the panels.
- Consider Heating Elements: Improve using heating cables or elements in a bid to melt the accumulating snow and ice especially in regions where there is frequent snowing.
Preventing Snow from Accumulating on Solar Panels
Rake the snow off using a Roof Rake
A good tool is a Roof Rake that has a long handle that can be extended to reach the panels while one stays on the ground. First, the worker should pull the rake straight down from the top of the roof and gently drag the end of the rake along the length of the snow-covered solar panels to remove the snow without scratching the panels. This method is arguably one of the most effective methods to prevent the accumulation of snow on the sides of the solar panels. It’s important to ensure that your panels are clear, especially if you’re wondering, Can you run 4k watts at the same time? proper maintenance helps keep everything running smoothly without endangering your life or that of others who may be attending to the equipment
Use a Soft-Bristled Outdoor Broom
An example is using a Soft-Bristled Outdoor Broom to help avoid accumulation of snow on panels as well as cleaning. The best model of a broom is a type with a telescopic handle to help clean high surfaces. Make a light clearing of the snow and the ice using a soft broom so as not to harm the surface of the panels. This works well for light snow and it helps to keep your solar system running efficiently.
Blow the Snow Off with a Leaf Blower
For fine powdery snow, it is possible to use a simple garden or leaf blower to keep the panels free of the white stuff. On the blower, reduce the working speed and proceed to blow the snow on the panels while keeping a certain distance from the panels. This method is fast and prevents the accumulation of the snow that may in one way or the other interfere with the efficiency of the solar panels.
Spray the Snow with a Hose
Wash the Snow with a Hose If the weather is warm and favorable for, especially if there is likelihood of the snow freezing then you can just use a garden hose and spray the snow off on the panels. Cold and clear water will have to be poured lightly so that there is enough water to melt the snow. Do not use hot water, should there be any since this will lead to thermal shock and may harm the panels.
Use a Softball
Throw Softball For very little snow on the panels, one can easily throw a soft lightweight ball such as a softball on to the panels to cause vibrations that shakes off the snow on the panel. This method is suitable for light snow, whereas heavy snow accumulation is expected to be avoided with the help of this method.
Trim Back Tree Branches
Trim Back Tree Branches While the above technique does not necessarily involve the use of any material, another practical way to shield your solar panels from snow is to cut away any branches that are hanging over your solar panels. Collecting the snow on the surface above the panel allows the use of the minimum infrastructure for clearing the panel surface of the snow layer.
Ensure the Panels are Angled Properly
Make Sure Panasonic Solar Panels are Angled Correctly Flipping and tilting the panels can also be used to avoid excessive snow build up. Those with steeper tilt allow the snow to roll off such that there is no too much accumulation and improved efficiency.
Use a Pulley-Operated Tarp
Install a Pulley Operated Tarp Place a pulley operated tarp above the region where your solar panels are situated in a bid to shield them from snow. During snow, cover the structure with tarp such that it will not accumulate on the panels side. If it snows, then cover the panels with a tarp and, once the snow stops, remove it so that the sunlight can reach the panels.
Use a Heating System
Employ a Heating System It is advisable to use a heating system meant for solar panels that will discourage snow accumulation. These systems utilize heating elements to melt the snow, which benefits the panels of the homeowners in the winter season. Following are some advantages that this method has over other methods, especially for the areas that receive high amounts of snow during the winter season.
Should You Remove Snow From Solar Panels?
Contrary to this, most professionals discourage people from removing the snow from the commercial solar panels or home solar panels because: It seems it could freeze, require breaking or if used to remove snow using apparatus such a roof rake, it compromises the warranty and could be dangerous. Usually, it is not a problem because sunlight panels can melt the snow faster than you think.
Panels are often placed with an inclination to shed snow which, in warmer months, just melts off. For instance, at New Holland, PA, the snow was reported to be clearing off the panels within a day even with low temperatures that are responsible for freezing of other structures.
Despite being in the Mid-Atlantic region where snow sometimes falls heavily, one doesn’t have to clean the snow off the panels frequently.
Those are true light snow doesn’t affect the energy production as photons can still reach the panels to be converted. Generally, with big accumulation of snow, it clears up relatively fast and does not cause long-time problems.
This is especially for those whom we have signed under our Triple Ten Guarantee; you should be having even fewer things to worry about. This guarantee can relate to being compensated for any impaired production caused by snow, so if your system produces less than what was agreed to, you will be compensated for the shortcoming.
How Does Snow Affect Solar Energy Production?
A vehicle shaded by trees will not generate electricity during a snowfall as the panels are covered. However, this is not recommended since you might need to risk your guarantee or safety for a little profit in the short-term. That is why solar panels work even better during colder weather because it has a negative power temperature coefficient. I also learnt that decreased production during winter especially in dairy is as a result of long nights and not necessarily the snow.
What Actions Can You Take About Snow on Your Panels?
An example of a decision is using servo to remove snow oneself but it can be expensive and shed little costs. In case you have a ground-mounted system & your panels are near to the ground, then keeping the front portion free from having snow deposited on them could help.
Generally, it is safer to do nothing because nature will run its course. Embrace the winter and allow the sun to clear the snow for you. This way you do not damage your panels, avoid nullifying the warranty and can hope for the panels to get back to their productive best once the snow departs.
To learn more on how to keep snow off of solar panels, and to always get updates about your Solar system, continue reading from Solar Industry Watch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is significant to understand how to keep snow off of solar panels as essential in enhancing the functioning of the Panels in generation of energy well through the winters. There is a wide possibility for controlling roof snow by utilizing tools like roof rakes, soft bristled brooms, or even blowers and adopting acclamation like panel angle adjustment or heating systems. Avoiding risky situations and seeking the help of experts when necessary will assist to make sure that your solar panels will remain to serve you power from the sun throughout the winter season.
