For people living in snowy climates, solar panel maintenance is essential to increase the efficiency of solar panels. During the winter months, solar panels can become covered in snow. Snow on solar panels can significantly reduce their efficiency by preventing the conversion of sunlight into electricity.
Snow must be removed to ensure that the solar version is working properly. This guide provides several effective ways to teach you how to prevent and remove snow from solar panels.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Solar panels utilize sunlight to generate electricity, so they can work in winter. However, with shorter days and less sunlight in winter, their overall energy output is likely to be lower.
On the other hand, while snow covering the panels will reduce their output, snow also reflects light, helping to increase energy production when the panels are clear. Typically, solar panels generate heat when operating, and higher temperatures lead to lower efficiency. Therefore, solar panels are more efficient in winter when temperatures are lower.
In winter, the main maintenance program for the solar panels is to remove snow from the solar panels.
Why remove snow from solar panels?
Winter snow can block sunlight from reaching solar panel cells, reducing the efficiency of your solar system. Timely snow removal ensures that solar panels are fully exposed to sunlight, maximizing the amount of the sun converted into electricity.
In addition, snow cover can increase the load on solar panels, leading to excessive heat build-up or damage. Regular snow removal can minimize these effects, extending the life of your solar system and reducing repair and replacement costs.
Over time, snow becomes compressed. This increased weight can cause wear or cracks in the solar panels and damage the components.
How to remove snow from solar panels?
Soft-bristled snow rake for snow removal
Use a specially designed soft-bristled snow rake to gently brush light powdery snow back and forth across the solar panel. Treat the snow regularly after a snowfall to prevent it from accumulating. If not removed in time, snow on the panels can melt and form a thin layer of ice. Frozen snow can put additional stress on the solar panels and damage the panel surface or affect the panel's performance.
Do not use hard tools that may scratch or damage the protective coating on the surface of the solar panel.
Tilt panels for snow slide-off
Adjusting the tilt angle of the solar panels allows the snow to slide off more easily. The sun is higher in the summer. For northern hemisphere regions (USA, Europe, etc.), the tilt angle of the solar panel is usually between 15° and 40°. During the cold winter months, the sun angle is lower. Consider adjusting the tilt angle of your solar panels to between 45° and 60° to better receive sunlight while allowing snow to slide off the smooth panels.
Use warm water to let the snow melt
If the snow is particularly stubborn, you can help melt it by gently pouring warm water over the panels. Avoid using too much water flow or pressure and allow the warm water to melt the snow slowly, which will reduce the impact on the panel. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid damaging the panels.
Heavy, compacted snow
After a heavy snowfall or blizzard, solar panels may be covered with a thick layer of snow. When this happens, the snow is removed in several stages. First, a rubber scraper is used to gently remove thin layers of snow in several passes, gradually reducing the thickness of the snow until it is completely removed.
For thin layers of ice on the panels, you can use a de-icing spray or a hair dryer to help melt the ice. However, it is important to keep a sufficient distance to ensure that the temperature does not damage the panel surface. If the situation allows, you can wait for the natural temperature to rise or for the sun to melt the ice. This will avoid any potential damage to the panels from the use of chemicals or heat.
Snow Removal with Hydrophobic and Anti-Stick Spray
Hydrophobic and anti-stick sprays contain special chemicals, mainly shielding agents and surfactants. These chemicals are sprayed onto the surface of solar panels to form a waterproof barrier that melts snow on contact. When snow comes into contact with the treated surface, it forms droplets and quickly slides off without leaving a dense trail of ice on the surface.
Optional non-stick spray specifically designed for use on solar panels. Ensure that the product complies with the panel manufacturer's recommendations and regulations to avoid damage to the option. Observe safety measures when applying the spray, such as wearing gloves and avoiding inhalation of the spray. Ensure that the work is carried out in a well-ventilated area.
Installing the solar panel heater
Heating elements are embedded in the solar panel and these elements are capable of generating heat. The heating elements transfer heat energy to the surface of the solar panel by conduction, raising the surface temperature to melt ice or snow.
The heater can be thermostatically controlled using sensors to activate only when needed to save energy and keep the system running efficiently. Installing a solar panel heater may add cost, but it can help improve the system's power generation efficiency, especially in cold environments where the sun's resources can be better utilized. The increase in production during the winter months outweighs the cost.
Security precautions
Removing snow from solar panels is critical to ensure that the solar panels can continue to produce optimal solar panel energy output. There are some precautions to take when performing this type of task:
Check the area around the solar panel to ensure that there are no electrical wires or other dangerous objects.
Make sure you disconnect the solar panels before clearing snow to avoid the risk of electrocution.
If you are going to climb onto a roof to clear snow, make sure you wear non-slip shoes for better stability when walking on snow-covered surfaces. Consider using a harness that is attached to an anchor point.
When clearing snow, be careful not to overexert yourself or maneuver incorrectly, and avoid scratching your solar panels. Avoid using hard tools.
Check your solar panels regularly to ensure that snow is removed promptly to avoid disrupting the normal operation of your solar system.
Conclude
Overall, understanding how to prevent solar panels from icing and snow build-up is critical to maintaining their performance and maximizing power generation during the winter months. You don't need to worry about your solar panels not working properly during the winter months, you can remove snow by following the steps outlined above. However, it is important to be safe and to consult a professional if necessary.
TOPBULL 12V 100W 9BB Bifacial Solar Panels can withstand all types of harsh weather conditions. Not only does the front side generate electricity, but the back side also absorbs light reflected from the ground. Even if the surface is covered with snow, the back side of the panel can still generate electricity by absorbing the light reflected from the snow, and at the same time promote the melting and sliding of the snow layer, thus improving efficiency.
FAQ
Q: How to stop snow from sliding off solar panels?
A: Snow guards can be installed around the edges of the solar panels to prevent large chunks of snow from falling from the roof onto the solar panels
Q: How to keep solar panels from freezing?
A: There are three main approaches: installing heating elements, using hydrophobic and anti-stick Spray to form a coating on the surface, or clearing loose snow promptly to prevent ice build-up.
Q: Can you brush solar panels?
A: Do not use coarse brushes or hard tools as they may damage the surface of the solar panel. You can bring rubberized brushes, but avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach.
Q: Does snow get stuck on solar panels?
A: If the solar panels are tilted at a large enough angle, snow will naturally fall off the panels. However, if the snow remains on the solar panel for too long, the surface snow can easily melt and quickly form thin ice, resulting in a less efficient solar panel.
Q: Can I use a snow rake on my solar panels?
A: Ordinary snow rakes with metal ends tend to scratch the solar panels. A soft snow rake for solar panels can be used to gently push the snow away from the surface.
