Solar Panel Snow

Why do solar panels need to be covered in snow?

Your solar array depends on light hitting the PV cells in each panel. If you have a rooftop system of rigid solar panels, leaving snow and ice covering the panel for too long prevents them from receiving as much sunlight and capturing as much of the sun’s energy.

Can solar panels be snow-covered?

While it snows in winter, fall, and even spring, the sun still shines which powers our solar panels. As we know, solar panels absorb sunlight to produce energy, although this is not possible with snow-covered solar panels. So, how do we go about removing snow from the solar panels? That’s what we’ll cover here today and these other key points;

Do solar panels work if it snows?

Snowy winter often means less solar energy production, but with effective solar panel snow removal, you can maintain good efficiency. Did you know that even during cold months, solar panels can still generate about 50 to 80 percent of their maximum output? How can you ensure they perform at their best? Removing snow is key.

Do solar panels melt in winter?

Before winter begins, be sure that your solar panels are at a 35-degree angle. If the panels are too flat then the snow will just sit there until it completely melts. When the angle is correct, the snow will melt a little and then slide right off. Sweeping the snow off your solar panels is an option.

Are solar panels a good investment if you live in snow?

Let’s talk about why solar panels are a great investment if you live in a snowy climate. Solar panels work well in the winter as long as they don't stay covered in snow. Solar panels are more efficient in colder weather than hot. Snow typically melts or slides off of panels, as they are installed at an angle.

Can solar panels withstand heavy snow?

Don’t Ignore Heavy Snow: Do not let heavy snow accumulate on your solar panels for too long, as it can significantly reduce efficiency and potentially cause damage. Your solar panels rely on photovoltaic (PV) cells, located in the front layers, to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.