Does Solar Power Work in the Winter Months?

When people think of solar power, they probably aren’t thinking about winter. Most of us picture glorious rays of sunshine beating down on a bounty of solar panels and powering homes through the hot summer months.

It’s easy to ask the question, does solar power work in the winter months? The truth is that there’s a common misconception about this topic. Keep reading and we’ll answer this question and give you a better understanding of how it all works.

Does Solar Power Work in Cold Weather?

The cold weather will not hinder a solar power’s ability to function. In fact, solar panels can actually be more efficient in the winter months. The photovoltaic (PV) technology in solar panels more efficiently converts sunlight to power when it is cold outside.

Snow will reflect additional sunlight onto your panels, which will also increase the amount of energy your system is able to generate during winter days.

Do Solar Panels Work in the Snow?

If a solar panel is covered in snow it will not be able to produce electricity. However, panels are usually mounted on a slope and face the sun, providing an optimal environment for them to shed the snow.

And while the panel’s production will slow down when they have snow on them, it will have a very minimal effect on overall production during the course of a year, which still makes owning solar a great investment.

Should You Clear the Snow Off of Your Roof?

There is no need to clear the snow off of your solar panels and roof when a storm has hit. Solar panels tend to be very durable, and when the sun comes back out, the snow will retreat fairly quickly.

However, if you have a roof that is easily accessible, feel free to knock some of the snow off to get your panels producing at a more optimal level more quickly. But most of the time this can be a dangerous endeavor and is simply not worth the time.

What About Short Winter Days?

It’s true that days are shorter in the winter months and you’re going to have less sunlight. During this time, your panels will not be as efficient as they normally are. However, even the short winter days provide more than enough sunlight to make it worth your while.

Try to think of the big picture when installing solar panels, as it is more of a long game than something that needs to be worried about on a day-to-day basis. Over time, you are going to see a good return on investment.

Think About Installing Solar Panels Today

Does solar power work in the winter? You bet it does! Not only is installing solar panels good for the environment, but it will be great for your bank account over time as well. Be sure to check out the rest of the blog for more great articles on technology, construction, home, and beauty.