Winter is on the way and you are thinking about how to keep snow off your solar panels. Snow can be a big problem for every house owner who has solar panels. Although, during winter season days are pretty good for solar panels to produce electricity, heavy snowfall can block sunlight. As a result, solar panels can’t receive enough sunlight to generate electric energy.
However, there are several methods that you can follow to manage snow during winter months.
Why is it necessary to remove snow from solar panels?
Most of the time snow naturally slides off from solar panels because solar panels are positioned in a certain angle. Still I will suggest it’s better to remove snow from solar panels after a few days during winter. Heavy snowfall can completely block the panels and reduce electricity production.
Also, snow accumulation can create several problems that you can’t ignore.
Impact on Energy Production
Whenever it’s snowfall days I see a big difference in energy production of my solar panels. As we know, without sunlight solar panels are useless, and even a thin layer of snow can impact on their efficiency. If you don’t remove the snow for a couple of days it can turn the electric production to zero. Research from the National Energy Laboratory shows that snow coverage can reduce your annual energy production by up to 15%.
Usually, winter days are shorter than other seasons. As usual, solar panels don’t get enough time to charge properly. Also, in winter we need extra electricity especially for heaters to keep our house warm. If solar panels can’t receive proper sunlight it will be challenging to meet the household energy demands.
Potential Damage
During heavy snowfall days, we are pretty familiar with snow-layered solar panels. Even the sun doesn’t appear for a month or so. As usual, snow layers take a place on the panel’s surface and stick to it. After a certain period, snow accumulation can create cracks or damage on the solar panels. Usually, solar panels are lightweight, so they can’t take the pressure of heavy snow weight. So, you should keep them snow off the panels otherwise they’ll stop working and lose their efficiency.
Safety Concerns
There will always be a risk when you place solar panels on the roof of your house. Most people install solar panels on their south facing roofs at certain angles. Sometimes snow can slide off unexpectedly from the panels that may cause any accidents. Especially the heavy snowfall days are more risky. If you install the panels over walkways, entrances, or other areas that might be more dangerous.
Long-Term Cost Savings
When you keep your solar panels snow free they will get a long life which will save your extra expenses. Also, you should take winter care of your panels to maximize their performance. Regular maintenance will help you to get better energy output. You can prevent costly damage that will help you to protect your life-long investment.
How to keep snow from accumulating on solar panels?
There are several methods to keep snow off solar panels which are safe. Here we listed some techniques you can use:
Use Roof Rake Method
You can use roof rakes to remove snow from panels. These tools are handy and specially designed for solar panels. Roof rake has soft rubber heads that protect any kind of scratch on the panel’s surface. You can easily reach the panels with its long handle and safely slide off snow from the panels. These tools are lightweight and have smooth edges to prevent damage to panel frames.
Brush Off With Broom
Soft outdoor brooms are also effective to brush off snow. But you have to be careful to use only a soft bristle broom so that it won’t make any scratches on the panel’s surface. Also, the broom must have a long handle to easily reach the top. Gently brush off the snow layers from solar panels. But it will not work for thick layers during heavy snowfall. However, use outdoor brooms when the snow layers are thin or loosen.
Install Heating Systems
Heating systems are great for melting snow by using some electric power. Once you install heating systems it will work automatically. Some solar installations come with heating elements. It prevents snow accumulation, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning your panels. Also, it’s a risk free process and you can save your time.
Apply Hydrophobic Sprays
When snow completely blocks your panels apply hydrophobic or anti-stick sprays. These sprays are very effective to loosen snow and easily slide off from panels. Most house owners prefer this method when they remove thick snow layers. When you apply hydrophobic spray, snow can’t stick to the panels. It will create an invisible barrier and slippery surface on the panels. However, you will notice big changes when you use these sprays.
Try Garden Hose
Usually every garden owner has garden hoses. Use a garden hose and spray water on the panel’s surface. The power of water will remove the snow from panels. However, snow can’t make thick layers if you regularly remove them. But you have to be careful, don’t use too hot water, it can damage your panels. Use this method only when the weather is warm and there is no risk of freezing. However, it won’t work during heavy snowfall or if the weather is too cold that can make the water into thick layers.
Properly Angle The Panels
While installing the solar panels use proper angle to prevent snow layers naturally. Usually, the ideal angle is between 45 and 60 degrees. If you install the panels at a proper angle, smooth glass surface and tilted angle help snow slide off on its own. As the sun warms the panels or temperatures rise, snow typically melts and slides away.
Conclusion
Solar panels are one of the most necessary devices for our daily electricity demands. In winter, we should take extra care to maintain their efficiency. As heavy snowfall can block our solar panels and produce less electric energy. Sunlight is essential for solar panels otherwise they can’t perform well. Also, snow can create costly damages, and we have to repair our solar system. So, it’s necessary to keep snow off solar panels and let them work perfectly.
