Should You Clear The Snow Off Your Solar Panels?

Solar panels are meant to generate power from the sun, so it’s easy to assume that they only operate in sunny settings, leading Canadians in snowy areas of the country to believe that solar panels aren’t a wise investment. As a result, many solar homeowners wonder, “Should I clean the snow off my solar panels?”

The good news is that snow has far less of an impact on solar generation than you might assume. This is why, as top-rated solar panel installers, we strongly advise homeowners not to attempt to clean snow off their solar panels. So let’s discuss how snow affects solar panels and whether you should clear it off your solar panels.

Do Solar Panels Work In The Winter?

The short answer is yes. Solar panels turn sunlight into power, and it makes no difference how hot or cold it is as long as sunlight is able to fall on the panels. In reality, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels perform better in cold weather.

This is because, like other electric-powered devices, solar panels perform best in cold weather. When electronics become overheated, they operate poorly. Manufacturers rank their solar panels based on peak temperature, which is the temperature above which the efficiency of the solar panels will begin to decline.

When the panels’ temperature climbs over a certain point, usually about 25 degrees celsius, their efficiency in generating power decreases.

Can Energy Be Generated With Snow On The Solar Panels?

No, they won’t produce electricity if your solar panels are buried under a foot of snow. But the good news is that you can avoid this problem by either waiting for gravity to do its thing and having the snow fall off or allowing it to melt.

Because of the following factors, snow on your solar panels is not something you should be concerned about:

• Solar panels are often positioned at an angle, allowing snow to slide off easily.
• Black solar panels absorb heat, making snow melting easier. Solar panels are intended to attract and trap the sun’s rays. In general, solar panels are 20°C warmer than the surrounding environment.
• Snow can be used to clean your panels for free! When it melts, it takes any debris or dirt off with it.

Overall, snow should not significantly impact your solar panels or how they operate in the winter. Remember that your panels might not start producing power if the snow does not begin to melt or slide off for a few days. Snow and freezing weather, on the other hand, will not severely hinder your solar array’s capacity to generate power.

Should I Remove The Snow Off Of My Solar Panels?

We don’t advise it. Even though cleaning your solar panels can boost their power production, the risk to your and others health is too severe. Some individuals opt to clear their arrays. However, we advise anyone doing this to proceed with extreme caution and to keep in mind that the 25-year panel guarantee will not cover any damage caused by the homeowner.

If you do decide to clear the snow, use a soft roof rake rather than a metal one to avoid scratching the panels. You can avoid damaging the electrical components by staying away from the conduit and the underside of the solar panels.

Plus, stepping up on a snowy roof would put you in danger of getting wounded, something no one wants.

Don’t Worry About Cleaning

We do not recommend that you remove the snow from your solar panels. The danger of personal harm or damage to your panels is not worth the minor gain. Your array will most likely be snow-free in a day or two, and any production loss will most likely be offset by production over those long summer days.

Also Read: What You Need To Know About Fire And Solar Panels

About Sundawg Solar

Sundawg Solar is a Saskatchewan-based provider of clean, renewable energy. We provide a wide range of solar power solutions, including off-grid solar power systems. We are steadfastly committed to maintaining the environment’s cleanliness and protecting it for future generations. We are honoured to have provided services to the sector for 40 years. Learn more about Sundawg Solar.

Looking for experienced solar panel installers? Contact us today.