1. Solar Panel Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial, especially during winter. Keep your panels clean and free of snow and debris. Snow buildup can significantly reduce efficiency, so clearing it off when safe to do so can make a big difference in energy production. 2.
Another important aspect is the placement of your solar panels to avoid shading. During winter, the sun’s path is lower in the sky, causing shadows to extend further. Be mindful of any nearby trees, buildings or other structures that could cast a shadow over your solar panels.
Make sure to research and choose a suitable option for your system. Solar Panel Tilt – Adjusting the angle of your solar panels can help with snow and ice removal. By tilting the panels at a steeper angle, you increase the likelihood that snow will slide off on its own.
It’s possible to clean your solar panels yourself in winter, but safety should be a priority. Use a soft snow rake or long pole with a non-abrasive brush. If it’s not safe to access your panels, consider hiring a professional. Are there any environmental benefits to optimising solar panels for winter?
Extremely cold temperatures can cause freezing, which can damage sensitive components within the panels. It’s essential to understand that solar panels don’t necessarily need hot weather to function; they need sunlight. So, even in cold climates, optimising their exposure to sunlight becomes crucial.
Thankfully, our milder UK winters are extremely unlikely to ever push your panels to -40°C or below. With that being said, extended freezing temperatures could lead to temperature-related degradation that causes slight physical changes in the panels’ materials. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage – though not in the best solar panels.