The panels themselves do not usually freeze. However, melting ice and snow can accumulate under or around them. If the temperature drops again and the water freezes, it can expand. That can damage the panels with small cracks.
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.
You can add a warm water line to your solar panels. This heated water will increase the temperature on your panel, causing the snow to melt and slide off with ease. If you have an electrical heater installed within or underneath your solar panels, the energy harvested from the sun will power this heat source up.
Solar panels should be kept free from obstructions to absorb the most sunlight, and if you live in an area with snowfall, the buildup can definitely stand in their way. Without a solar panel defrosting strategy, you’ll need to manually remove snow from your panels. And when a big storm hits, energy can be disrupted.
Use a soft-bristled brush to prevent scratching your panels and ensure that it’s clean before starting for a streak-free result. If you want to give your solar panels a shiny coat while clearing the snow on them, you can use antifreeze. Remember to wash any product residue from your panels to avoid potential future problems.
Removing snow is key. While the efficiency of solar panels drops in winter, proper snow removal techniques can help keep this loss to a minimum. That being said, handling panels carefully during maintenance is crucial to avoid voiding warranties or insurance coverage. Are you using the safest methods to protect your panels?