Since solar panels generate electricity by harnessing sunlight, it's safe to assume they only work well during ample sun.

This idea often leads to questioning the practicality of solar panels during the winter.

In the UK, winter is characterised by short days, long nights, and harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog.

So, can solar panels provide sufficient energy for a household during the winter, much like in regular seasons?

If you’re curious whether solar panels can provide sufficient power, this post is for you.

This post will provide clarifications on how snow affects solar panels and shed light as to why snow is beneficial or not.

How Snow Affects Solar Panels

Snow can impact solar panels in both positive and negative ways.

Understanding these contrasting effects helps us evaluate how snow can impact the performance of solar panels during the winter.

By exploring the specific advantages and disadvantages, we can better understand the overall influence of snow on the efficiency and functionality of solar panels in the snowy season.

Let’s get started.

Cons of Snow to Solar Panels

Snow-covered solar panels generate less electricity than they do regularly.

It’s mainly because snow obstructs the photovoltaic cells' light-absorbing ability.

These cells are responsible for converting solar light into energy. With little to no sunlight, there would be a decrease in power generation.

Adding shorter days and cloudy skies, even a thin snow covering can lead to a significant impact.

Furthermore, this reduced output can continue for prolonged periods, especially in the UK, which usually experiences three winter months.

To make matters worse, if the panels are not designed for heavy loads, the added weight of snow can damage or collapse them, requiring costly repairs.

Pros of Snow to Solar Panels

Thankfully, snow causes no major problems for solar panels, as it often slides off two days after a storm.

Furthermore, snow helps clean the panels more quickly, bringing other debris down as they slide off.

While there might be a reduction in energy production due to snow, it is generally minor and can be as little as 2% of the annual total.

Interestingly, the snow's albedo effect can reflect more light, potentially increasing energy production with direct sunlight.

Solar panels are also sturdy. They can handle cold weather because they are warmer than the air around them and can withstand up to 75 pounds per square inch.

Additionally, solar panels are more efficient in cold weather since lower temperatures enhance electrical conductivity.

This is advantageous for energy production, particularly in winter when sunlight is less abundant.

Conclusion

Snow can be challenging for solar panels, but there are ways to minimise its impact.

For example, installing panels at a steeper angle can help snow slide off more quickly, and your panels will be free of snow in a day or two.

Even if you lose some energy production during that time, you'll make up for it during the long, sunny summer days.

Some suggest using unique technology to melt the snow, but it may not be worth the risk of getting hurt or damaging your panels and voiding the warranty.

So, it's better to let the snow melt naturally and not try to clean it off yourself.

Instead, you can add solar battery storage to maximise your solar panel performance, even when it's snowing.

A right-sized solar battery will be able to store energy that can be used when the sun disappears, especially as winter days are shorter.

This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of solar power even during the winter months.

If you have installed solar panels and it snows in your area, you may have experienced both benefits and drawbacks.

However, if you're still considering installing solar panels and live in Doncaster or nearby areas, you can learn more information here