Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How To Maintain Your Solar System In Cold Weather?

Author: Jonathan Jonas
by Jonathan Jonas
Posted: Mar 04, 2022

Most solar power systems these days don't require following any regular maintenance schedule. The solar panel has a unique design with black color and urbane technology that melts the snow off immediately in Winter.

Yet here in the Midwest, heavy snow falling never- stops since it's a simple life fact. If the weather got worse with a snow-rain mix storm. Then you need to consider maintaining the solar panels.

You ask solar energy contractors to check your solar system to review it. Or you can do it by yourself, as we are going to show you in the article. You only need a little bit of attention that can go a long way to keep your home and workplace solar panels operating at their peak performance. To hold all winter seasons and well into spring and summer.

How Cold Weather May Influence Your Solar Power systems?

Cold weather can influence your residential or commercial renewable energy system. And one of the problems that face your solar system is the weight of snow.

The weight of gathered snow and ice coupled with strong winds will put a lot of pressure. Moreover, each line of the solar panels comes with a various pressure rating, and more robust panels can be more pricey.

And if your solar panels are blocked with ice and snow. They might become unable to generate power for your home or workplace. So you might need to manually cleared-off.

That's why it's important to work with an expert team to pick the right panels that suit your weather condition. You and the solar energy contractors need to make sure not to overspend and last long.

Steps To Maintain Your Solar Panels In Winter:

Solar panels may appear to be delicate pieces of technology. Yet all solar panels are prepared to handle large amounts of stress and different conditions. Thus, it's unusual to have crushing damage from weather conditions.

Additionally, solar panel maintenance tasks are pretty easy. You can brush snow off them as you brush it off your car. Here we will provide you with the top ways. That ensures the solar panel operates efficiently in the winter month. To generate enough power for your home:

Save-Energy:

To keep the rate of energy-saving at the peak. You need to make sure you turn off the lights when you don’t need them. Plus, you need to check the air ducts for any leaks before you turn on your heater.

Also, make sure to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. You need to replace all your lighting with energy-efficient bulbs. Following these tips will save 75% of energy consumption. Don't forget to use thermal curtains to protect your windows.

Change The Panels Angle:

And one of the reasons that you need to maintain your solar system in winter is by changing the angle of your solar panel.

So you need to use the flexible rack to change your panels at a 15-degree angle. Because in winter, the sun rises at a lower angle that prevents the panels from receiving enough light.

Maintain Solar Battery Bank:

You also need to make sure your solar batteries are installed indoors. But if the container of batteries is installed outside, you need to properly insulate it because the lead acid of the batteries can freeze at below zero temperatures.

And for the off-grid solar systems, you need to have enough antifreeze filtered water for the batteries. Moreover, keep inspecting your battery voltage. If it drops below 12 Volts DC, you need to charge your batteries immediately.

So it's wise to keep checking the battery voltage over time to determine problems early.

Scrape Off The Snow:

Lastly, after the snowfall storm stops, there will be some snow or ice gathered upon your panels. You are advised to clean it off with a soft brush.

But most likely, the black surface of your solar panels will draw sunlight, and the snow will melt right off. Or you can wait for the snow to melt off.

Also, pay attention to the temperature shifts while spraying the hose. So you can melt the snow, not freeze it further. If you have easy access, you are required to sweep the panels. There is no harm in being a little creative by using the warm air to melt the snow. But be aware not to damage anything by going slow and soft.

Final Words

In cold weather, you need to maintain your solar power systems. So you can keep having the same energy performance efficiently for your daily usage.

You can do this by yourself as we guided you above. Or asking the experts solar energy contractors. To recheck your solar system and see if it has any kind of issue.

About the Author

This article discusses ocean freight rates and how it can affect your freight.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Jonathan Jonas

Jonathan Jonas

Member since: Jan 25, 2021
Published articles: 84

Related Articles