Do solar panels need snow removal?

Solar panels need sunlight!

Photovoltaic modules are called solar panels because they work as a result of exposure to solar radiation. At the plant where photo modules are manufactured, a mandatory step in checking their quality at the output is a photoelectric test. Radiation with a power of 1000 W/m2 is directed to the module at a right angle, and its current-voltage characteristics are recorded. We know that a solar panel with a capacity of 540 W can give them out if the sun shines on it with a power of at least 1000 W / m2.

In the central and northern regions of Ukraine, such a power of solar radiation is observed from spring to early autumn, around noon on a clear cloudless day. And in practice, solar stations give out their rated power at this particular time.

What happens to solar panels in winter?

However, unfortunately or fortunately, we still have the winter season. This is when the daylight hours are half as long, and the sun at lunchtime rises slightly above the neighboring forest or five-story building. From the point of view of the operation of solar power plants, we call the "off-season" period from November to January inclusive. The statistics of observations of the operation of the solar power plant give the following data that tesla solar roof price increase. On average, a solar station generates 20 times less electricity per day during this period than in the spring-summer period. This is a consequence of cloudy weather.

But even in winter, there are clear sunny days. What happens if the sun shines brightly and the solar panels are covered in snow? Of course, they will not work because the snow on the panels, like a blanket, will not allow the sun's rays to reach them.

As the statistics of the operation of one of our SPPs for January 2022 show, the station provided half of the monthly generation in two to three sunny days. That is, on a clear sunny day in winter, the SPP can generate the same amount of electricity as in a week or a half of classic cloudy winter days.

The conclusion is obvious. If you want your solar power plant to catch every single ray of sunlight and generate as much electricity as possible in winter, you need to ensure that the solar panels are clear of snow.

What to do with snow at rooftop SPPs?

For safety reasons, we believe that snow-covered rooftop solar power plants should not be touched at all. Getting on the snow-covered roof to the solar panels will be quite difficult. Therefore, cleaning rooftop solar power plants from snow makes sense only when it is critically necessary. This business should be entrusted to professionals who clearly understand the complexity of this task.

So, if you are worried about the question: "should you clean your solar panels from snow" answer yourself another one. If you can do it safely for yourself and the solar panels, then go for it! If in doubt, don't touch it. Spring will come, and the sun will do everything for you juiceboxsolar.com!

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