Knowing how much energy you use in the winter is important, especially if you have solar panels. There is one question customers often have: Do solar panels work when we have cold weather? In short, yes, they do work in cold weather. This guide explores how you can protect your solar panels and how solar panels work in the cold.
Solar panels perform well in cold weather. In fact, winter is the most optimal time for solar systems because it is when the sun is at its highest. Although your panels might not seem like they’re getting enough sunlight, they are, and they’re working hard to power your home.
Solar panels work in any weather, and the cold is no exception. Power cells in the panels create the energy needed to power your home. As mentioned, these cells tend to produce more power in winter without using as much energy. Conversely, if the panel does reach peak temperature, its performance decreases.
That’s how solar panels work in cold weather. Additionally, the panels tip further toward the south to collect more sunlight that they can generate into power.
During the winter, you must work to protect your solar system. When booking an installation with a solar power installer, ask about the different things you can do now to ensure a smooth installation process and make sure your home is ready for sunlight energy this winter.
During the winter, you’re going to be using more energy for heat. Limit how much energy you use throughout the day so that you have more to use in the evening. Other ways to become more energy efficient include using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning the thermostat down, and enhancing the home’s insulation.
Don’t forget to re-angle your panels. During winter, sunlight is absorbed best when panels face south. A steeper angle collects more sunlight and prevents any debris from sticking to the panels.
Your batteries need insulation so that they don’t get too cold. Batteries need a warm, enclosed space to continue to work. The best solution is to keep them in a sheltered area away from the cold.
These are the things to remember when maintaining your solar panels in cold weather. If you want to know more about using solar energy in the winter and want to install your first solar system, contact Go Solar Power. We’re excited to learn about your sustainability goals and teach you about using solar power.
In the days following the storm, our entire team gathered in our very own energy center to help put together care packages for our customers and their communities that were affected by the storm. Care packages included much needed items like Water, Fruit, Baby Wipes, Batteries, Snack Bars and Granola.
As you can see from the smiles on the faces above, the care packages were very welcomed. Go Solar Power also had the opportunity to do some on-the-spot re-commissioning of a customer’s Tesla Powerwall while on site to make sure that customer’s power stayed on through the days if not weeks ahead with power outages throughout the storm area.
One thing that is clear. After both Hurricane Fiona, that hit Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and Hurricane Ian, that hit Southwest Florida, is that Solar power passed the test. Solar Panels withstood the Storm — a fact that will aid the technology’s supporters in lobbying battles that are happening around the country as renewable energy seeks to accelerate its growing role in the U.S. electricity supply.
With catastrophic flooding, knocked out power lines and washed away roads and bridges, people who have solar panels and batteries say those systems kept the lights on during the storms, and even allowed them to share electricity with neighbors left in the dark.
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