Did you know that solar panels are a great investment, that can last you up to 25 years with good maintenance? Not only are they good for the environment, but they will eventually pay for themselves with the amount of clean energy that they produce.
If you want to have solar energy as your primary power source, you may be wondering just how well solar panels operate during the colder part of the year. The good news is, you can still reap benefits from your solar energy system at any time of year.
Snow Will Melt Naturally
Although in general, you should brush dirt, debris, and dead leaves off of your solar panels, you should not touch any type of snow or ice that builds up in lower temperatures.
Since solar panels absorb the energy of the sun, they tend to be hot. Therefore, if enough time passes by, the snow or ice can melt off naturally, with no intervention required.
If you have a serious snow buildup that refuses to melt, then you may need to contact your local solar company. If you live in North Carolina, Blue Raven Solar can help you decide the best course of action to take in this situation.
Colder Temperatures Improve Efficiency
Contrary to popular belief, the colder weather during the winter does not decrease solar panel efficiency. Solar panels rely on the sun for power, so it could be freezing out and sunny, and you would still get energy for your home.
In fact, solar energy tends to function better in colder temperatures because the photovoltaic technology in solar panels works better when the panels are cooler. Additionally, you can benefit from the sun reflecting off of the snow, which will give you even more energy.
Solar Batteries as Backup Energy
Even if your area is relatively sunny during the winter months, you should still have a source of backup energy. Winter storms can shield the sun for days and sometimes weeks at a time, especially if you live somewhere that has blizzards.
Solar batteries are a great source of backup energy so that you do not have to rely on the electrical grid. If there is a major weather event that causes a power outage in your area, you can still have reliable energy from your solar powered home.
The solar industry has plenty of options for solar energy batteries that can hold all of the energy you need. The best solar company can walk through the types of solar batteries to determine which is the best fit for your household’s power needs.
Benefit From Your Solar Energy System All Year Long
You should not have to worry about your solar energy system not working as well during the winter months. With these tips, you can still run your power as normal and even have better efficiency.
Would you like to learn about more ways that you can improve your home? Take a look around our site for more tips, ideas, and inspiration to take your house to the next level.
