Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?

Imgorthand/E+/Getty images

Solar panels in winter

You may be surprised to learn that cold weather does not stop solar panels from generating power. Solar panels produce electricity based on how much sunlight they receive. This means that solar energy is not significantly impacted by temperature. Explore how to best care for your solar panels in winter and whether any additional maintenance is necessary.

How to take care of your solar panels during winter

Solar panels don’t require intensive maintenance. In most instances, you can let the weather naturally clean your panels. Snow falls off the surface of solar panels faster than the rest of the roof, so solar experts advise letting the snow melt and slide off solar panels. Precipitation, such as snow and heavy rain, is good for solar panels because it removes dirt and dust, improves efficiency, and increases power production.

Winter factors impacting solar panel performance

• Availability of sunlight: Solar panels need sunlight, not heat, to produce energy. The sun still shines in winter, providing electricity for your home or business. However, shorter days and the sun’s position in the sky can lower overall energy production compared to longer summer days.
• Temperature: Cooler temperatures enhance solar panel efficiency because silicon-based cells perform better in such conditions than on hotter days.
• Snow accumulation: Snow can cover solar panels, reducing their electricity production. Install your solar panels at an angle to help the snow slide off. You can work with your solar installer to find the best angle for optimal production.

Get your free solar savings estimate

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.

Does snow on solar panels stop electricity generation?

No, snow on solar panels should not stop electricity generation — but it may decrease it. Solar manufacturers design their products to endure different climates and weather elements, including snow, wind, hail, and rain. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can reach solar panels through a thin layer of snow and continue producing electricity. However, heavy snowfall can reduce power generation until the snow comes off the panels. Rooftop solar energy systems are typically installed south-facing at a 30 to 45-degree tilt, which helps snow fall off the panels.

Snow may even improve the efficiency of PV solar cells by removing dust and dirt from the surface as it melts. Dirt and dust are the most common reasons for reduced power generation in solar energy systems.

How can I keep snow off solar panels?

Let snow melt or slide off independently to avoid unnecessary damage to your solar panels. But if the snowfall is too heavy, here are a few things you can do:

• Call a specialized solar snow remover to safely remove the snow from your panels.
• Use a soft rake to break up the snow. It’s very important to use one with soft bristles to avoid scratching your solar panel, as this can damage the surface.
• Try blowing warm air on the snow to melt it. You can do this with a long plastic air hose or a leaf blower.
• Gently spray your panels with water. Only do this if there is no risk of the water freezing and causing more damage.

Can solar panels freeze?

Some solar systems may freeze when the snow melts to water and temperatures fall below freezing. Such conditions may cause cracking and fracturing. Not all solar panels are created equally. Cheap solar panels will lose their efficiency faster than better-quality ones. For example, monocrystalline solar panels are of higher quality than thin-film panels.

However, many solar manufacturers build the panels to work and generate power under extreme weather conditions and low temperatures. Solar panels and their components undergo rigorous testing for the weight of snow and freezing temperatures before they are sold and installed. It’s important to consult a solar energy professional to choose suitable panels for your climate.