Solar energy has come to be a reliable, clean, and highly efficient energy source. And, yes, this includes the cold winter months too.
The presumption of poor performing Solar Panels During Winter seems to be rooted in the belief of relating solar with temperature alone.
While the temperature does matter, there are other factors at play including the amount of sunlight. Plus, you might get lucky with some of the lowest quotes due to less competition during the winters.
So, if you’re a homeowner eyeing a Solar Installation in Australia, winters shouldn’t put a damper on those plans.
Today’s Q&A will address some major concerns regarding Solar Power in Winter. Read up and put your worries about Solar Installation in winter to rest!
#1. How Good are Solar Panels in Winter: Do They Even Work?
Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?
This is the most often asked question we receive from new solar users, who obviously want to get ROIs—year round.
The answer is a resounding…
YES!!
Your solar panels produce electricity through the sunlight it receives, and not the amount of heat present.
As soon as the sunlight hits the PV cells, electrons in the silicon cells get active.
This directly translates to electricity production, which is then used by you through the electricity distribution channel.
Well, as sunlight is always present, even on colder days, any Solar Panel Installation NSW will continue to work. Moreover, if your home is already energy-efficient, chances are you’ll continue to save irrespective of the month.
Additionally, install batteries to conserve energy and use it to heat your home during the night.
Clearly, any benefit available for solar during summers are present during the winter months as well. In fact, the basic idea of solar power generation itself trumps the notion of only installing solar when it’s hot outside.
#2. Are Solar Panels Less Efficient in Winter?
No!
It’s quite the contrary actually.
Solar cells work more efficiently during the colder months. While this may sound counterintuitive, you’ll first have to understand the science behind it.
During colder temperatures, electrons are at rest and the increasing sunlight helps in activating them. This instigates enough difference in voltage to generate more energy out of the panels.
Thus, the electrons’ efficiency at converting the receiving sunlight into electricity naturally increases. Whereas, hot temperatures spell trouble for electricity production by the same solar panels.
During the summer months, the electrons’ overall energy levels may rise due to warmer temperatures. Thus, decreasing the voltage differential and causing the panels to work less efficiently.
That’s why solar panels are often rated for peak temperatures. Beyond this, the panels’ efficiency at producing energy decreases. Well, it’s less likely to reach these temperatures when it’s cold outside.
Plus, there’s no effect on the amount of direct sunlight or the daylight window by the temperature.
Going by this, solar installation in winter can actually be a fruitful idea to get the most out of your installation.
#3. Do Solar Panels Produce Less in Winter?
Yes, but not due to the drop in temperature.
Rather, the effect is due to the conditions triggered during the winter climate including heavy snow and shorter days.
There is obvious obstruction of sunlight when there’s snow on panels. However, PV arrays are often installed on a slope, which makes it easier to slide off the snow.
Of course, it would be better to call in a professional for this to minimize the damage to your panels.
Moreover, the yearly loss of power due to snow covering is much less than anticipated. Additionally, the increase in the Solar Panel Efficiency in Winter may also compensate for the loss of daylight hours.
To make the most out of the available sunlight, it’s a good idea to slightly adjust the solar panel’s angle. This will help the panels receive the most light even during shorter days.
Solar installation in winter is seldom a bad idea considering the panels continue to receive the Sun’s rays.
Hassles, if any, of Installing Solar Panels in Winter are even less for the regions that receive little to no snow.
#4. How to Make the Most Out of a Solar Panel Installation During Winter?
The only thing you’ve to pay special attention to during the frigid months is maximizing the amount of available sunlight.
One way of addressing the loss of energy is to keep the panels clear of snow.
If snow covers panels after a storm, a professional can clean it off with special equipment. Moreover, good quality Solar Panels NSW is often tested to withstand certain snow loads. So, your panels are less likely to get damaged.
Another way to take control into your hands is opting for net metering. With net metering in place, you can safeguard against less energy output on shorter days.
Besides, many people choose to install a battery storage unit. This enables the conservation of solar energy for later use. If bad weather is in the forecast, save up some power for the next day. Battery storage also allows freedom from power outages.
Hence, the flexibility of a battery storage unit enhances the usefulness of solar power.
Consider the annual savings and power generation you can have during winters as well. Now, you know the idea of using Solar Energy During Winter can actually be productive.
However, you do need to look for the best value ALWAYS. And that requires comparing and contrasting your options from multiple installers.
Ready for Free No-Obligation Quotes from Reputed Installers in Australia?
Deciding to switch to solar energy can be one of the most intimidating decisions you’ll make.
It, most definitely, will alter the way you’ve viewed power generation up till now. Of course, you’ll have to consider multiple variants before the actual installation.
But if a solar installation is on your high-priority list (which we guess it is), you definitely need quotes that are tailor-made to fit right in with your economic considerations.
So, how about we make things a little bit easier and get you right in touch with an installer meant for you.
Go ahead and fill out this form to receive the best quotes from highly-rated installers across Australia.
Plus, feel free to browse through our site for more interesting solar insights and reviews of top solar products.
Exploring our blogs on top solar panels, batteries, and inverter options will definitely supplement your solar investment decision.
The time to go solar is now to prepare for clean energy use and lasting savings.
Getting estimates from highly-qualified installers right now will give you a head start in maximizing returns during the forthcoming long summer days.
Therefore, don’t wait for the summers to come.