The recent polar vortex that left many people in the Midwest and Northeast without power may cause people to rethink their solar power strategy. The fact is that solar panels for home use are still usable during snowy weather, as long as you know how to care for your solar panels and know what to expect in a snow storm.
Your solar panels are more effective when they are free and clear of snow. If there is snow on your panels, you will only be able to harness energy from the amount of sunlight that is able to penetrate the snow. If you only experience a light flurry or dusting of snow, you typically won’t need to worry about loss of power generation.
During heavier snowfall, you won’t necessarily need to worry about snow removal. The dark panels will help to melt the snow as they attract sunlight. Removing snow can be dangerous for you, and it can damage your panels. If you do decide that you need to remove the snow yourself, take extra safety precautions and remove the snow gently. Don’t use a rake or shovel, as you will void the warranty for your panels.
Many people believe that solar panels for home use don’t work in areas that have a lot of snow or cold winters. The reality is that you don’t need hot weather to generate solar power. While you may not be able to produce as much as someone who lives in the desert, your solar panels are powerful enough to power your home year-round, even if you live in a cold climate.