{"id":5854,"date":"2018-01-11T17:35:54","date_gmt":"2018-01-11T17:35:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.portal.solar.com\/learn\/solar-in-cold-snow-climates\/"},"modified":"2019-07-01T20:34:20","modified_gmt":"2019-07-01T20:34:20","slug":"solar-in-cold-snow-climates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/solar-in-cold-snow-climates\/","title":{"rendered":"Snow Harm Done! Solar in Cold Climates"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the Cyclone Bomb bringing record low temperatures to the East Coast this month, many homeowners have had snow on the mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though it might seem counter-intuitive, solar panels are actually a great investment in snowy regions because colder temperatures will generally increase productivity. Heavy snow buildup may temporarily reduce solar array electricity generation, but a well-designed system will optimize production and lead to lower electricity bills.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Solar Panels Actually Produce More Electricity in Cold Temperatures<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Homeowners with solar in snow states actually benefit from their panels\u2019 increased productivity. As temperature decreases, the <\/span>efficiency<\/span><\/a> of the modules actually increases because the material properties in the panels operate more effectively. In fact, the increased reflection of light off white snow can also result in increased output from panels in the winter. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is snow covering your solar panels? No problem! Panels will still generate electricity with a thin layer of snow. Heavy snow build up that completely blocks light will prevent the generation, but a well-designed system that effectively uses panel angle will efficiently use reflected light and reduce snow buildup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solar.com\u2019s PV designers are experienced at optimizing solar systems for homeowners in snowy states. We\u2019re so confident in their ability to create systems that accurately electricity needs that we guarantee them with the Solar.com Production Guarantee, which is part of our <\/span>TriGuard Guarantee<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Snow Cleans Your Panels as it Melts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Beyond the potential for increased panel productivity and light reflection, snow can also clean your panels as it melts off. This free cleaning is great for homeowners, as dirt and debris on modules can reduce their productivity. T<\/span>he dark solar cells will attract heat and usually, in a few days the snow will melt right off. However, <\/span>if the snowpack is so thick that it doesn\u2019t thaw in a few days, homeowners have few different options to remove snow from their roofs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ways to Remove Snow from your Solar Panels:<\/strong><\/p>\n