Contrary to popular belief, home solar panels generate electricity year-round, even on clear, cold winter days. However, snow can put a damper on production, often blocking the sunlight the panels need to create energy. If you’re in an area prone to heavy winter snows, here’s how thick snowdrifts impact the performance of your system.

Solar Energy in the Winter

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels don’t need heat to create electricity—they just need light. In fact, because summer heat puts additional strain on the electronics, solar panels actually work more efficiently on sunny, cold winter days. A white blanket of snow on the ground also reflects light upward, boosting the efficiency of your panels even further.

How Snow Affects Panels

Winter snow problems don’t begin until the precipitation covers the panel, effectively blocking available sunlight from reaching the electrical elements. Combined with the heavy cloud cover of a short winter day, your panels may go without generating much electricity for several months. During the darkest, snowiest winters, you may have to rely on the grid to power your home.

What to Do About It

You might be tempted to brush or shovel snow off your solar panels, but this may do more harm than good. The surface of a panel is extremely delicate, susceptible to damage from even brushes and flexible snow shovels.

To preserve your panels and the manufacturer’s warranty, which doesn’t cover damage caused by the homeowner, the wisest approach is to wait for the snow to melt. When the sun starts shining again, your solar panels will spring back into action, generating energy and bringing your electric bills back down.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, let Star City Solar in Miamisburg, OH, help you harness the power of the sun. Star City Solar services the Dayton, Cincinnati, and the rest of south-central Ohio. Their trusted technicians will help you choose between ground or roof panels so that you find the perfect renewable energy solution for your home. They can even estimate your annual utility savings beforehand. Learn more about their services online, or call (937) 572-5497 today to schedule an appointment.