Photo Courtesy: Sandia National Laboratories
Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners and businesses alike, especially when it comes to energy usage. There is no denying that on any given day, there is significantly less daylight in the winter than there is in the summer. But even at that, did you know that solar energy can help you survive the winter months and save you money on your energy bills?Â
Solar panels perform at a lower efficiency on winter and cloudy days since they are not receiving direct sunlight. But rather than focusing on a certain day, it's crucial to consider how much sunlight the panel will receive annually as a whole.
In this article, we'll explore how renewable energy can help you keep your home and business running smoothly during the winter.
Do Solar Panels Produce Energy During Winter?
Yes, solar PV panels function during the winter, to put it simply. Solar panels will still produce power even when the sun is lower in the sky and the days may be cloudier and rainier; but, because fewer daylight hours are available, they won't produce as much electricity as they would in the summer. But they'll still function.
The overall effect will depend on how much snow has gathered on top of the solar panel. Since the sun's UV rays may still pass through a little layer of snow until the wind clears the panels, a light coating of snow will not significantly interrupt operations.
The output level may drop if too much snow accumulates, even though the solar panels can often support the weight of larger snowfalls.
As most snow may slide off or be removed with ease, solar panels are constructed at an angle to maximize the intake of the sun's UV rays. Many solar panels are installed with large frames around the edge, which can result in a greater accumulation of snow. If you live in a cold weather climate where snowfall is inevitable, it may be advisable to install a solar panel without frames.
Why Solar Energy is a Good Investment for Winter
Solar energy provides an excellent investment for winter for several reasons. First, solar panels are designed to absorb the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. This means that even on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate power, making it a reliable source of energy even during winter when daylight hours are shorter. In other words, many solar panels are designed to operate efficiently in cold temperatures, which means you can still generate power even on cold winter days.
Another benefit of solar energy is that it can help reduce your energy bills. During winter, heating and electricity bills can increase dramatically due to the need for constant heating and lighting. With solar energy, however, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills.
In addition, solar energy can be an excellent backup power source during power outages, which are more common during the winter months due to inclement weather. With a battery backup system, you can store excess solar energy during the day and use it to power your home or business at night or during a power outage.
If you're ready to start enjoying the benefits of solar energy this winter, contact IntegrateSun today to get an instant quote, learn more about how we can help you get started with solar and also get benefits from our dealership network. Our team of experts can help you find the right financing options, manage the logistics of your solar project, and ensure that your solar panels are installed and maintained properly.
Conclusion
Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners and businesses, with increased energy bills and rising electricity usage. Fortunately, solar energy provides an excellent solution to these concerns. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills. Additionally, solar energy is a clean, sustainable energy source that provides energy independence and security. By partnering with a reputable solar financing and installation company like IntegrateSun, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy and survive winter with ease.