It’s cold. It’s rainy. Winter is officially here… With the sun shining on a different angle, more clouds coverage and the days getting shorter, it seems predictable that solar generation won’t be as great as during summer days. However, it doesn’t mean that your panels will stop producing energy in winter!
Keep in mind that solar panels work with light and not heat. In fact, your system performs better in winter. Why? Panels are tested at 25°C. Above this temperature, panels efficiency is reduced. When the temperature is lower, the output goes up. But as days are shorter in winter and the sunlight doesn’t hit the panels at an optimal angle, your daily production will be slightly reduced. Don’t worry too much, your system has been designed taking into account one year of electricity usage and considering the seasonal differences in solar production. Your savings and electricity production estimated have been calculated knowing these changes.
However, it is still important to make the most of your solar production and make sure your panels receive a maximum of the precious winter sunlight.
Make sure your system is getting as much sunlight as they can. It will be worth giving your panels a good clean before winter to get rid of all the dust that could still cover your panels, even after some rains.
Take into consideration the angle of the winter sun. Branches and trees that were not in the path of the sun in summer, could be shading some part of your panels in winter. Trim the branches interfering with the sunlight.
What about the snow? For those who live in the Australian alpine regions, don’t be concern about your panels taking the snow. Panels are designed to tolerate a certain amount of weight and snow isn’t heavy enough to damage them. Their surface is smooth enough to let the snow slide off and most of the time the snow will melt on the panels quickly enough to have a minor impact on the production. However, if heavy snow covers your panels completely, they won’t generate power. In this case, you can easily clean them off if you have the right equipment.
To effectively use your power in winter, simply monitor your power generation and run your appliances when you have available electricity.
Thinking of going solar? Call Energis today on 1300 782 27 or email your bills to ea@energis.com.au and our team of experts will give you a free quote.
