Snow Covered Solar Panels

A minnesota couple s idea for keeping solar panels clear of snow is gaining traction after winning a 50 000 federal innovation prize.

Snow covered solar panels.

Unlike in the south minnesota s cooler temperatures keep the panels from overheating. But losing out on a day or so of production isn t worth risking your warranty or safety. You can always consider. Light is able to forward scatter through a sparse coating reaching the panel to produce electricity.

Solar panels are usually installed at an angle which makes it easy for the snow to slide off. It s a different story when heavy snow accumulates which prevents pv panels from generating power. Solar panels need sunlight to produce power so if your solar panels are covered in snow they will not generate electricity. Here are the factors that minimize or altogether cancel out the negative impact of snow on solar panels.

Most panels are tilted at an angle so snow will slide off on its own accord but that can take time. Like a lot of electronics solar systems have a negative temperature coefficient. Pasi likens solar panels to a car s windshield they aren t heated but once the radiant heat catches a corner the rest of the snow comes down pretty quickly. Solar panels work well in cold weather but not as well if they are covered even partially by snow.

As for what s working for solar power in minnesota. The dark solar panels attract heat and help in melting the snow. Your solar panels actually work better when it s cold than when it s warm.