The splendor of snow in winter is great, but when ice and snow builds up on solar panels, you should clean the solar system. Typically, average solar panels are protected against snow loads, but without regular snow removal, energy efficiency and performance can be compromised. In addition, it is recommended to clean the solar modules in a safe manner using the appropriate cleaning tool. During the winter, keep your solar panels clear of obstacles so they can easily absorb and convert sunlight. Below are some tips that can help you make the cleaning process easier.
Why should you clean a solar system covered in snow?
Any house or apartment thathave a photovoltaic system, can deliver clean, green energy with no fumes or emissions. Such an investment pays off in the long run as you enjoy environmentally friendly electricity and stay warm without high energy costs. However, this also requires appropriate maintenance and care of the solar panels, which is a key component for proper maintenance. Additionally, snow accumulates quickly during the winter months, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. This can block sunlight from reaching the solar panels, reducing the energy efficiency of the solar panels.
The longer you do nothing, the more energy is lost, and impaired performance can also increase electricity costs. Snow removal can therefore not only protect your investment, but also help you get the most out of your solar energy system. It also makes sense to remove the snow load in a timely manner so that it does not damage the solar panels. Over time, snow can compress, causing cracks or other signs of wear that can impair its functionality or even render it unusable. Solar panels covered by snow or ice can take up to 25% of total production over the course of a year. Snow loads can also cause potential power outages during the winter months. To help you prevent all of this, it would be wise to take some of the following steps.
What options are there for snow removal on solar panels?
Automatic solar panel snow removal is a process that uses a motorized device to clear snow and ice from the panels. This device usually consists of a brush or blade attached to a robotic arm. The arm is mounted on top of the solar array and rotates to remove all snow.
If you don't have this option, you can also use a snow rake on solar panels. However, this is not the best method if you want to clean your solar system and remove snow in winter. A better option would be to use a motorized device specifically designed for snow removal. However, there are other options available to you and are described below.
Use telescopic brooms or rakes and clean the solar system
The easiest way to clear snow from your solar system is to use a rake or broom with an extension pole. All you need is a squeegee or flat shovel and you can simply start scraping away frozen precipitation. Just be careful not to damage the modules with your tools. You should not use heavy-duty steel wool for this purpose as it will scratch the surface and may damage the solar cells. When sweeping snow, choose a brush with soft bristles to prevent potential damage.
Additionally, using an extension pole is the most common way to remove snow from solar panels. To do this, attach one end of it to your rake and then hold the other end. This gives you easy access to remove debris or piles of snow without having to go there yourself. Be careful not to hit the solar panels with sharp objects and don't forget to wear safety glasses when working in high places near glass and ice.
Treat solar panels covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner or snow blower
Using a power tool to remove ice and snow is another alternative you can consider. However, it is advisable to use such devices at the end of the winter season, otherwise they can damage solar modules, depending on the type. You should use this method especially if your solar system has dirt deposits. In addition, a pressure washer will help blow away the dirt and you can then wipe the solar panels clean.
Should you consider using a snow blower or other snow blowing equipment for the task, this is also a great option for removing accumulated ice and snow. However, when doing this, make sure you completely remove the snow from your roof instead of blasting it all over your yard. When using this method, you must also ensure that nothing falls in the path of your machine or onto your PV system, including falling branches. Furthermore, you shouldCut back branches and tree branches in a timely manner, to allow better access for sunlight.
Use a water hose or hairdryer to de-ice solar panels
The best option would be to simply wait for the snow to melt from the sunlight. However, this can sometimes be difficult as winter is often gray or solar panels are not mounted at a favorable angle. However, in such cases it is possible to wait until the height of the snow pile decreases and it slides down on its own. Otherwise, you can also use a hairdryer to thaw snow and ice from your solar panels. This is particularly useful as it helps you avoid any damage that could be caused by physical contact with a snow shovel or broom. Additionally, the method has proven to be 97% effective at melting snow and ice buildup on solar panels without damaging them.
Another option is to spray the snow off with a garden hose and then use a windshield wiper to clean it. This is a much easier option because you don't have to worry about how to get within reach or how to hold the hairdryer. An obstacle would be if your panels are at an angle where they are protected from rain but not accessible for hosing down. If you're looking for something more effective, you can also install a heat tape. This can provide consistent heat through your photovoltaic system during periods of accumulation.
Clean the solar system and treat it with antifreeze
To prevent solar modules from icing over, you can also use a natural antifreeze. There are many organic products available on the market that provide an antifreeze solution. These work well for removing snow from solar panels, giving them a shiny new look while increasing their efficiency in producing electricity for your home. However, before doing so, you should make sure that you scrub the solar panels carefully so that no residue of their chemical components is left behind and cause damage later.
More tips for protecting solar panels
Depending on the intensity of the snowfall, the snow cover can stay on solar panels for a few days to a week. Proper installation and location selection is the first step in protecting solar panels when there is hail, for example. For this reason, it is important to take some precautions. Even one blow can damage your solar panel system and cause costly repairs for uninsured systems.
- One option is to use a wire gauge as a means of protection. Since hail is like a ball for solar panels, a wire mesh installed over it can minimize any risks. In addition, it increases the resistance of the panels to hail and impacts in windy weather. The most efficient gauge of wire to install on your panels is a diamond pattern, as hailstones are less likely to pass through without hitting one of these wires.
- You can also clean your solar system and coat it with acrylic panels. This means you can offer your modules more protection from dust, dirt, leaves, ice and snow.
- There are also suitable covers for solar panels that prove effective in winter. This will protect all of the components inside and prevent rusting during the winter months when there is a lot of moisture in the air. The covers also help extend the life of your solar panel system if they are made of high quality materials.
During heavy snowfalls, it is particularly important to inspect the panels regularly. If ice and snow accumulate on it, the system will be unable to produce any energy. You can therefore also use some of the cleaning methods and tips described above at other times of the year.
