As the weather changes and temperatures continue to rise, we are all looking for ways to reduce our energy costs. If you have solar panels, you have a head start, but winter can be difficult because weather conditions are less favorable and daylight hours are shorter.
With energy production at an all-time high and heating and drying appliances at their peak, you're also under the added pressure of relying on the grid.
Whether you already have a system up and running or want to know what you need to know before purchasing solar panels, we're here to help you get the most out of your solar panels this winter with our outing guide. You will find that you can benefit from solar energy even in winter while controlling your electricity bills.
1. Remove snow
Although we all love snow-white things – they are a clear signal that winter is coming – solar panels are not that attractive. If the solar panels that produce electricity are covered in snow, they are protected from the sun's rays and cannot produce energy. Thick layers of snow can also damage roof shingles, and anything deeper than 3 feet can cause serious problems.
The UK Solar Project says: “Removing snow from your solar panels will greatly improve their efficiency, but it's important to know how best to do this first. »
It is recommended to spray warm water from your garden hose onto the snow. Be careful, however, that the water is not too cold, icy or too hot as this could damage the solar panels.
You can also try clearing snow from the roof shingles, especially if you have an extendable broom. Project Solar UK recommends using a foam brush head instead of a bristle brush to avoid scratching the panels. But be mindful of health and safety, and if the work is not safe for you, contact a professional.
It's a good idea to think ahead before installing solar panels, especially if you live in an area where heavy snowfall is expected. Some solar panels already have a heating system installed, which is worth investing in to avoid snow cover.
2. Clean it
Dust, leaves and bird droppings contribute to dirt buildup on solar panels, which can block sunlight from reaching the cells and reduce their efficiency. Although rainwater is effective at removing some of the dirt, regular cleaning may be necessary to keep it performing at its best and making your investment worth it.
All you need is a quick spray of water and a light stroke with a long-handled brush to keep your panels clean. Do not use abrasive cleaners to scratch the cells. The frequency of cleaning depends on the landscape and weather conditions, but a thorough cleaning twice a year is sufficient.
If you need to go up on the roof, we recommend hiring a professional to clean it. Many professional cleaning companies, including window cleaning companies, offer this service.
While it's easy to spot dirt buildup on your panels, you can monitor their performance and detect any irregularities in output, although you will need a monitoring system to do this. A decrease in performance is a sure sign that cleaning is necessary.
3. Fold your boards
Solar panels are typically installed at the same angle as the roof of your home – usually between 30 and 45 degrees – and facing south to ensure better exposure to the sun. The slope favors snowfall, while the sunny south side ensures that the snow melts more quickly than in other places.
However, in areas with heavy snowfall or limited sunlight, it is recommended to install the solar panels at an angle of approximately 60 degrees. It also helps produce more electricity during the winter months when the sun is low in the sky.
Before installing your panels, the installer must consider your location and the best angle for your annual energy production.
4. Install the battery
Batteries are a good investment to ensure you have the power you need even on dull days. They can help you save money and improve the performance of your solar panels .
By storing the electricity you produce, you can take advantage of warmer climates where your energy consumption is lower than in colder months. When the sun goes down, you'll instead have to rely on the local power grid and pay unnecessary bills.
Your investment in batteries may depend on how long you use electricity. If your usage peaks at night rather than during the day, batteries are a good option. But what are you hoping to pay? According to Greenmatch, it costs between $1,500 and $7,500 depending on the type, quality, and age of the battery.
5. Maintenance of solar panels
To keep your solar panels in tip-top condition, you should ask your installer if they offer annual maintenance checks. Not only do they look for signs of external damage, such as scratches from debris and weather damage, which can block sunlight from reaching the cells, but they can also test the inner workings of the cells.
In other cases, if you notice a sudden drop in performance, it's a good indication that there is a bug that needs to be fixed.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, newly installed solar panels can last 25 years or more: “The only device that needs to be replaced before installing the panels is the inverter. »
The inverter's job is to convert the electricity generated by your panels (DC) into electricity that powers your home (AC).
They also recommend testing the integrity of your solar panel system within 10 years of installation and every five years thereafter.
6. Protect your panels from birds
While many of us welcome wildlife into our gardens, we should encourage our four-legged friends to look elsewhere when it comes to solar panels.
The bathroom is the main reason. Dirt coats the panels and reduces their efficiency, while high acid levels damage and corrode the cables. Their sharp claws can also damage and scratch boards.
So what is the solution? If you are considering installing solar panels and know that pigeons are a problem in your area, it may be more beneficial to protect them from the start. If you install the protection later, you will have to add the costs of the scaffolding.
There are many ways to protect your panels, from bird netting, to bird barriers or sunshades, to anti-moss nails that prevent birds from nesting under your panels, to anti-moss nails that prevent birds from roosting on the roof. Alternatively, simple traps imitating predators such as owls can be useful.
7. Saves more energy
If your solar energy production is declining, one solution is to pay attention to how and when you use your devices. Simple changes and adjustments can make a big difference in increasing your solar energy production. If you use your washing machine at night, switch to daytime use so your clean laundry is ready to dry in the morning.
There are other steps you can take to save energy any time of year, such as replacing energy-efficient light bulbs.
Read more in Tom's travel guide
How solar energy became so cheap and why it's not everywhere (yet)
