Solar panels are one way to lock in long-term energy savings for many people in most places. While energy costs rise with inflation, locking in cheaper electricity may look like a better deal, especially now that solar incentives have increased from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Even though solar panels are probably most closely associated with bright, sunny summer days, they work just as well in the winter. While cold temperatures will help solar panels work more efficiently, other features of winter (cloudier and shorter days, snow and ice and the sun sitting lower in the sky) mean solar panels will almost certainly produce less during the colder months. There's just less sun to go around.
You can do a few things to get the most from your panels. Solar panels require minimal maintenance, and none of the pointers below are things you're required to do, but with just a bit of extra work, you can produce a bit more electricity even when the sun is scarce.
Also, check out cheaper ways to incorporate solar into your home and how the US government is making it more affordable to purchase solar panels and energy-efficient home upgrades.
Adjust the angle of your panels
The angle of the sun during the winter is different than during the summer. As a result, you may want to adjust the angle of your solar panels to make the most of them during the winter. Most people won't be able to, since solar panels are often mounted on fixed racks but, for those who can, adjusting the angle can get a bit more sun to your panels.
Because the sun is lower in the sky during the winter than in the summer, you'll want your panels at a steeper angle during those months. Some sources suggest a winter angle of your latitude plus 10-15 degrees. In Chicago, for example, that would be an angle between 52 and 57 degrees. (Chicago's latitude is about 42 degrees.) As an added perk, not only will a steeper angle help to capture more sunlight, but it will also help the snow to more easily fall from your panels. Talk to your solar panel provider about your options before you make any adjustments. You should be extremely careful not to tinker with your panels in a way that might void their warranty.
While changes of 10 to 15 degrees may not be possible with adjustable racks, even small changes can result in a bit more electricity.
Remove heavy snow from your panels
If you live in an area that gets snow, it's natural that some will land on your solar panels. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Light snowfall is likely to melt fairly quickly. And there may actually be some benefit to snow on your solar panels since it can clean your panels as it falls off.
While some snow on your solar panels is fine, watch out for excess snow accumulation. Solar panels that are covered in snow simply won't capture sunlight in the same way. Additionally, heavy snow can result in too much weight on your solar panels, putting stress on the mounting points.
If you're going to clean snow off your solar panels, be sure to use the right tool. A rough brush or rake can damage your solar panels. Instead, use a soft snow brush that will clean the snow off without scratching the surface of your panels. Again, it's always a good idea to check with your provider to make sure you won't void your warranty.
Reduce your energy usage (or prepare to pay more for electricity)
Solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home during the winter. But because there are fewer daylight hours, you can also expect your solar panels to produce less energy than they might during the summer. As a result, you may either need to reduce your energy usage or prepare to pay a higher electricity bill. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your energy usage, including:
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. They last longer and perform better. In general, a 60-watt traditional light bulb can be replaced with a 15-watt energy-efficient bulb.
- Turn off lights and appliances you aren't using. While most of us know we're wasting energy when we leave these things on, we forget that it actually impacts our wallets.
- Unplug small appliances you aren't using. Even when they aren't in use, they can use a small amount of electricity, which adds to your energy bill.
- Turn down your thermostat. You can save money by turning the temperature in your home down a few degrees. Wear layered clothing to make yourself more comfortable.
- Check your home's insulation. If your home has poor insulation, more heat will escape, which will cost you money.
Properly insulate your batteries
You'll want to take special care of your solar batteries during the winter to ensure they continue to perform. It's important to keep your batteries at an appropriate temperature. Batteries aren't meant to work in the very low temperatures that some regions experience. As a result, you should either store your batteries indoors or ensure they are well-insulated.
If you keep your batteries outdoors, monitor the temperature to ensure it's in the optimal range.
Watch your battery discharge
It's also important to watch your battery discharge levels. It's not recommended that you completely discharge your solar batteries. In fact, while some batteries may be suited for discharge levels of 70% to 80%, the recommended discharge level is actually 50%. On high usage days, as you may be likely to have in the winter, keep an eye on your battery discharge and consider investing in a backup generator.
The bottom line
The good news is that your solar panels can still capture sunlight and create energy for your home during the winter months. They may simply require a bit more care and maintenance leading up to and during winter.