When winter rolls around, homeowners may wonder if solar energy systems are still as effective at powering their home. The answer is yes – even in the winter, solar energy systems can actually help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and keep your home running in all types of weather.
Keep reading to learn more about winter solar panel use.
Keep Your Home Running No Matter the Weather
Rooftop solar panels are made to capture solar radiation from the sunandrsquo;s rays and convert it into electricity for use by the homeandrsquo;s electrical system. On sunny days, solar panels generate more electricity than a household needs, which is then sent back to the electric grid. If you have an excess energy agreement with your utility company, they will credit you for any extra energy produced that season or roll it over to offset future bills.
At night and during cloudy days, solar energy systems work differently. Though solar energy can still be generated on cloudy days, solar panel efficiency does decrease. During this time, solar power is supplemented by grid electricity in grid-tied systems — so youandrsquo;ll never be without electricity in your home. However, if you have backup battery storage, you may be able to remain independent from the grid even when your panels arenandrsquo;t producing power at their full capacity.
Will Rain, Snow or Ice Damage My Panels?
Generally speaking, no. Even if snow or ice covers the solar cells of your solar system, it will not cause any long-term damage or decrease the effectiveness of your solar energy system. When temperatures rise and the precipitation melts away, your solar system will again start to produce at its full capacity. We do not recommend removing snow and ice from your panels as this is more likely to cause damage than allowing the snow and ice to melt on its own.
Do You Need Backup Battery Storage?
Homeowners who have solar energy systems installed in their homes may also want to consider adding a solar battery storage system. As mentioned above, solar batteries provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind, ensuring that your home is powered even during bad weather or emergencies when solar panels can't generate enough electricity. With solar battery storage, you'll be able to store the excess solar energy produced by your rooftop solar so it's available for use at night or on cloudy days. Additionally, having a backup battery will allow you to continue producing power during grid outages or blackouts.
Solar backup batteries can help in several situations, including:
- At night
- During extended stretches of rain or overcast weather
- When the power grid goes down
- In the event of natural disasters, including flooding and earthquakes
If you have a solar energy system installed at your home and aren't sure if you need backup battery storage, call our team at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar. We can help you build the solar PV system that best meets your needs, including assisting you in installing solar backup batteries.
Do you have questions about solar PV systems, indoor lighting or improving your heating systemandrsquo;s efficiency? Give Valley a call; our team of experts is standing by.
Happy 2023 from Your Friends at Valley!
On the blog, we review how to get the most out of your heating system, including the best temperature to set your heater and how to make the most of your thermostatandrsquo;s scheduling features. We are also looking for ways to improve the lighting in our homes. Better indoor lighting not only makes your home more functional, it can also enhance your mood and combat any seasonal depression. Check out our blog for a few helpful tips on achieving better indoor lighting this winter.
Reminder: federal regulations for heat pump efficiency ratings changed as of January 1, 2023. To learn more about the changes and how they might impact new system installations, review the following blog posts: