Do Solar Panels Work In The Snow?

It's that time of year to ask, How Well Do Solar Panels Work In The Snow?

Even with cold, gray, and dark winters, solar panels will work in the snow. Winter is the least performing season of the year, with January producing only about half the energy generated in June. This is because of shorter days, lower sun angle, and snow cover.

A light dusting of snow that sticks to the grass usually won't stick to the panels. Heavy snowfall will cover the panels for a time, but then they clear right off.

According to the University of Minnesota, panels can produce power with a light coating of snow because some light can come through. But, when the snow is thick and heavy, the panels cannot produce. The solar panels will produce power once the snow is removed from them.

Generally, thick and heavy snow will melt within a few days. While solar panels aren't heated, once the radiant heat catches a corner, the rest of the snow comes down pretty quickly.

There are some advantages to Northern climates. Solar panels perform well in cooler temperatures because it keeps the panels from overheating; extreme high temperature will actually reduce the output.

Also, the snow on the ground can reflect light to panels that can produce energy on the top and bottom. It doesn't make up for the shorter day, but it's an added benefit for the performance in winter.

One piece of advice - you don't need to clear the snow off solar panels. Do NOT attempt to get up on the roof with a broom, brush or other contraption to scrape the snow. You could damage the panels or worse; you could injure yourself. It's just not worth it. Instead, relax and let Mother Nature work her magic.

Regardless of your location, a good solar design will include energy production estimates for the project location to take all sorts of environmental factors into account, for all seasons. Using an official calculator, like PVWatts from the National Renewable Energy Lab, or NREL, will ensure proper PV solar system sizing.