Snow Reflects Sunlight
It’s a known fact that the color white reflects sunlight, so much so that it’s almost blinding when you look at a white car while the sun is shining. When it snows, solar panels absorb more energy. However, you will have to be careful when removing snow from the panels. The easiest thing to do if you don’t want to hire someone is to hose the snow off yourself. This won’t damage the panels, and they’ll be nice and clean.
You Don’t Have to Wait
Since it’s commonly believed it’s better to install solar panels during the spring or summer, solar panel installation companies often find themselves busy and overwhelmed with one installation after another. During a time of high demand, you’ll usually have to wait a lot longer to get solar panels installed for your own home, but having it done in the winter means you’ll hardly have to wait at all.
High Heat Can Make Solar Panels Less Efficient
Just as a computer or phone can overheat, so can solar panels. Overheating can drastically reduce the energy that solar panels absorb, meaning your electric bill will be higher. While this won’t permanently damage the solar panels, as they typically go through rigorous testing against temperature, you won’t get as much use from them when the temperature is higher than average.
Solar Panel Installation is a Lengthy Process
Solar panel installation can take up to six months to complete. If completion takes place in the fall or winter, your solar panels will be ready for use in time for summer, when they absorb the most direct sunlight. Not only that, but installation workers tend to prefer the cold weather over the uncomfortable, hot, and sweaty summer weather. While you may favor warm weather, it’s not ideal conditions to perform any sort of construction work.
Solar Panels are More Efficient During the Winter
Due to the low temperatures of the winter months, solar panels increase in efficiency. Solar panels don’t necessarily produce more energy than in the spring and summer, but their internal temperature tends to stay within the recommended range. Scientists have found ways to keep solar panels insulated during the cold but haven’t quite found a way to keep them from getting overheated. Thus, they perform more efficiently in the winter but save you more money on your electric bill in the summer.
Winter is the Time to Make a Move
If you’re ready to get on board with installing new solar panels this winter, contact us at Solar Optimum, and don’t forget about our 25-year performance warranty!
