This is a question that all solar panel owners living in wintry conditions have to confront. You know that the panels are delicate and you don't want to mess up your shingles or the solar mounting systems. Still, the snow is up there and is preventing the panels from making electricity, so what do you do? First and foremost, it is never a good idea to climb up onto you roof in snowy and icy conditions. Your health and safety is much more important than your solar panels, so don't go climbing up onto your roof and falling off like Clark Griswold. There are some other methods that work.
In some areas of the country it just doesn't make sense to utilize solar energy as a resource because the region experiences too much cloud cover through the year. Additionally, there are certain things you want to make sure you do when you do install panels to make sure that you are optimizing the power you can generate.
Checking the Garage Door
In many homes, garage doors are of the most vulnerable points in the home's structure. A weak garage door can let wind enter the home, which will in turn result in the roof being torn off. Once you have installed the right garage door, you should move on to the roof. You need to invest in steel roofing that's reinforced to handle whatever is thrown its way. The garage door has to be reinforced as well. Check with the major garage door companies to see what they can do. Odds are if they are located in parts of the country that have more hurricanes than others, they will have offerings that will get the job done.
There are several theories around that claim using chemicals can help keep the snow off of your panels. This, however, is not recommended. People have suggested spraying your panels with cooking spray or even dousing them with windshield wiper fluid. None of these is recommended as it can fog up the panels permanently and cause a decrease in energy yield. You can use water from the hose to try spraying off the snow, just make sure it doesn't freeze on to the panels. Lastly, never try to melt the snow with hot water. When hot water is poured onto glass it often causes the glass to crack.
Positioning your Panels for Optimal Energy Production
Utilizing Modern Pumping Technology
Precise placement and the right angle can help you double or triple the energy output of your panels. For detailed information, you can search online or consult a professional for instructions specific to your region. Additionally, if you are able, sun tracking mounts and other solar mounting systems are available that allow your panel to follow the path of the sun, increasing the energy output.
Whatever you decide to do about the snow on your panels, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions. You don't want to damage the panels but, more importantly, you don't want to hurt yourself in an effort to earn a few more watts of energy. Usually, the safest place on a snowy day is sitting by your fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Stay safe!
In some areas of the country it just doesn't make sense to utilize solar energy as a resource because the region experiences too much cloud cover through the year. Additionally, there are certain things you want to make sure you do when you do install panels to make sure that you are optimizing the power you can generate.
Checking the Garage Door
In many homes, garage doors are of the most vulnerable points in the home's structure. A weak garage door can let wind enter the home, which will in turn result in the roof being torn off. Once you have installed the right garage door, you should move on to the roof. You need to invest in steel roofing that's reinforced to handle whatever is thrown its way. The garage door has to be reinforced as well. Check with the major garage door companies to see what they can do. Odds are if they are located in parts of the country that have more hurricanes than others, they will have offerings that will get the job done.
There are several theories around that claim using chemicals can help keep the snow off of your panels. This, however, is not recommended. People have suggested spraying your panels with cooking spray or even dousing them with windshield wiper fluid. None of these is recommended as it can fog up the panels permanently and cause a decrease in energy yield. You can use water from the hose to try spraying off the snow, just make sure it doesn't freeze on to the panels. Lastly, never try to melt the snow with hot water. When hot water is poured onto glass it often causes the glass to crack.
Positioning your Panels for Optimal Energy Production
Utilizing Modern Pumping Technology
Precise placement and the right angle can help you double or triple the energy output of your panels. For detailed information, you can search online or consult a professional for instructions specific to your region. Additionally, if you are able, sun tracking mounts and other solar mounting systems are available that allow your panel to follow the path of the sun, increasing the energy output.
Whatever you decide to do about the snow on your panels, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions. You don't want to damage the panels but, more importantly, you don't want to hurt yourself in an effort to earn a few more watts of energy. Usually, the safest place on a snowy day is sitting by your fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Stay safe!
About the Author:
TRA Snow & Sun is the right company to improve your home by amplifying your energy efficiency with solar mounting systems and ensure your roof is ready for the winter with snow fences, snow guards, and more.
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