Canada has a growing commitment to renewable energy. As such, many businesses and homeowners are making (or want to make) the switch to solar energy. However, those who want to take advantage of solar energy for environmental and financial savings wonder: how well do solar panels work in winter in Canada?
Contrary to what you might think, solar panels work well in Canadian winter, sometimes even better than in the summer. This is partly due to how the sun reflects off the snow, and how easily the sun slides off solar panels.
Many common misconceptions surround solar panels’ productivity during harsh cold and snow. We, at mySolar, are here to clear things up. This article will outline how solar energy panels work in a Canadian winter so that any Canadian can feel comfortable and inspired to make better, long-term decisions for their homes and businesses.
How Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
Solar panels produce electricity from sunlight, not heat, which already debunks the idea that they’ll falter in cold weather. There’s still plenty of sunlight throughout the winter.
How do solar panels work in winter? In addition to the direct sunlight they receive, they also absorb rays that bounce off the snow. Snow acts as a natural reflector with its lighter colour refracting more sunlight, enhancing panel efficiency. Further, while some people think solar panel performance is worse in winter, they can perform better as cold temperatures improve conductivity.
Contrary to what most believe, extreme heat worsens solar panel efficiency, since they already function at a warmer temperature than ambient air. In cooler temperatures, the atoms within solar panels slow down, leaving more room for electrons to move and generate energy.
So, do solar panels work in winter? Absolutely. With proper maintenance and placement, solar panels can continue to be a reliable energy source throughout the cold, harsh, winter months.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Does Snow Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?
It might be harder to believe that, on average, snow-covered panels aren’t a problem during winter. Typically, snow buildup will slide off solar panels for two reasons. First, solar cells function at warm temperatures, so snow will melt off them. Second, solar panels are installed with a tilt, and their smooth surface allows snow to fall right off.
Solar panels are also designed to shed snow quickly by attracting sunlight through any lingering snow and helping it melt away faster. Even if snow accumulated on the panels and wasn’t removed immediately, a study shows they’d only experience one to five percent less productivity than panels that remained clear. To ensure solar panels operate at peak efficiency during heavy snowfall, use a soft brush to clear off the snow if it isn’t falling away on its own.
Solar Energy Benefits in Cold Canadian Winters
Canadian homeowners and business owners can gather smarter, sustainable energy year-round with solar panels. More than that, you get these extra benefits from winter use.
Better Panel Performance
How well do solar panels work in winter? The increased conductivity and refraction of the snow allow solar panels to perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures. As they produce more electricity, homeowners and businesses can increase energy stores.
That being said, should a harsh weather disruption occur, you’ll still have energy for the essentials. If you have solar batteries, they’ll kick in to provide backup power during winter storms.
Get Government Incentives
Installing solar energy panels aligns with government incentives to promote renewable energy year-round. Canadians keen on being environmentally conscious and making savings can reap the rewards of solar panel incentives even in winter.
Commercial Versus Residential Solar in Winter
Commercial and residential solar projects have different roles. A commercial solar power system requires much more space than residential setups, depending on the scale of the initiative. Their electricity generation output is also more likely to be used for larger equipment with much higher running requirements and lengths.
Commercial installations must follow provincial regulations. When installed properly, they offer long-term savings and environmental incentives. Solar panels can be a huge saver for businesses trying to offset high energy costs even in peak winter months. Some of Canada’s largest solar projects are located in Alberta and Ontario.
As for residential setups, solar panels are usually installed on individual homes (on rooftops) at a much smaller scale. They don’t need as much room, and they don’t need to power as much machinery. They’ll generate enough energy for the needs of a typical single-family home. While local zoning and regulations must be adhered to, residential customers will see more affordable bills and potential government rebates.
Image source: Shutterstock
Tips for Optimizing Solar Panel Performance in Winter
Wondering how you can make the most of solar panels during winter? It’s not difficult. Use these four tips for safe, efficient energy production.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning: Keep solar panels clear of heavy snow or debris with a soft brush. Apart from that, Canadian solar panels require little to no maintenance.
- Install at the right tilt angle: Solar panels mounted at steep angles shed snow a lot easier.
- Invest in high-quality panels: Certain panel models are better suited for cold climates. Consult a mySolar expert to find the best fit for your home or business.
- Pair with a battery: While snow and cold weather don’t impact energy production as much, darkness does. Store surplus energy generated during sunnier days for use during cloudy periods.
Get the mySolar Advantage Before Winter and Save on Energy Costs
Do solar panels work in winter in Canada? Yes, and better than ever. Solar panels are a reliable, efficient option for Canadian winters, helping homeowners and businesses reduce costs and leverage renewable energy year-round.
With solar energy initiatives rising in Canada, there’s no better time to make the eco-conscious switch. Let mySolar help. As Ontario’s number one solar panel installation company, we’ve helped countless customers save money, become energy-independent, and lower their carbon footprint.
Contact us today for a free custom solar report tailored to your unique needs in Canadian winters. Speak to a mySolar expert today and learn how we can brighten your energy future—even in the depths of winter.