Do Solar Panels Work In Winter?

By Author: nikhil
Total Articles: 7
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Before getting to this, why not discuss in brief about what is a solar panel and how does it work.

What is a solar panel?
We come across these terms very commonly like solar energy, solar panel, solar rooftop panels, etc. But what are these? What do they do? Why are they gaining so much recognition lately?
The answer is simple, everyone loves cheap and long-lasting things, don't they? And if they are getting it then why will not they replace it? We all are troubled by our skyrocketing electricity bills, aren't we? Meanwhile, if you get the solution to this problem then it's a win-win situation for us. Replacing the old and conventional methods of producing electricity with the modern and inexhaustible source of production is not only economic but also prudent as the coal and petroleum are exhausting at a much faster rate. So one day they will completely vanish and we will be leftover with the modern solution only. So before that, we should be wise enough to utilize the inexhaustible source of renewable energy.

What does solar panel do?
Simple, it converts solar energy into electricity Energy.
...
... How?
Though its complex structure and mechanism. Solar energy carry photons that set electrons free from the constituent material. These free electrons then generate electricity.

What are they made up of?
These solar panels are made up of thin crystalline sheets mostly made up of silicon.

How are they so cheap?
Well, it's very simple to understand this. There are two grid connect systems working in this direction differently for residential and commercial places. For residential places, rooftop grid connect systems are the most adept ones. Now there are again two methods by which we cut short our shooting electricity bills, one by directly using the produced electricity for domestic purposes. Two, by selling the electricity to the power station and then getting our bills short. Both the methods are good and can be applied according to the need. The cost of installation is a bit high, but not to worry as the government is providing subsidies for the installation. Yippee!

When Do they work efficiently?
Well, if they are using solar energy, then the first thing that pops up in our mind is they should work the most efficiently when there is sufficient sunlight available. And this happens on bright sunny days. When the sun is in its full shine and smiling high. Of course, it is the situation. But what shines is not always gold. If there is too much sunlight, then instead of generating high electricity, it may deteriorate the situation by damaging the elements.
Again the common notion is winters means chilling nights, less sunlight so no solar energy and hence no electricity. But that's not the truth. The solar panels do work in the winter season. However, snow hinders efficiency and the output is on the lower side because of obvious reasons.

How to increase its efficiency while winters and snow?
• First of all, set it to an angle where the snow melts off and vanishes on its own.
• Second, try to dust off the snow from the solar panels. Solar panels work less efficiently when they get covered in snow, brushing off the snow will thereby prevent it's lagging.
• Third, solar panels work efficiently only when they are not covered with snow in winters, rest is fine. Winters are fine.
Snow everywhere, chilling nights, you are enjoying with your family and then all of a sudden you are worried about the output of solar panel installed on the rooftop of your house. Why? There's a common myth that winters bring low solar output, although it's partially true it's not the complete truth. Winters do have long nights and smaller days, and they may give less output. But the complete cut off or zero output doesn't happen as it is assumed commonly. Interestingly, solar panels can give a raised output in winter, surprised? Well, now this is 8th standard basic science, the white snow can reflect the light falling on it. According to data, up to 80% of the light is reflected by snow while the bare ground reflects only about 15-20%. Now you see how winter can affect the working of the solar panel. Solar panels' production is hindered only when they are covered by snow on the top. Moreover, the winter days are limited, the snow days are limited lasting up to some three months. So, even if there are low light days, you can make it up in summer with a full and brightly shining sun. So wherever you live, you can take up the solar panel as an option, as a remedy for your killing bills.

Even though the effects of winter on the solar panel are quite a few, still if you are considering to install it then you need to focus on a few points-
• Weight and pressure management by solar panels- All the solar panels are designed appropriately to bear certain weight. They all undergo pressure testing to prove the best. So the solar panels can withstand the pressure of snow being covered.
• Hey, beautiful snow, please give me a way- If the solar panels are covered with snow, then their production reduces. Even if snow covers the surface area of solar panels, it's very easy to clean it up with the help of the right equipment. Besides this, solar panels are tilted at a particular angle so the snow falls on its own.
• Cold is gold - Actually, on the contrary, cold weather is good for the production of electricity as the snow reflects the light and the production increases.
So, if you are planning to install the solar panels, you can go for it without any doubt even if it's a winter season and the majestic white snow is covering the ground. With the right knowledge, you can improve the working of solar panels and take advantage of the sun's solar energy in the right manner.

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