With winter right around the corner, it is necessary to know how your solar panel system will perform and what to do to prepare it to the colder months. Although the amount of sunlight is reduced, new solar panels can produce electricity throughout the year, and even colder weather can lead to better performance of panels. In just a few easy actions, you will be able to make your solar power system continue operating effectively during the winter season.
The performance of Solar panels during winter
The winter season in the UK causes shorter days and reduces the amount of sunlight thus lowering the amount of electricity your solar panels generate. Nevertheless, the solar panels are not useless, even when there is a cloudy day. Low temperatures do not harm your panels, on the contrary, the solar cells work efficiently under low temperatures. Regardless of whether you have solar panels on a shed roof, flat roof or garage roof, it is always a good idea to keep them uncovered and clear of any obstruction that will reduce the production of energy.
Clear Your Solar Panels
The solar panels are usually of low maintenance nature due to their hydrophobic coating that causes the dust and debris to be washed off by rain. When thawing, the snow tends to slide down. Nevertheless, in order to be at its best keep your panels clear of leaves, litter or shady spots. With solar panels on a shed or flat roof, it is a good idea to cut down surrounding trees.
In case the debris is not cleared naturally, the panels may be sprayed with water. One does not need cleaning products. Solar panel cleaning services are offered by professionals to those who do not want to do it themselves. The cleaner and protective mesh of solar panels will also keep your setup out of trouble with the droppings of the birds and pigeons.
Add Solar Battery Storage
The winter will typically require you to generate more energy in the grid since there will be less sunlight. Solar panel and battery kit or solar battery kit could be used to store excess electricity produced during sunny days so that it can be used later. The cost of solar batteries is changeable and thus buying a second battery would assist you to make the most of self-consumption and less dependency on the grid.
In the case of solar-powered sheds, solar AA battery chargers, and solar to charge gadgets, battery storage will mean that you have power at the right time and even on a dull day. The inverter systems and solar panel optimisers also contribute to the preservation of efficiency particularly during winter.
Use Multi-Rate Tariffs
You can also combine your solar panels with a multi-rate electricity tariff so that you can charge your solar battery using the grid when the rates are low. Standard plans such as Economy 7 or dynamic tariffs have the ability to save money and you are able to use stored energy when production by the sun is less.
Know the Cold weather effect on solar batteries
Low temperatures have the temporary negative effect of decreasing battery capacity and charge rates. Solar kits use lithium-ion batteries with built-in battery management systems (BMS) that ensure the battery is not damaged when in freezing conditions. In case internal temperatures are too low, not all batteries will charge temporarily. This is healthy and guarantees an extended life.
Majority of solar batteries can work effectively in garages or lofts or in well-ventilated spaces. Performance is dependent on the internal battery temperature and not the ambient temperature. With inverter monitoring portals, you would be able to monitor the temperature of your solar battery remotely.
Solar Panel Protection
The panels or wiring may be damaged by birds. Solar panel bird guards, pigeon protection, and mesh should be installed to ensure that your system is preserved. These protective measures can be used on solar panels on sheds, flat roofs, or areas under conservation.
In the case of those who install solar panels on their cars, fences, or sheds in their gardens, the elements and the wildlife will not pose any problem since the panels will be shielded to get constant power on their solar-powered house number signs, solar pumps, or solar chargers.
Winter Solar Saving tips
Monitor battery charge: Make changes to off-peak charging in case you have either a solar installation kit or a solar panel kit with battery and inverter.
- Make the most of sun rays: Panel should not be covered or dirty.
- Check inverter settings: Solar inverters do not lose their efficiency when the day is shorter.
- Storage: Have a plan to have extra batteries so that you can store some energy to use on cloudy days or even at night.
Solar panels are still in use in winter to offer renewable energy to the homes, sheds, and outbuildings. When well maintained, your solar system, which includes solar panels, batteries, inverters and other accessories will provide you with reliable power and reduce your dependency on the grid.
