Living in an area that experiences frequent snowfall does not mean you can’t benefit from solar power. One thing that makes a difference is the selection of the right solar panels. Apparently, snow seems a huge challenge for your panels in producing energy; the high-quality panels and the best installation practices can keep your solar setup generating electricity more efficiently in winter.
Searching for the best solar panels for cold climates? You should look for various factors when choosing the best panel, such as low-light efficiency and snow load resistance. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right solar panel that can withstand harsh snowy conditions. Let’s start the discussion.
What to Consider When Choosing Solar Panels for Cold Climate/Snow?
Want to buy solar panels for your home? Don’t know what to consider when purchasing the right panel for winter use? Keep the following factors in mind while making a purchase.
1. Durability
Choose panels that can handle constant freeze-thaw cycles, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice buildup. High-grade panels have weather-resistant sealing, reinforced frames, and tempered glass. Reputed brands like Renogy always test their solar panels under extreme conditions to ensure longevity.
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2. Snow Load Resistance
Premium-quality panels are tested for heavy mechanical loads to ensure they can easily handle extra snow weight. It is good to check for different certifications, such as UL 1703 and IEC 61215. These certifications are issued to manufacturers who test their panels for wind resistance and snow.
3. Low-Light Efficiency
As stated earlier, panels capture less sunlight in winter due to shorter days. Therefore, consider choosing the panels that offer powerful low-light performance. PERC or monocrystalline panels absorb more energy from indirect or diffuse sunlight. This property keeps them generating electricity even on snowy or cloudy days.
4. Self-Heating
Modern panels are equipped with this technology. It melts ice and snow faster. Self-heating technology uses a small portion of the generated power to warm the panels’ surfaces. It prevents snow buildup and exposes panels to direct sunlight.
5. Anti-Snow Coatings
Hydrophobic sprays or anti-snow coatings make it difficult for snow to stick to your panels’ surfaces for long hours. A water-repellent layer created by these coatings enables snow to run off the panels in no time. The steeper tilt angle speeds up the snow removal process.
The Right Panels to Install in Snowy Regions
For regions with harsh winters, monocrystalline solar panels are the undisputed best choice. Their higher efficiency and exceptional performance in low-light conditions ensure optimal energy production during shorter, cloudier days.
Furthermore, features like a lower temperature coefficient and a longer lifespan allow them to deliver superior reliability in cold, snowy weather. These panels are also physically built for the challenge, with anti-reflective coatings, reinforced aluminum frames, and tempered glass that can withstand heavy snow loads and icy conditions.
A top recommendation is the Renogy ShadowFlux anti-shading solar panel. As a advanced type of monocrystalline panel, it incorporates unique technology that allows electricity to flow around shaded cells. This means that even when a section of the panel is covered by snow, the remaining cells continue to generate significant power.
If your roof is flat, has a low pitch, or you simply want the best possible performance when snow partially covers your array, the Renogy ShadowFlux is a superior choice.
Best Practices to Install Solar Panels in Snowy Areas
Follow the tips below for a perfect solar panel installation in areas that experience heavy snowfalls.
- Optimize the tilt angle (30°-45°) for faster snow removal.
- Maintain a south-facing orientation to capture more sunlight and melt snow instantly.
- Always use weather-rated mounting structures to handle wind loads and heavy snow.
- Don't forget to check your racking and panels before and after major snowfall to ensure they are not damaged.
- If your panels are covered with a thick layer of snow, remove it using a roof rake or soft snow brush.
Why Choosing the Right Solar Panel Matters in Snowy/Cold Climates?
As soon as winter arrives, your solar panels may face several issues, like ice buildup, snow loads, and limited peak sunlight hours. They may result in reduced panel efficiency and performance. Therefore, choosing the right solar panel for snowy winters is not just a good choice — it is a must-have for all those living in cold climates.
1. Cold Temperatures Can Stress Your Solar Equipment
It is true that solar panels perform more efficiently in low temperatures, but extreme cold can cause stress on your solar setup. Similarly, when temperature changes quickly (from slightly warmer mornings to freezing nights), it may lead to thermal contraction or expansion. It may result in micro-cracks in low-quality solar panels.
You may not be able to see these cracks, but they can significantly reduce your panel’s efficiency over time. Modern solar panels are built to withstand freeze-thaw cycles without any noticeable loss in performance.
2. Snow Accumulation Blocks Sunlight
Heavy snowfall covers your panels with a white blanket, blocking sunlight completely from reaching the panels. Poorly engineered panels can’t handle this situation. Therefore, installing standard solar panels in snowy regions will be of no value.
Snow-grade panels engineered for cold, snowy winters, like the Renogy ShadowFlux Anti-Shading Solar Panel, undergo rigorous testing for durability and performance. More critically, their advanced Anti-Shading technology ensures that even when a section of the panel is blocked by snow, ice, or debris, the remaining cells continue to generate significant power, maintaining high efficiency where standard panels would fail completely.
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3. Moisture Can Pose Hidden Dangers
When snow melts, it seeps into seals or tiny gaps. Then, it refreezes and expands. It may break seals, crack glass, or warp panel frames over time. Moisture badly affects the performance of your solar panels and reduces their lifespan at the same time.
Therefore, investing in snow-rated solar panels is a wise choice for winter use. These panels are tested for harsh weather conditions and protect your solar setup from internal damage, as they come with a reliable drainage design and strong sealing.
4. Snow Load Can Cause Structural Damage
In some regions, snow load not only reduces the panels’ efficiency but also poses safety risks. When your solar panels are covered with heavy snow, it puts immense pressure on the frames. This additional load may bend or break the panel frames if they are not rated for such conditions.
5. Reduced Sunlight
Due to low sun angle and shorter days, your panels receive direct sunlight for fewer hours in winter compared to summer. Not all solar panels function properly in low-light conditions.
This is where PERC or monocrystalline panels play a crucial role. Whether the days are overcast or cloudy, these panels produce power utilizing diffuse sunlight.
6. Ensuring Long-Term Reliability
Snow and cold climates can expose your solar panels to conditions that speed up damage over time. Low-quality panels are more prone to these issues. Therefore, choosing weather-certified and high-efficiency solar panels is crucial. Selecting the right best solar panels for snow or cold winters is not just about ensuring today’s performance; it is more about protecting your investment for years.
Final Thoughts
High-quality panels and the right setup does not allow snow to be an obstacle to benefiting from solar power. The best solar panels for snow or cold climates are the ones that can perform better in low-light conditions, and handle snow loads and freezing temperatures.
For long-term savings, safety, and better performance through the winter months, investing in high-quality solar panels is essential. Choosing a reputable brand like Renogy guarantees a reliable and valuable investment.
FAQs
What is a good snow load rating for solar panels?
A good snow load rating is 5,400 pascals, whereas premium-quality panels are rated between 6,000 and 7,000 pascals, offering extra durability and strength.
How does a cold climate affect solar panel efficiency?
Generally, cold temperatures are good for solar panels to function more efficiently. Heavy snow accumulation and fewer peak sunlight hours may reduce the panels’ efficiency temporarily.
How can I maintain solar panels during the snow season?
Keep your panels snow-free and track their performance regularly.Avoid using sharp tools, hosing with water, or climbing onto a slippery roof.
