No matter where you live — where temperatures fluctuate mildly or where freezing temperatures are the mark of winter—  you may be wondering what you need to do to prep your solar system for the winter. The good news is that most solar systems are quite low maintenance. However, there are still things you probably want to know: 

Do solar panels produce less energy during winter months?

Summer isn’t the only time to reap the benefits of solar. If it’s sunny outside, you’re good to go. Solar panels perform well in colder weather and can even generate clean energy on cloudy days. 

Should you remove snow from your solar panels?

There are many resources telling homeowners how to maintain their solar system. But when it comes to snow, removal from your solar panels isn’t usually necessary. In most cases, it will melt off after a reasonable amount of time. Really, the risk of removing snow is probably greater than the reward of the increased production.

There are exceptions, however. If there has been very heavy snow with a tendency for it to stay on panels for a month or more, there may be a benefit of hiring a company to come out and remove that snow. Never try to do this on your own!

Can SunPower solar panels handle extreme winter weather?

SunPower panels are extremely durable, as they are made up of solar cells, unlike any others. For one thing, they are backed with a strong copper foundation. Most conventional solar cells feature metal tracking across the front, which can be susceptible to the stresses of temperature change. Thin, conventional solar cells can expand and contract — and weaken.

What are some ways to make a home winter-ready?

But we know that daylight hours are shorter in the winter. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue for your solar system if you actively conserve energy. To ensure your energy consumption isn’t surpassing your energy production, look for ways to make your home more efficient, including the following:

  • Weatherproof your home — drafts with doorstoppers, weatherstrip windows, and insulate electrical outlets. These are inexpensive ways to keep out unwanted cold weather.
  • Add more insulation if needed, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home.
  • Replace windows and doors with more efficient types.
  • Install a smart thermostat to help maintain ideal temperatures when at home and, more importantly, when away.

In summary, there’s not much you need to do to prepare your solar system for winter weather. However, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on your production and consumption to help you maintain a low utility bill. So, enjoy your warm and cozy home, knowing it’s heated with better, cleaner energy.

Let us answer all of your questions! Go solar with Sunergy Systems and save now and long into the future. Talk to our sales staff or visit us online for more.