Solar energy is a renewable source that is increasingly discussed daily, yet many questions and uncertainties remain about the challenges and advantages it offers. Answers to such questions are particularly important for investors and citizens interested in investing in solar energy.
Although many cities in our region are not covered in snow, winter is still here, making this the perfect time to explore an interesting topic – the impact of snow on the efficiency of solar panels.
Among those less familiar with this subject, there is often a belief that solar power plants operate poorly and are unprofitable during the winter. This is likely due to the name itself – solar – which is associated with sunlight and heat.
However, it is not entirely true that winter days can significantly limit the efficiency of solar power plants. On the contrary, data shows that, with proper system design and optimization, solar power plants can continue producing energy and sometimes even exceed expectations.
It is true that, during this period, days are shorter, reducing the number of hours when the plants can absorb sunlight. However, what should be of less concern is snow and low temperatures.
Modern solar systems often have panels installed at an angle that allows snow to slide off naturally, reducing the need for additional investments in snow removal. Additionally, snow acts as a natural way of cleaning panels from dust and other dirt. In a previous article, I wrote about the negative impact of dust on panel efficiency, and snow melting can help remove it along with the snow.
If snow is not removed from the panels, it can hinder energy production. However, snow on the ground around solar panels can be beneficial. Thanks to the albedo effect, sunlight reflecting off the snowy surface increases the overall amount of light the panels can absorb. This means that, while snow can be an obstacle, it can also enhance panel efficiency, provided the panels are clean.
As I mentioned earlier, there is often a misconception that low temperatures reduce panel capacity. In fact, it is high temperatures that decrease their efficiency. Cold air cools the panels, helping them maintain their optimal operating range and enabling better conversion of solar energy into electricity.
An example that supports this comes from a solar power plant in Kikinda. During a conversation with engineers, I learned that, under sunny winter conditions with snow on the ground, the system operated at 60 percent capacity.
Although snow and winter present certain challenges, they do not mean that a solar power plant will fall into a deep winter slumber. On the contrary, optimal maintenance of a solar facility will always yield green kilowatts, regardless of the weather.
Katarina Vuinac
