Most people are misinformed about the cost and performance of solar panels, particularly in colder climates. The goal of this article is to respond to these misconceptions in the least technical language, to help the reader understand how and why solar panels are a practical, cost-effective solution to home heating or cooling, no matter where you call home.
With winter approaching, and many of us preparing to winterize our homes, it may be a good idea to think about installing a solar hybrid or a solar hybrid system. A solar hybrid system saves you money day and night working 24/7 in conjunction with your existing power source. It utilizes solar power during the day and then its battery backup during the night.
According to Business Insider, the price of photovoltaic solar panels dropped a whopping 70% between 2006 and 2013. As the government continues to encourage solar and other eco-friendly solutions with tax deductions (26% expiring in 2016), the decision to consider solar is becoming a more popular one. This is particularly true of individuals who previously had neither interest nor confidence in solar powered anything.
Aside from being cleaner and cheaper, there is now significant evidence that solar heating is effective in colder climates. That’s because solar panels are powered by light not heat. As a matter of fact, there is scientific evidence that solar panels are extremely effective in very cold weather. Why? Because solar panels are smart. Their voltage automatically increases whenever temperatures drop. Cloudy conditions, snow, and other weather-related impediments anticipated to occur during the life of the panels are considered and accounted for at the time the solar panels are constructed. One of the best examples of the efficiency of solar panels in cold and overcast regions is Germany. When evaluating solar output, Germany is most comparable to areas of Alaska and Canada. Yet, Germany leads the world in the utilization of solar energy, with most citizens finding it both a competent and economical source of power.
Another fallacy is that rain will impede the efficiency of solar energy. In actuality, rain is always beneficial to solar panels, as it is nature’s way of keeping the panels clean and free from dust, and other atmospheric sediments. Another plus associated with rain is that when sunlight finally emerges, it will reflect onto the panels from remaining rainwater thus boosting the amount of light the panel will absorb.
The element presenting the most significant challenge for solar panels is snow. An obstacle, yes, but one that is easily remedied. As many recent articles have indicated, the placement of solar panels is crucial to optimize their performance. Positioning panels at a heightened angle (about 40o), will facilitate the rapid removal of snow and ice deposits.
We hope this article has addressed any concerns regarding solar panel performance in cold and cloudy climates. No matter where you live, you should consider solar panels to stay toasty in winter and cooler in summer, while doing your part to build a cleaner and greener planet for future generations.
