Do Solar Panels Work In The Winter?

Do Solar Panels Work In The Winter

Table of Contents

One concern many people have about solar is what happens when it snows?

Does snow stop solar panels from working?

Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?

It’s a great question. The short answer – Solar panels still work in the snow!

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so as long as there is sunlight it really doesn’t matter how hot or cold the panels are. In fact, like most electronics, solar panels actually operate more efficiently when cold!  

Ok so what about snow blocking sunlight from reaching the panels? Heavy snow will temporarily cover the solar panels but sunlight travels through snow quite well.

Solar panels are normally installed at an angle so once the panels begin to heat up, even with a minimal amount of light, the snow will melt and slide off.

The snow actually has an added cleaning effect, when the snow melts, it takes a lot of the dust and dirt with it.

Snow is also highly reflective, which makes the output of the solar panels increase, which makes up for short periods that the panels are covered.

Snow, rain, or shine, solar is a wise investment you should consider if you plan on owning your home for the next 5-10 years. 

To find out if solar is right for you, Barrett solar can assess the amount of savings you will get with solar.

We have created a Free Solar Savings Tool which will allow you to input your home information and discover your solar savings potential. 

Contact Barrett Solar today for a free solar energy consultation.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels. You can let the rain or snow take care of that for you. If something does happen, you will have manufacturer warranties on all equipment installed by Barrett Solar.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Kansas?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Kansas the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. If you are a business in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Missouri?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Missouri the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. Evergy in Missouri, Columbia power and Ameren have notable rebates available. If you are a business owner in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What are my solar financing options?

Barrett Solar offers two options to finance your solar panel system. You can purchase your system in cash or take advantage of our zero down, low APR financing options. We have a lot of different options to choose from. 

What happens if my solar panels are damaged with hail or by a large storm?

Generally it takes very large hail or a major storm to damage your solar panel system. After you go solar you will want to make sure your homeowners insurance policy has enough coverage to replace any of your panels that may be damaged in a heavy storm.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of a solar panel system will depend on many factors, including the size of the system, the equipment, and the financing method. A solar panel system should be viewed as a major home upgrade, and because every home is different it is never good to base an idea of what something should cost off a ballpark figure found on the internet. Barrett Solar offers completely free no obligation solar proposals, and in most cases we can give you an accurate quote with just your historical energy usage data.

Author picture

Tyler Blanchard

Founder & CEO

Tyler is the CEO of Barrett Solar.

Facebook

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Go Solar

Get the perfect system for your home or business by the energy experts at Barrett Solar.