How Solar Panels Perform in Snowy Central Washington Winters
We frequently hear concerns from customers interested in installing solar panels in Central Washington, questioning energy production on cold, snowy winter days. They’re often surprised to discover our solar panel systems deliver strong performance throughout the cold weather season, providing energy savings year-round.
How do solar panels perform in snowy Central Washington winters?
Our cutting-edge Talesun panels produce power even with partial snow cover when properly installed to shed snow, and experience an efficiency boost on cold, clear days.
​
Do cold temperatures impact solar panel output?
Solar panel efficiency actually improves for every degree the temperature drops.
​
Can solar panels generate electricity when covered in snow?
Installing solar panels with a steep tilt facilitates natural snow clearing, so panels can still generate electricity with slight to partial snow coverage.
​
How can I achieve maximum solar energy production during the winter snow season?
Professional solar power system design and installation, including proper positioning for maximum sun exposure and steep tilt for snow removal, ensures optimal energy generation.
​
Should I clear snow from my solar panels?
Removing snow accumulations can improve performance if done correctly. Improper techniques increase the risk of personal injury and solar panel damage.
​
Premium Talesun Solar Panels Provide Maximum Energy Production in Snowy Washington Winters
Tier-1 Talesun solar panels are built to withstand the weight of heavy snow loads, offering reliable performance in temperatures down to -40°F. They provide high solar energy generation on crisp, sunny Central Washington winter days, despite short daylight hours, even when panels are partially covered in snow. A steep mounting angle of 30-45° allows snow to shed naturally for maximum energy production.
Do Cold Temperatures Impact Solar Panel Output?
Sunlight, not warmth, drives solar energy production. Electrical resistance decreases and conductivity improves as temperatures drop, facilitating higher voltage output and improved efficiency per watt of sunlight received by solar panels.
Can Solar Panels Generate Electricity When Covered in Snow?
With thin, powdery snow or partial accumulations, sunlight can still penetrate panels at lower levels. Choosing panels with bypass diode technology minimizes power loss, facilitating current flow around snow-covered sections. Heavy, wet snow accumulations can drastically limit panel capability. Installing solar panels with a steep tilt ensures snow naturally clears. In addition, snow is highly reflective, increasing the amount of sunlight that can be absorbed by solar panels even on overcast days. Panels designed to collect light from both sides (bifacial panels) ensure maximum energy production, even with snow accumulations.
How Can I Achieve Maximum Solar Energy Production During the Winter Snow Season?
Professional solar energy system design and installation, routine maintenance, and battery backup storage are crucial for maximizing winter power production and ensuring consistent availability. Our Central Washington solar panel installers ensure success, finding the ideal location and orientation for optimal solar gain, mounting panels with a steeper tilt to shed snow naturally, and educating you on monitoring solar performance so you can detect factors impacting efficiency quickly.
​
Should I Clear Snow from Solar Panels – Or Leave Them Alone?
If snow does not naturally shed after multiple days of accumulation, you can safely remove it with the right tools and techniques. Never pour warm water or chemicals on snow-covered solar panels. Use only a non-abrasive snow rake with a rubber or foam edge to avoid damaging glass. Work only from the ground, using an extendable pole, and leave rooftop removal to the pros.
​
Set Yourself Up for Maximum Winter Solar Power Production
Leave worries about how solar panels perform in snowy Central Washington winters behind you with service from a highly rated, trusted solar panel company. Contact Ellensburg Solar at 509-929-2728 to schedule a solar energy system design consultation today.