How to Prepare Your Solar and PV equipment for the Colder Seasons:
Having completed the solar and PV installation, it is important to know how to take care of this equipment, so it does not get damaged or become ineffective throughout the colder seasons.
Sunvolt is here to make sure this does not happen to any of our customers. Below is a guide on what you can do, what to look out for, and some frequently asked questions surrounding solar activity. As the days get shorter, and the temperature gets lower, have a read, and learn how winter will affect your electricity and storage supply.
Does Solar Equipment still work in Winter:
The short answer here is yes. Even though sunlight is at a lower level than in other seasons, our solar panels produce electricity all year round, come rain or shine. It is a common myth that electricity production stops altogether in the winter or darker seasons. In actuality, the efficiency of solar panels increases with cooler temperatures. So, if this is what has been stopping you from going solar; head to our site or call our team for further advice, and we can get your order started today! The Sunvolt team are here guide, assist, and advise you with any further information you may need.
How to Protect your Product
Battery Information:
Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your system running as smoothly as possible. Understanding the batteries within your panel is the first step. With the built-in battery management system (BMS) the lifespan of the battery is regulated, this is what keeps the panel working. The management system will adjust and regulate itself within colder temperatures and extreme weather. Slower charge rates and a reduced storage capacity are effects of this built in regulation system. These are the normal occurrences in winter and is a positive to ensure the panels are running in an efficient and regulated way.
Keeping Clear Panels:
Additionally, keeping your panels clear will optimise solar production throughout the cooler months. Due to the coating of panels being hydrophobic, water is repelled. This means that they are essentially self-cleaning to an extent. However, keep an eye out for trees, materials, snow, or build-up that may be obstructing the panel more. If you are worried about cleaning your panels, you can hire a team to ensure the safety of yourself and your product.
Add More Solar Battery Storage:
If you are still concerned about the amount of energy you will be able to produce and use in the winter months, there are still further steps you can take to learn how to optimize your energy production.
Investing in more battery storage. This will charge at a cheaper rate from the national grid during times of less sunlight. This allows the consumer to store energy to then use at a later date. Storing excess solar power within warmer and lighter months to save and use throughout winter, is a great strategy to implore within your household.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are the top 5 quickfire questions that many people ask regarding winter and solar energy. If you have any further questions, please contact the Sunvolt team via email or telephone.
Tel: 02921520010
Q. Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
A. Yes. Have a read of the article above to see what you can do to improve your electricity output.
Q. Are Solar Panels damaged in extreme weather?
A. They can be damaged in high winds, heavy rain, and hail. It is important to ensure there is no build-up or falling branches on your panels. Always use Sunvolt to guarantee correct equipment and installation for the safety of your product.
Q. Do Solar Panels Work at Night?
A. Solar panels will not work at night as there is no sunlight. This is why batteries are used for the storage of excess solar energy during the day. These batteries then release the collected energy to provide homes with power and electricity at night.
Q. Do Solar Panels Work on a Cloudy Day?
A. Yes. They will work but will produce less than on a sunny day. However, the sunlight still penetrates through the cloud cover and onto the panels. Thus, generating electricity.
Q. What is the Main Benefit of Using Solar Panels?
A. There are numerous benefits to advocate for the use of solar energy. Some of the main positives include the lowering of electricity bills, and the use of a renewable and clean energy source. This in turn reduces the production of greenhouse gas emissions.
