Regardless of the season, solar energy is tested by Mother Nature as it has to withstand the various climatic conditions of its location while ensuring a constant and stable supply of power to the home. Thankfully, most solar panels are very sturdy and durable. But how do we clean our solar panels when faced with a snowy day? This article will solve how to clean snow off solar panels and how to protect your solar panels.
In snowy weather, please make sure to avoid clearing the snow after it has accumulated too thickly, in order to prevent the solar panel module from freezing. Remove snow thoroughly and do not minimize the remaining small strips of snow. Even if there is only a small strip of snow left on the panel, it should be removed thoroughly, because even such a small area of blockage can cause the overall function of the panel to fail, which in turn significantly reduces the power generation efficiency of the inverter.
In most cases, the reflective effect of snow will slightly increase the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation. As long as the snow does not fully cover the PV module, the snow on the ground acts as a mirror to reflect the sunlight back to the module, thus increasing the amount of electricity generated. However, once the snow completely covers the module, only a small amount of sunlight can penetrate the snow to reach the surface of the module, which reduces the capacity of the photovoltaic power generation.
how to clean snow off solar panels
1. Check the weather forecast regularly to find out when snow is likely to occur in your area.
There are multiple ways to track weather developments:
- Browse or watch local news reports, which often broadcast extreme weather conditions in your area.
- Access public weather warning information issued by the National Weather Service in your area.
- Install a weather app to receive warning notifications for upcoming storm systems.
- Learn to interpret weather maps to track the path of potentially approaching storms.
2.Choice of cleaning brush
- Please start cleaning the PV panels after it snows.
- Use a retractable soft brush to clean the photovoltaic panel.
3.Precautions for clearing snow
◆Be sure to use soft objects to avoid scratching the glass;
◆Do not use hot water to flush the surface of the battery plate directly, because the temperature difference will seriously damage the battery plate;
◆ It is strictly prohibited to step on the component to clean it, because the component has certain load-bearing limitations, which may lead to tiny cracks or damages inside the component;
◆ Do not wait until the snow is too thick to start clearing in case the module freezes.
◆ Be sure to remove snow thoroughly and do not ignore small strips of snow remaining. Even if there is only a small strip of snow left on the panel, it must be cleared away, as the obscured portion can cause the entire panel to fail.
how to protect your solar panels
1. One is to mount the solar panels at a large angle. This can effectively slow down the rate of snow accumulation, thus avoiding the hassle of frequent snow cleanup. When faced with choosing between a 35 or 40 degree mounting angle, it is clear that 40 degrees is the superior choice. If your PV panels are flat on the ground, then snow or pollutants are likely to stay on them for a long time because they can’t slide off on their own.
The second is to maintain a certain distance from the ground during installation so that snow does not build up at the bottom as it slides off, thus avoiding the gradual accumulation of snow to the point where it covers the entire module.
2.Put a tent on the panel. For your safety, it is best that it is ground-mounted solar panels and that he is a medium-sized solar panel. This will be better for installation.
Choose a canopy tent made of durable fabric, which is more effective against hail. Considering the canopy tent’s open side design, it is perfect for less windy weather. Be sure to use stakes or heavy objects to securely fasten the canopy tent’s support legs to the ground.
common problems
Can I wait until the snow is thick to clear?
No, the snow accumulation is very thick and difficult to clear quickly and effectively, affecting the efficiency of power generation.
Can I clean it with hot water?
No, uneven heat and cold could crack the solar panel glass.
Is there any way to reduce the frequency of cleaning?
When installing solar panels, you can consider increasing the inclination so that the snow can slide naturally and reduce the number of cleaning.
What kind of brush should I use to clean the solar panels
Clean with soft brush and other tools, avoid using sharp objects.
Conclusion
If the snow is thick or difficult to slide off naturally, leaving streaks or small patches of snow when cleaned with an unspecialized brush can directly affect power generation efficiency, and the use of a cleaning brush may help to remove the snow more efficiently. Cleaning brushes are designed to reach deeper and remove snow, especially that which accumulates in the crevices or edges of solar panels.purchasing a specialized cleaning brush is a wise choice. This not only saves time and effort, but also ensures consistent cleaning results.
Solar cleaning brushes are available in different types (manual or electric), products (Double head, single head, rolling brush), sizes (3.2/5.5/7.2 m or 4.8-9m), power supply programs (AC power version, Lithium battery version, Dual power version, Motor (Bldc, Brush). Customizable brushes with soft heads and retractable poles, To choose the best solar panel cleaning brush for your project, you should consult with professionals who can offer you the best choices and prices.
3.2m 5.5m7.2m Automatic Electric Telescopic Solar Panel Cleaning Machine