Jiří Eischmann Apr 3, 2023
People ask a lot of questions about home #photovoltaic systems in winter. Does it produce any energy during winter, how much? The winter is over, so I've written a blogpost about it: real production data, graphs, my findings... (in Czech, but DeepL translates it just fine)
https://blog.eischmann.cz/2023/04/03/zima-s-fotovoltaikou/
#solar #renewables #energy
Zima s fotovoltaikou – Sesivany's blog

Show threadTanquist
@sesivany
The solar installer for our rooftop panels in #Minnesota said it's not worth the trouble to remove snow from our panels in #winter. He was wrong. After every storm I carefully removed as much snow as I could with a plastic roof rake. We have #microinverters so even if some of the panels are obstructed, the clear ones work fine. The energy production was fantastic.
During the day we can use #ElectricHeaters to reduce our #propane consumption.
#solar #renewables #energy
Apr 3, 2023 at 4:40pmWeb
Show threadMike RoestApr 3, 2023
@tanquist @sesivany we just recently got our panels (January) and this frustrates me to no end. It's a beautiful sunny day but I'm getting nothing cause it snowed over night. We have a walk out that is super tall I don't think it's physically possible for me to get a pole long enough that would get to the panels without some kind of hinge/right angle bit 50 feet up a pole. Do you have a link/pic of what you're using?
Show threadLukas HelebrandtApr 8, 2023
@msroest
I was curious if there is an automated solution to get rid of the snow. There is a Norwegian company that does it by pushing current through the panels: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/03/18/heating-solar-panels-to-clear-snow/ probably not worth the money for small installations :)
@tanquist @sesivany
Heating solar panels to clear snow

A Norwegian company has developed a way to melt snow on modules to avoid excess weight on roofs and panels, especially on large commercial and industrial arrays. A control system measuring snow density is linked to DC power supply units to warm the panels.

pv magazine International
Show threadTanquistApr 8, 2023
@hydrandt @msroest @sesivany
I read the article and it sounds like a good solution. However, our installer said anything that heats up the panels would void our warranty.
I read about one method which sounds feasible. It is a clear plastic on a roll at the top of the panel. Initially it is pulled down to cover the panel. After a snowfall, it is pulled further until the snow falls off, and then rolled back up again. I couldn't find any place that sells such a device.
#solar
Show threadMike RoestApr 8, 2023
@hydrandt @tanquist @sesivany I do have Longhi panels which are listed in the article but I’m guessing they’re residential 365w panels may not be in that list. And like you said probably not cost effective for a small install.