Solar panels can really generate some heat (and power) during the summer, but they don’t work in winter, right?
Turns out, that’s a common misconception. Places that get a lot of sunshine are great for solar power, but they certainly aren’t the only option. That’s because the outside temperature has no impact on solar power operation. Instead, it’s the amount of sunlight received. So while it may be frigid outside, your solar panels can still be soaking up rays.
Solar panels collect the largest amount of energy during peak afternoon hours, but they are sensitive enough that they can even collect from moonlight, starlight, and street lights! Even in rainy places like Seattle and Cleveland, solar panels are an effective form of energy.
There is one small challenge to using solar panels in the winter: snow. Anything that diminishes the amount of light received by the panel reduces the amount of energy collected. Similar issues can occur even during the summer from build up of dirt, pollen or leaves. If several inches of snow fall, and aren’t expected to melt quickly, solar panels will have to be cleared off. But if it is just a light dusting of snow, followed by temperatures above freezing, the solar panels can often take care of themselves!