How To Avoid Snow On Solar Panels
In the usa the snow load is between 20 and 40 pounds per square foot.
How to avoid snow on solar panels. 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. For one thing a flat angle of inclination can prevent the snow from slipping off. You can always consider.
The dark solar panels attract heat and help in melting the snow. This also means that when the sun rises the snow can easily melt and slide off. Here are the factors that minimize or altogether cancel out the negative impact of snow on solar panels. There are several options for homeowners who have snow on their solar panels.
Solar panels are usually installed at an angle which makes it easy for the snow to slide off. When snow accumulates on panels owners are advised to let it melt. This is the easiest and safest solution although it can take time for the weather to warm up enough to melt snow. Most solar panels are installed at an angle and face the sun which helps the panels to absorb solar energy.
Cleaning snow from panels with a broom for instance is not only unsafe it could void a manufacturer warranty. Further very wet snow can under unfavorable conditions stick together with other materials. You can clear the area beneath the panels so that the snow will have a place to slide. Wait for the snow to melt.
But in cold conditions melting can take days. There are a number of things consumers can do to keep their panels clear of snow but perhaps the safest and most cost effective strategy may be to simply let the snow melt. Technology clears panels of wintry precipitation using small amount of panel power.