One thing that not everyone knows is that i solar panels can be used for produce clean energy Also in winter.
Obviously in the warmer months (but also in spring) you can get much better results from your system, especially because the sun’s rays are more intense and there are more hours of light available.
However, even in winter you can continue to produce electricity power your home and, even if the quantity produced will clearly be less, it could be more than enough to obtain a savings on your bill of electricity and gas.
Naturally there will be a need for some small care and a little maintenance on your panels but, once this is done, it will be possible to effectively use your photovoltaic system to the fullest even during the coldest season. Let’s find out how.
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1. Maintenance operations on solar panels
An often overlooked operation is the maintenance to do on the panel itself.
For example, right away before the winter season could be recommendable wash the Solar Panelso as to remove all the impurities that accumulate on it and ensure better efficiency.
An idea as simple as it is effective and to put it into action all you need is a little water (better if distilled), del soap and a little elbow grease.
Clearly the panel doesn’t need to be shiny, just that remove that film of dirt and impurities that settle on it, so that it is able to capture the greatest amount of light possible.
Two recommendations: first of all, in the case of panels positioned on the roof it is necessary pay attention not to fall, perhaps securing yourself well with a harness.
Cleaning solar panels is a way to eliminate impurities and dirt and allow optimal absorption of sunlight by the system.
Secondly, It’s better to be gentle and use the classic tool for washing car windows, taking care not to scratch or break the panel.
Regarding maintenance during the winter months it’s always good to try remove accumulations of snow on the panels.
Clearly a minimum quantity that’s fine and, in fact, it could help in cleaning the panel itself, but in the event of heavy snowfall it is advisable to remove it, so that the system can continue to capture sunlight without impediments.
Here too, two recommendations: maximum caution in the case of panels placed on the roof and, again, maximum delicacy to avoid damaging the system.
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2. Take care of the batteries
Also take care of the batteries it’s a way to make your own more efficient photovoltaic systemespecially if these are placed outside the home.
First of all it is a good idea to position the storage system in a dry place e alsafe from atmospheric agents. Slight humidity will not cause damage to the batteries but, in case of heavy rain or other more “aggressive” stresses, the system could be damaged or not work properly.
Then it’s always good insulate the batteries from the cold and, if possible, insulate the place where they are positioned, especially because this type of technology does not get along very well with low temperatures. Placing the batteries in a dry place away from the cold is a way to preserve their integrity and avoid breakages and malfunctions due to external atmospheric agents.
Still on the subject of batteries, it is always advisable monitor their health status and to do this you can simply use one of the many smartphone applications available or the display on the inverter.
The reason is simple: you should always check the charge level and avoid let them drain completely.
Generally the safety systems on the plant try to keep the charge always above a certain level, so as to avoid failures and inconveniencesbut of course this is not always the case and checking the correct functioning of the system is never a bad idea and, above all, it allows you to intervene promptly in case of problems and possibly contact a specialized technician.
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3. Reorient the solar panels
As mentioned at the beginning, the sun is less intense during the winter months and, moreover, the hours of light are many fewer than in the summer.
So, it could happen, that the rays they do not “hit” the panel efficiently to produce the correct amount of energy.
Therefore, when possible, it may be appropriate adjust the position of panels solar and reorient them as best as possible towards the sun.
Clearly, this is not possible in the case of systems mounted on fixed racks but, for all those “mobile” systems or those that can be moved by the user, this is the best solution, especially to be able to make the most of the hours of sunshine during the cold months.
Panel repositioning operations they are not simple and may vary depending on the type of product or brand. Before carrying out any tests, therefore, it is advisable contact your installation technician and seek advice or assistance, especially to avoid causing damage to the system.
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4. Reduce home energy consumption
Obviously, despite all these precautions, the biggest problem in winter is the uncertain weather conditions, combined with fewer hours of light and lower intensity of the sun’s rays.
Therefore, in addition to all these suggestions just described, it may be appropriate reduce energy consumption domestic, following a few small precautions that allow, first of all, a saving on your bill del gas or electricity and then to break down energy waste.
For example, it may be appropriate to postpone the use of until sunnier days more energy-intensive appliancessuch as washing machines or electric ovens.
Likewise, it would be better buy new ones that are more attentive to consumption. Given that technology has made great progress in this sense, buying low-energy appliances is a relatively simple matter.
It is also advisable to switch to energy saving light bulbs which, in addition to having a longer life cycle, also guarantee better performance and greater durability sustainability.
In addition to taking care of solar panels, it is also advisable to adopt virtuous behaviors to reduce waste and keep consumption and bills low. Then it is advisable (and this not only in winter) turn the lights off e household appliances when they are not used.
It is clear that any electronic device, even when on standby, has energy consumption, albeit minimal. By turning it off or unplugging itwaste and high bills are avoided.
Also lower the temperature in the house (especially when using convector heaters or heat pumps) could contribute significantly to reducing consumption.
Finally, the last thing that should not be overlooked is thermal insulation. Doors and windows that “don’t close well” make it easier to disperse heat and the electrical system (or gas system) will have to work harder to maintain the temperature at adequate levels.
In this sense, properly insulate your home it’s a way to reduce consumption e the impact on the environmentwith the planet (and your wallet) thanking you.