One of the most common myths we hear from people curious about installing solar in the Midwest is that it won’t produce energy during winter. You may think solar panels only work in sunny states like California or Texas. However, solar functions well in most climates.

Wisconsin’s cold winters are actually great for producing solar energy efficiently. Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate power from sunlight, not heat, meaning that temperature does not have a significant impact on production.

Even on our coldest days, solar energy is a smart investment. It can save you money and help the environment, especially when used with a battery. Solar and battery backup protect your home from blackouts, which often occur when snow covers power lines.

We are going to take a dive into the unique situations and potential concerns that face anyone considering residential or commercial solar in a cold climate area, including examples from the Northeast and Canada.

The Science of Solar in Winter

As a recap, solar panels generate power based on the amount of sunlight they receive. Today’s technology has created panels that are more efficient in colder weather.

At their core, solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight excites electrons in the panel’s material to create an electric current.

When it’s warm outside, higher ambient temperatures affect electrical resistance in the panels circuits, reducing the efficiency of energy conversion. You don’t notice the efficiency in the summer because sunlight is abundant. However, colder weather  allows the system to operate closer to its maximum efficiency. The reduced resistance results  in more electricity produced per unit of sunlight.

Snowfall And Production

Another weather concern for those curious about solar is how snowfall affects panel output. In cold-climate areas like ours, installers position panels at a 30-45 degree angle to allow snow to slide off more naturally.

Your Panels Melt Snow Quickly Because They Are:

• Installed at a tilted position.

• Generating electricity.

• Made of a material that is a light and heat-absorbing black color.

• Covered in glass.

SkyFire Solar in Canada has a perfect example of this in their post about snow and solar production.

Elevated panels and supports prevent snow buildup and ensure melted snow flows safely into the gutters. Some residential customers may also add a snow guard to stop large snow piles from spilling into walkways or outdoor spaces, but these are not needed for every home.

Read more about how snowfall affects solar from another northern solar installer, Revision Energy in MA.

Winter-Specific Benefits of Solar in Wisconsin

In cold Midwestern states like Wisconsin, shorter daylight hours in winter limit solar production. However, advancements in solar technology, especially modern inverters and batteries, make solar installations highly efficient and reliable, even during the darker months. Energy production due to snow and sun loss during the winter months is also considered in an initial proposal – adding a 3% estimate buffer to account for this.

Solar power can significantly reduce home comfort costs, particularly for homes with electric A/C units. It can also offset costs for homes using non-gas heat sources. Heat pumps, which combine heating and A/C in one unit, are efficient and often outperform furnaces for most of the year. They can be fully offset by solar power.

Prevention Against Outages

Winter power outages are also a somewhat common concern for Wisconsin residents. Mother Nature damages poles, lays down thick snow that harms lines, and disrupts the power supply to Wisconsin residents. However, solar is able to power a clean, sustainable home battery which can power your home for a few days until power is back on instead of using a gas generator. No matter which heat source you use for your home, gas or electric, whole-home backup can prevent a lack of heating.

Sustainable backup also covers unique situations. Battery storage can provide reassurance for urgent needs like  electric based CPAP machines, emergency phone charging, and refrigerator spoilage.

Residential Solar in Cold Winters

Wisconsin winters bring unique energy challenges for homeowners. From higher electricity demands to shorter daylight hours, residential solar systems are well-equipped to face these challenges.

All panels come with a 25 year service warranty, and a 5 year workmanship warranty. In case your home needs any post-installation maintenance or other additions, Arch has a dedicated Service & Quality Management team to solve any issues related to production.

Sizing Your System

When analyzing and presenting a home solar system, energy consultants consider your usage and energy demand for the entire year.

Many local homes use natural gas or other fuels for heating. However, electric heating systems like heat pumps can save money with solar power. Devices like space heaters and humidifiers can also benefit. Having your own source of sustainable electricity helps reduce costs for heated floors, sump pumps, and electric car chargers.

Commercial Solar and Winter Performance

Commercial solar systems are also a valuable asset for businesses in winter. Solar remains a reliable source of energy which offers consistent output to support business operations. Unlike residential properties, many businesses need consistent power throughout the year, requiring energy for things like lighting, HVAC, machinery, and other tech.

Commercial utility rates in Wisconsin often include increased electric charges, which are higher during peak usage times in winter. Solar can offset these costs, reducing overall operating costs while going green.

Many commercial projects also utilize bi-facial panels. This transparent module picks up reflective energy on the backside of the panel. Overall, bifacial panels achieve a remarkable 30% more energy than standard panels in full sun by leveraging the albedo effect. Bi-facial solar are particularly efficient in winter when there is white snow to reflect sunlight.

Conclusion

Solar energy is a reliable and effective solution for homes and businesses, even in Wisconsin’s cold winters. With good planning, proper placement, and usage to fit your energy demands, solar can work efficiently all year! Panels on your home or business not only provide significant bill savings, but they also reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on local utilities.

If you’re ready to take the next step to embrace the benefits of solar, now is the perfect time to act. Reach out to Arch for a customized home energy assessment to help meet your needs year-round.

Remember, solar isn’t just for sunny days – it’s a powerful, sustainable resource available 365 days a year. By choosing solar, you’re investing in a greener future, lowering your energy bills, and contributing to environmental conservation.

Don’t let the season hold you back; make the switch to solar and reap the rewards all year long.