Do Solar Panels Work In Winter?
The Mosaic Centre in Edmonton, Alberta is a net-zero commercial building powered by a nearly 200 kilowatt solar system (some of which is flat mounted) and heated by a geoexchange system that runs on solar power.
Photo David Dodge, Green Energy Futures
A common myth about solar panels in regions like Alberta that experience snowfall in winter is that “panels don’t work in winter.” The truth is: they do.
Alberta is the sunniest region in Canada, with an average of 312 days of sunshine per year. While a blanket of snow might affect the energy output of a solar panel (because it can’t generate energy if no sunlight reaches the panel), it’s rarely a factor. Solar panels are usually mounted on an angle to maximize their exposure to the sun; this angle also prevents snow accumulation. A five-year study by NAIT found that the energy loss from snow coverage is just three percent — far below previous industry estimates. Researchers also found that the angle of the panels has a far greater impact on energy production than snowfall.
NAIT's Alternative Energy Program installed a reference array in Edmonton, Alberta and found they only lost 5% of solar production to snow.
Photo Courtesy of NAIT, sourced from David Dodge, Green Energy Futures.
“But what about the cold?” you’re thinking. The good news is that cold temperatures often improve solar panel energy output, sometimes even above their rated efficiency. In fact, colder temperatures may actually increase panel efficiency.
Alberta gets a lot of hail, and many people worry about hail damage to solar panels. But thanks to a tempered glass covering, panels are quite resistant to hail damage. that will damage solar panels will typically cause the same damage to the rest of the roof, siding, and windows. The angle of installation comes into play again here, too, since it helps minimize the possibility of direct, perpendicular impacts from hail.
Why should I get solar panels?
Investing in solar panels for your home or business has both immediate and long-term benefits, including:
- Helping reduce your energy bill (through direct power or energy rebates from surplus generation);
- Protection against rising energy costs;
- Increasing your property value; and
- Helping reduce your climate impact.
Living in Alberta means you’re in a place where the conditions can help you make the most of solar panels, whether you’re installing them on your home or business.
To recap: on average, Alberta gets 312 days of sunshine a year, and up to 18 hours of daylight during the summer. That’s a lot of sun for solar panels to work with.
There are also additional financial incentives you can tap into to help with the initial investment. The federal government's Canada Greener Homes Loan helps Canadians get interest-free financing to make their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. And many municipalities also offer incentives for going solar through the Clean Energy Improvement Program.
How can solar panels save me money?
Solar panels save you money on your electricity bill through “microgeneration.” When you install panels on your roof, you generate your own electricity through a renewable source and you become a “microgenerator.” You can use that electricity to offset the energy you might otherwise pay for from the grid.
Your electricity provider can give you credits for the energy you produce — though you must let them know you’re now a microgenerator and renegotiate your contract to reflect that in your billing. You can learn more about becoming a microgenerator through some of these resources below:
- The Microgeneration Regulation outlines how credits work, and what you, your electricity retailer, and the Alberta Electric System Operator are responsible for.
- Alberta Microgeneration has a step-by-step guide on becoming a microgenerator.
- Energyrates.ca has a good guide on generating electricity at home.
- This site explains “solar payback” in Alberta, and how homes with solar panels avoid some of the costs associated with using power from the grid.
- The City of Calgary has a residential solar calculator, which can let you know how many panels your house might need, a rough estimate of costs, and the positive impact of installing solar panels on your home.
With the right system, solar panels can pay for themselves through the amount you save on energy costs each month. According to Solar Alberta, you may be able to eliminate the energy charge from your power bill altogether.
Where can I learn more about solar?
If you’re interested in installing solar panels on your home or business, check out Solar Alberta for a list of providers in your area.
To learn more about solar power and other renewable energy sources — and how they can play a role in how Alberta adapts to and mitigates, climate change — check out Mobilizing Alberta’s free e-course, Preparing Albertans For Climate Change.