How to Deal with Power Shortages in Winter: PV Panels in the Snow Can Generate Electricity!
Release time: 2025-12-15
As winter sets in, solar power generation can face challenges such as weaker irradiation intensity, shorter daylight hours, and lower module temperatures. Are you concerned about electricity shortages during the colder months? Fret not! Today, we’re revealing a winter photovoltaic secret: Even under snow, solar panels can produce power!
Why Solar Power Generation Decreases in Winter
- Reduced Irradiation Intensity
During winter, the sun’s direct rays move to the southern hemisphere. For those in the northern hemisphere, the sun sits lower in the sky, sunlight has to travel farther through the atmosphere, and solar energy becomes more dispersed. This significantly lowers the irradiation intensity that solar panels receive. - Shorter Daylight Hours
Winter brings shorter days and longer nights, which naturally reduces the amount of time PV panels have to generate electricity. - Lower Module Operating Temperature
The efficiency of photovoltaic cells is influenced by their operating temperature. Generally, the lower the temperature, the lower their power generation efficiency. Cold winter conditions keep PV modules cooler, which can also contribute to reduced output—though this effect is smaller compared to changes in sunlight and day length.
Effective Strategies to Address Winter Power Shortages
✅ Clear Snow Promptly
While solar panels can shed some snow on their own, it’s a good idea to clear heavy snow buildup manually (always prioritize safety!). Research shows that clearing snow can restore a solar panel’s daily power generation to over 90% of normal levels.
✅ Perform Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Cold weather can impact the performance of inverters. Schedule regular check-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly and power transmission remains uninterrupted. In regions where temperatures drop below -10°C, inverter efficiency may decrease by up to 10%, so cold-weather protection is essential.
✅ Optimize the Installation Angle
When installing a photovoltaic power system, be sure to adjust the tilt angle according to your local latitude and the sun’s winter path. In higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere, increasing the tilt of the PV array can capture more sunlight during winter and boost generation. Accurate angle calculation and simulation help maximize winter performance.
✅ Integrate an Energy Storage System
Pairing your solar panels with an energy storage system offers greater flexibility. Winter often sees peak electricity demand periods. By storing solar power generated during the day, you can use it at night—making energy usage more efficient while helping cut down on peak-rate electricity costs.
✅ Stay Connected to the Grid
For grid-tied photovoltaic systems, the electrical grid serves as a reliable backup when solar generation is low. On cloudy days or during long winter nights, the grid automatically supplements any shortfall, ensuring you never run out of power.
Trust Amosolar for High-Efficiency Solar Solutions All Winter Long
At Amosolar, we provide advanced solar energy solutions featuring Trina Solar PV modules, such as the high-performance Trina Solar 700W panel and durable double-glass solar panels. As one of the leading monocrystalline solar panel manufacturers and a trusted PV panel manufacturer in China, we supply a range of products including wholesale 450W solar panels, all engineered for reliable output—even in winter conditions.
Let Amosolar be your go-to partner this winter. We deliver top-tier solar panels and integrated energy storage systems to keep your home powered and energy-efficient, no matter the weather.
