Maintaining solar panels in winter: best practices for maintaining optimal performance

In our hemisphere, winter is not the favorite season for owners of photovoltaic solar power plants: the mission of these installations is to convert solar energy into electricity, and efficiency is much lower at this time of year. However, adopting the right practices can significantly reduce this loss of performance. The experts at Qleen by Guialto share some valuable tips here for a stress-free winter!

Winter challenges for solar panels

Your solar power plant will not stop operating in winter: your panels will continue to capture the sun’s energy. However, production will inevitably be lower. This is due to several factors. First, because winter daylight hours are the shortest of the year (the sun rises later and sets earlier). Next, since the sun is lower in winter (still in the Northern Hemisphere), shading can be more significant. In addition, cloudy days are often more frequent during this season. All of these are obstacles to your performance, but they can be anticipated by carefully studying, as early as the design stage of your future plant, the placement of the solar panels. The informed advice of a solar energy professional is then invaluable!

Finally, even if you notice a drop in your electricity production in winter, be aware that your solar panels are designed to withstand snow, frost, heavy rain, etc.: except in extreme conditions, it is rare for them to be damaged by this type of weather.

It is generally recommended to clean solar panels twice a year: in spring and autumn, when weather conditions are mild. During spring maintenance, you will remove the dirt accumulated over the winter, as well as pollen, and thus optimize upcoming sunlight exposure.

Please note that depending on your geographical location and environment (pollution, proximity to the coast or agricultural activity, etc.), more frequent maintenance may be necessary. Also keep in mind that any drop in performance should prompt you to check the cleanliness of your panels.

To clean your panels, you have two options:

• Carry out the maintenance yourself using a dedicated cleaning kit (do not use hard brushes or high-pressure equipment). If your solar panels are located on your roof, make sure the ladder you use is properly stabilized and wear non-slip shoes. Be careful not to walk on your panels: you could seriously damage them.
• Call on a company specialized in this service (see below), especially if your photovoltaic plant includes a large number of solar panels, is very high up, difficult to access, or if your roof has a very steep slope, etc.

Managing snow and frost on solar panels

Snow and frost create magical landscapes, but they are not the best friends of your photovoltaic plant. Indeed, they can create a real barrier between sunlight and the cells that convert it into electricity. If there are only a few snowflakes or a thin layer of frost, there is no need to worry. They will melt naturally during the day if temperatures rise. However, in the event of heavy snowfall or severe frost, it is necessary to remove snow and frost from the surface of your panels. How should you proceed? We recommend using a soft brush, ideally one specifically designed for cleaning solar panels. Mount it on a telescopic pole to avoid having to climb onto your roof, which will be even more slippery during freezing conditions. Finally, resist the urge to use water to remove snow and frost, as this could cause thermal shock that may damage your solar panels, especially if temperatures are very low.

Safety: essential precautions during winter

The vast majority of solar panels are installed on rooftops, meaning at height. There is therefore a significant risk of falling and injury for anyone climbing onto the roof to clean them, especially in winter, when the surface may be covered with frost, rain, etc. Today, many cleaning kits equipped with telescopic poles allow for thorough maintenance while staying safely on the ground.

Why hire a professional for winter maintenance?

The advantages are numerous. First of all, a company specialized in solar panel maintenance has all the necessary equipment (safety harnesses, lifelines, lifting platforms if needed, etc.) to work at height safely and thus avoid the risk of falling.

Secondly, these companies have invested in equipment specifically designed for cleaning solar panels, both efficient and respectful of your installations. Indeed, micro-scratches or other damage can quickly occur when using the wrong tools! In addition, these specialists have acquired solid experience and valuable expertise, which will guarantee optimal results. Finally, they will save you a considerable amount of time: depending on the size of your installation, several hours may be required to clean it properly.

Qleen has developed a complete range of solutions dedicated to cleaning solar panels. Its parent company, Guialto, is a French family-owned business specializing in the manufacture of cleaning equipment. Thanks to its pursuit of the highest quality and its sense of innovation, it is a partner of choice for all those who wish to simplify their daily lives and optimize their services.

Questions about one of our products? Want to learn more about our different ranges? Feel free to contact our teams; they will be happy to advise you and guide you toward the solution best suited to your needs.