At the Vermont Test Center, researchers are characterizing impacts such as microcracks formed by the non-uniform load of the snow. The majority of PV panels in the field today have frames, which tend to create localized stresses at the mounting points. Heavy snowfall can present a problem when the weight of the snow places stress on a PV system’s support structure.

Once the snow starts to slide, though, even if it only slightly exposes the panel, power generation is able to occur again. It's a different story when heavy snow accumulates, which prevents PV panels from generating power.

Light is able to forward scatter through a sparse coating, reaching the panel to produce electricity. Researchers at the test centers have shown that solar can still successfully generate electricity in snowy areas and other harsh environments.Ī dusting of snow has little impact on solar panels because the wind can easily blow it off. Tackling weather-related challenges is one reason why the SunShot Initiative funds Regional Test Centers, where solar panel performance can be time-tested in widely varying climates. Although at first blush it may seem that solar power is ideal for the summer, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels actually produce useful power throughout all four seasons. Many parts of the country have already seen snow, and the polar vortex has extended far enough south that even our nation’s capital has experienced a few deep chills. If you live outside of the sunny Southwest, the weather can bring sudden changes this time of year.

Do solar lights work in the winter