A RESIDENTIAL SOLAR GUIDE: HOW HOMEOWNERS IN MICHIGAN CAN ENSURE SOLAR PANELS STAY IN PERFECT CONDITION, WITH HELP FROM THEIR SOLAR PROVIDER, EVEN DURING SNOW AND WINTER STORMS
Winter in Michigan brings beautiful snowfalls and frosty mornings to all Michiganders, but it also brings challenges for residential solar panel owners. While solar panel systems perform efficiently in cold weather, the shorter days and the ever-present potential for snow-covered solar panels can limit the production of energy for solar panel systems.
To ensure solar panel systems are operating at their highest level of efficiency and saving energy throughout the season, Michigan homeowners must take proactive winter maintenance steps to keep their solar panel systems operating at peak performance during the snowy weather.
From clearing snow to monitoring energy output, winter maintenance for solar panel systems is a small effort that offers big rewards for Michigan homeowners committed to the cost-saving benefits of owning a solar panel system.
Why Solar Panel Winter Maintenance Matters for Homeowners in Michigan
While solar panels are designed to handle various weather conditions, including in states like Michigan, where snowfall and shorter days are the norm, neglecting basic winter maintenance can reduce efficiency. Even small amounts of snow, covering a small percentage of a solar panel’s surface, can cause a drop in energy production.
Michigan homeowners should incorporate regular winter maintenance with their solar provider. Having a winter maintenance plan for residential solar panel systems ensures that solar panels remain as exposed to sunlight as possible, maximizing energy production during the cold months in Michigan.
That said, there are benefits to the cooler temperatures. Cold weather can actually boost the efficiency of solar panel systems, but only when the solar panels are free of snow and properly positioned to capture available sunlight. By incorporating solar panel winter maintenance with a solar provider, Michigan homeowners can maintain their investment and keep their solar panel systems producing energy, even during Michigan’s winter days.
Solar Panel Winter Maintenance Services for Homeowners in Michigan
Winter in Michigan brings about a set of unique challenges for solar panel systems that homeowners in Michigan need to prepare for. Taking proactive winter maintenance steps to ensure solar panel systems continue to operate as efficiently as possible, even in cold temperatures and heavy snow, is essential for homeowners living in climates like Michigan.
Maintaining solar panels during Michigan winters requires the occasional consultation from a solar professional. With proper winter maintenance services from a solar provider, solar panel systems can continue generating clean energy, even in the harshest of conditions.
Clearing Snow and Debris from Solar Panels
Snow accumulation on solar panels can limit sunlight exposure, reducing energy production. Solar panels are usually positioned by solar installers at an angle so that snow slides off easily, but during heavy storms, additional measures may be needed. Following a heavy snow storm homeowners should schedule a winter maintenance visit from their solar provider to safely remove any and all excess snow, leaves, and dirt.
Adjusting Solar Panel Angles During Winter
During winter, the sun sits a bit lower in the earth’s sky. The positioning of the sun requires solar panels to be at a steeper angle to capture more sunlight. While fixed solar installations may not allow for adjustments, there are solar panel systems with adjustable solar panels that allow homeowners in Michigan to benefit from an optimized tilt of their solar panel system. Homeowners should consult with a solar provider for any necessary angle adjustments.
Checking Solar Panel System Connections Before Winter Begins
Before winter sets in, homeowners should contact their solar provider for a maintenance service to inspect wiring and connectors for loose or faulty connections. Poor connections can lead to energy loss or even safety hazards, so they should be inspected for improved solar performance.
Monitoring Solar Panel System Performance During Winter
Using a solar panel system’s monitoring platform or app is beneficial for homeowners to track daily energy production during winter. A significant drop in output may indicate an issue that requires attention. If something seems off, Michigan homeowners should contact their solar provider to troubleshoot the problem they are having with their solar panel system.
Solar Panel Maintenance Following Severe Winter Weather
Blizzards and extreme temperature fluctuations can impact solar panel systems. Solar panels engineered for durability, like those with a copper foundation, are better equipped to handle Michigan’s temperature swings. If severe weather is forecasted, Michigan homeowners should prepare to contact their solar provider in case winter maintenance services are required.
The Don’ts of Solar Panel Winter Maintenance for Michigan Homeowners
While having a solar panel winter maintenance plan is important for Michigan homeowners, certain actions can do more harm than good. Avoiding the following common mistakes ensures that solar panels remain safe, efficient, and effective throughout Michigan’s cold months.
Don’t Climb Onto the Roof
Roof surfaces become extremely slippery during winter due to snow and ice. Climbing up to clear snow or inspect solar panels can lead to serious accidents. Instead, rely on professionals who have the proper tools and training to safely handle roof maintenance.
Don’t Worry About High Winds or Extreme Cold
Modern solar panel systems are built to endure severe weather. Hurricane-grade racking keeps solar panels securely in place, even during high winds or storms. Additionally, solar panels perform efficiently in cooler temperatures, so cold weather doesn’t cause significant concern.
Don’t Stress Over Seasonal Production Changes
Solar panels naturally produce less energy in the winter because of shorter days and reduced sunlight. However, solar panel systems are designed to account for these seasonal variations and balance energy production over the year accordingly. For example, outflow credits earned during sunnier, summer months can offset lower winter energy generation.
Don’t Waste Energy
While solar panels remain efficient in winter, energy production is still reduced. Being mindful of electricity usage, like turning off lights when leaving a room, helps maximize the benefits of solar panel systems.
Need Help with Winter Maintenance? Contact Michigan Solar Solutions, the Residential Solar Panel System Experts for Homeowners in Michigan
Michigan Solar Solutions is a commercial and residential solar panel installer and electrical contractor that has served Michigan’s lower peninsula since 2007. Our company has installed thousands of solar panels and has many valued and satisfied customers throughout Michigan, including Wayne County, Ingham County, Oakland County, Kent County, and Macomb County. To learn more about the differences between grid-tied and off-grid systems, download our infographic.
Our goal at Michigan Solar Solutions is to make going solar easy financially for homeowners throughout the State of Michigan. That’s why we help our customers finance such crucial clean energy efforts. Additionally, we are an expert Michigan Saves financing contractor and have received countless awards, including the Michigan Saves Top Solar PV Contractor Award.
Residential homeowners throughout Michigan interested in having an undeniable impact on their energy costs should call us for a free solar panel consultation at (248) 923-3456 or request a free online solar analysis.