11 Mar Snow Doesn’t Stop Midwest Solar Panel Success
© Natural Interiors®
Midwest winters — often punctuated by a lot of snow and many days of little sunshine — might be seen as a reason not to install solar panels to power your home. But solar systems are increasingly appearing across the Midwest, and the owners of those systems arguably might have the most advanced understanding of how to make these systems work the best.
Case in point: The increasing number of Ohio homeowners who called contractors to clean snow off of their panels this winter. They were well-aware of the fact that snow — in addition to dirt or any accumulation — on their solar panels can decrease the efficiency of their systems.
In areas like Arizona, it is well-known that dust accumulation on solar panels also can decrease efficiency, but in most cases, it is only about 2 to 3 percent. But snow is a different matter, and a significant amount can seriously impair function, says Jan Green, a NAR GREEN designated Realtor at HomeSmart Realty in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“And, if an array has one inverter, and one or more panels are blocked by snow, then the entire string will show less power going to the panels, whereas, with microinverters, only the panel that’s blocked will show less power, she says.”
A 2021 study by Princeton University showed that depending on the extent of the accumulation and other factors, solar panels can lose anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of their efficiency.
“Customers have been calling us to clear the snow,” says Dan Kommeth, owner of HomeSmiles of Cincinnati, which provides exterior home maintenance that includes professional solar panel cleaning. “By removing obstructions and buildup, we help homeowners and businesses get the most out of their solar-energy investment.”
In Ohio, expert assessment before installation is most important
Cleaning and maintaining a solar system in Ohio won’t help if the home is not suited for solar, or you install the wrong system or configuration, says Greg Leksan, sales director for Coldstream Solar in Cincinnati.
“More than 90 percent of Ohio homes qualify for solar, but the overall benefit for each homeowner depends on a variety of factors,” Leksan says. “It’s important to evaluate your roof’s size, angle and sun exposure. Factors such as shading from trees, roof condition and local climate can all impact the efficiency of your panels. As for snow, a centralized-string inverter, paired with power optimizers on each panel, will prevent the ‘Christmas light’ effect of all panels being affected when one is covered.”
A professional solar assessment, conducted by a properly trained expert, can help you gauge how much energy your system will generate, and whether solar is a viable option for you.
In addition to this assessment, Leksan says you need to take a number of other steps:
Panels buried in snow, which was removed by HomeSmiles Cincinnati
Understand your energy needs
Before installing solar panels, review your past electricity bills to understand your energy consumption patterns. This will help determine the size of the system you need. A reputable solar provider will analyze your energy usage and design a system that meets your specific needs without overselling unnecessary equipment.
Choose a reputable local solar company
One of the most crucial steps in the solar process is selecting the right installer. Here’s why working with a local company with experience matters:
Make sure you’re following local regulations
A local provider understands regional permitting processes, utility policies, and incentive programs.
Know whether your local climate factors in
The solar contractor should be able to assess all weather factors and explain what that means for your solar potential. Their design should be tailored to perform optimally in your specific weather conditions.
Is their customer service reliable?
A solar company and a maintenance company with a strong local presence will be easier to reach for troubleshooting, maintenance and warranty support.
Look for a company with a proven track record, strong customer reviews, and industry certifications such as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) accreditation.
Compare equipment and warranties
Not all solar panels and inverters are created equal. Research different panel brands, efficiency ratings, and degradation rates. Also, make sure your installer offers strong warranties on both equipment and installation. A good solar system should last 25+ years, so choosing high-quality components will ensure long-term performance and reliability.
Understand financing and incentives
Solar can be a big investment, but various financing options and incentives can make it more affordable:
Many homeowners qualify for federal tax credits and rebates that reduce the upfront cost of solar. But beware of salespeople who tell you that because of tax credits, your system will be free.
The company you work with should also know about low-interest financing options that allow you to own your system with little or no money down.
Check the Company’s Customer Support and Reputation
Before making a final decision, check reviews on platforms like Google, SolarReviews, EnergySage and the Better Business Bureau. Look for customer feedback on installation quality, communication and post-installation support.
Once installed, proper cleaning and maintenance matter
Leksan agrees that regular cleanings help ensure that a solar system is producing at maximum capacity, reducing the need to pull energy from the grid, and saving you money in the long run.
Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. However, when debris builds up, it reduces the amount of light that reaches the photovoltaic cells, leading to lower energy output. Studies have shown that dirty solar panels can lose anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of their efficiency—a significant drop in performance and savings.
“We specialize in an array of home maintenance tasks that include professional solar-panel cleaning, to ensure a solar system operates at peak efficiency year-round,” HomeSmiles’ Kommeth says. “The more sunlight your panels can absorb, the more electricity they generate, which means lower utility bills. And keeping the panels clean can prevent costly repairs from water retention, mold growth and even corrosion.” ©
HomeSmiles technicians are trained in proper solar-panel cleaning methods and offer an array of other home maintenance services. Reach Dan Kommeth at (513) 222-0603.
Coldstream Solar is highly trained in evaluating and installing the best solar system, based on the home’s parameters. Reach Greg Leksan at (513) 833-1732.
If you’re looking for a NAR-GREEN designated Realtor in Greater Cincinnati, you can reach N. Carol Kibbee at (513) 496-5037.
No Comments