As snow slowly covers the roofs of New York, you are probably wondering what is the impact of snow on solar panels? Well, it is not as bad as you might have thought!

1. Solar panels still produce electricity when covered by snow.

It is only when heavy snow accumulates that solar PV generation cannot occur. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as long as there is a light coating of snow, light is still able to reach the panel. Moreover, climate change is reshaping traditional expectations of winter weather, as demonstrated by this seasons lack of snow in NYC.

2. Solar panels can melt snow.

Without a consistent snowstorm, snow melts quickly on solar panels. When sunlight is absorbed by the dark silicone cells and a section of the panel is exposed to the sun, the heat spreads across the entire panel, causing the snow to melt. Combined with the steep angle and slick glass surface of solar panels, snow frequently does not interfere with solar panels for more than a few days. Additionally, when snow melts away, the anti-soiling properties of snow offer a free cleaning service!

3. On a yearly basis, snow doesn’t significantly impact your financial returns.

Even though snow and less sunshine may reduce your electricity generation during winter, it’s trivial when considering the benefits you can achieve with your solar array during summer. In New York, thanks to net metering and VDER bill crediting, you can be financially rewarded from excess summertime electricity generation that you send to the grid, minimizing your energy savings losses during winter. Any solar production model should include the possible losses from snow, ensuring these impacts are accounted for from the start of your project.