Winter is coming.
No, there won't be any ice cold monster to scare us solar owners. However, the thought of having less sun time and less energy output is actually more worrisome.
But fret not. There are some ways to make sure that we and our solar-powered home survive the winter even with minimal energy generation.
Below are just some of the most practical tips we can all follow to prepare and enjoy the cooler season.
1. Apply for inspection/maintenance
Your solar panels need to be in optimum condition during winter as there is less sun time. So, talk to your trusted solar retailer and apply for a inspection and/or maintenance. Doi it at least a month or two before winter sets in. Dirt, grime, spots or bird dropping could make drastic changes to your energy output.
2. Closely monitor your inverter and do regular visual checks on your panels
This one is important throughout the year, but none more so around the winter season. Check your inverter for energy output fluctuations and contact your solar retailer if needed. You can also do visual checks to make sure wires are properly attached, panels are tilted perfectly and more.
3. Tilt your solar panels (if possible)
The position of the sun shifts during winter and that affects energy production for your panels. Contact your solar retailer if there is an option to have your panels tilted so that you can keep getting the maximum amount of sunlight. P.S. Please make sure to have this done by professionals. Never do it yourself.
4. Use your electrical appliances accordingly
With less sun time in the winter, you’ll be forced to trim down your energy usage. So, to prevent overwhelm, start making the adjustment around autumn so that you can make it a habit come winter. You can also opt to use a smart electricity meter to keep track of your energy usage.
5. Ensure your house has proper insulation
During summer it is important to make sure that your house has proper insulation to prevent cool air from escaping and your AC from overworking. The same idea applies in winter. Have your home insulation inspected to conserve heat.
6. Look into battery storage
If you have the budget, consider switching to a hybrid solar system which consists of hybrid inverters and batteries. It will help you store your generated energy instead of giving them to the grid.
7. Look into microinverters
Microinverters generate energy from each panel in a system. This makes it even more reliable than string inverters. With microinverters, you’ll be able to maximize your power output even when there’s less sun time.
