For centuries, solar power and solar reactive structures have been linked to summer and sunny climates only. So what happens when winter comes, and the roofs are covered in snow, and the temperatures plummet? Solar panels do not do very well under those conditions. Solar panels have the potential to leave homeowners in cold regions with no renewable energy options. That all changed when Silfab Solar unveiled the world’s first winter solar panel, and the only solar panel that works year-round, and produces 440W even in extreme winter mountain conditions.
The misconception of solar energy and Winter conditions
One misunderstanding in solar energy use and winter climates is that solar panels only work in hot and sunny conditions. Solar panels produce energy from light, and not from heat.
Sunlight and light can be reflected off the snow
There are conditions, however, where the energy collection can be reduced, and that has been heavy and thick snow. Freezing temperatures have historically reduced collection. But Silfab, with the new panel, has solved these problems to produce energy when homeowners need it the most.
Silfab is the first and only winter solar panel in the world, and it works completely unassured to the home and owner, fully coping, adapting, and thriving in all elements.
Chesley Electric team:
“Despite being nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, Silfab solar panels have proven impressive production and durability. Their performance in extreme climates like Park City proves their top‑of‑the‑line quality.”
The Silfab solar panel: How does it function in Winter?
According to Silfab Solar, the qualities that the panel has to incorporate to cope in most of the extreme conditions that the world has to offer, including in snow, are:
- A complete high output with high mono-crystalline cells designed to absorb light to the max, functioning even in low light conditions.
- Extreme weather-hardy material that is immune to snow, ice, and extreme temperature changes.
- A tilt-and-drain technique that clears panels after snow conditions so that they do not have build up ice until the storms are over.
- Innovations mean homeowners in snowy regions can keep their energy production constant without manual clearing or maintenance.
Silfab doesn’t design for mild winters only
As discussed in their resilient solar solutions guide, these panels are designed for mountain communities where snow, extreme wind, and below-freezing temperatures are the norms. These panels are designed to deliver a peak performance of 440W per module, therefore keeping homes powered during extreme winter weather.
Off-grid areas can now stay powered with Silfab
This is especially important for off-grid cabins, ski lodges, and rural homes that need to stay powered. Silfab is changing the solar winter landscape by combining extreme lightweight construction, rugged solar durability, and very high winter efficiency solar.
Year-round energy independence and sustainability for homeowners are no longer seasonal luxuries. With the current energy inflation, it is a necessity for homeowners in cold regions to find a solution that does not compromise in winter.
Silfab’s winter solar panel technology unlocks the following:
- Lower energy bills during peak heating months.
- Reduced fossil fuel usage and carbon footprints.
- Reassurance that your power won’t disappear with the first snow.
- Silfab’s technology removes the biggest barrier for homeowners considering solar but concerned about winter performance.
As technology advances, winter solar will no longer be limited by geography or season, for winter ski centers, solar-powered ski resorts, and entire mountain towns running on sustainability with clean energy. New energy technologies brighten the future. Silfab is assisting in the shift to solar energy 365 days a year and is making winter solar energy technology a reality.
