Do Solar Batteries Work in the Winter?
Your photovoltaic (PV) power system — the panels and the batteries that they charge — rely on the sun. So it’s natural to wonder what happens when winter arrives, the days get shorter, and the air temperature drops. Will the solar panels still work in the winter? How does cold impact battery storage systems?
We tapped Vikki M. Kumar, Panasonic energy storage and solar systems engineer, to provide her expert advice on ensuring your solar system performs well into the winter. “As a homeowner, knowing as much as you can about how your system works in all weather allows you to make the most of it,” Kumar says.
The big takeaway: Your battery and panels can handle cold temperatures, but there are a few things you can do to maximize performance during the winter months. Here are some commonly asked questions about how winter impacts solar battery storage systems, panels, and more.
Does cold weather affect solar battery storage?
The short answer: It can. Kumar notes that the batteries used in your storage system are usually rated for indoor application only. For example, the Panasonic Evervolt system has an operating temperature range of 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. “If they’re operating outside that range, then that can affect how quickly the battery can charge and then discharge,” Kumar says.
The first step to maximizing your battery storage system for cold weather is to locate it in a place protected from the elements, such as a garage, house, or insulated building. Keeping the batteries in an insulated area ensures you maximize their performance, even if the temperatures outside are dropping.
Even better, if the cold weather impacts the production of your solar panels, you can then rely on your stored power. “If your batteries are charged to the max, then they can start supplying the load,” Kumar says.
How does the winter impact solar panels?
Just like the battery storage system, solar panels also have a recommended operating temperature range. For panels, it’s -40 degrees Fahrenheit up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures don’t damage the panels. However, temperatures that fall outside of the range can reduce power production. Again, this is where a battery storage system can come into play, making up the difference.
Kumar notes that solar panels come with optimizers that help regular power fluctuations to the home, ensuring the right amount of power is supplied. So even as light and temperatures change, the supply to the house should remain relatively steady.
How can you get the most from your panels in the winter?
Kumar says the best way to ensure you’re getting the most from your panels during the cold, dark days of winter is to install them in a location that has maximum exposure. Most of the time, installers recommend that you install panels on a south-facing roof, where they get the most sun. That way, even on shorter and colder days, they’re still benefiting from as much sunlight as possible.
Keeping the panels clean also ensures that they're capturing as much sunlight as possible. Clean leaves, dirt, and any other debris off of your solar panels before winter begins to eliminate anything that may be obstructing the panel surface. Similarly, watch for any tree branches or other foliage that could block light from reaching your solar panels. Keeping your trees and bushes in check will allow your solar panels to absorb as much sunlight as possible, even as the days get shorter.
Winter is coming, but that doesn't mean your solar power generation needs to suffer. By understanding how your battery storage and panels work in cold temperatures, you can still reap the reward of your PV system no matter the season.
Did you know Panasonic's Total Home Energy System can make your home energy independent and protect you from power outages? Get a free no-obligation consultation with a certified EverVolt™ installer today and get all your questions answered.