Don’t Let Winter Weather Dim Your Solar Investment: Essential Maintenance Tips for California’s Rainy Season

While California is known for its abundant sunshine, the winter months bring unique challenges for solar panel owners. During winter, solar panel performance can dip due to snow and during the rainy season in which the density of the cloud cover means the panels receive diffuse light rather than direct sunlight. However, with proper maintenance and preparation, your solar system can continue delivering optimal performance throughout the cooler, wetter months.

Understanding Winter Solar Performance in California

Even in sunny California, winter has an impact. Los Angeles gets an average annual daily high of 14 hours and 15 minutes of daylight light. In winter, the shortest day declines to about 9 hours and a half hours — approximately ⅓ less. Despite reduced daylight hours, solar panels tend to work better in colder temperatures because high heat can actually reduce their efficiency. Studies show that solar panels lose efficiency once temperatures exceed around 77°F (25°C). So in chilly, sunny conditions, your system may deliver better performance compared to hot summer days.

Solar panels still function efficiently despite the rain and other inclement weather in the fall and winter. The sun still delivers daylight to solar panels through the rain and clouds. Although solar panels are most productive in direct sunlight, they can still use diffuse or indirect sunlight (radiation) to generate energy.

The Rain Factor: Friend or Foe?

Many homeowners wonder if California’s winter rains are sufficient to keep their solar panels clean. Rain is a natural cleaner, washing away dust and debris that could block sunlight and reduce efficiency. This keeps your system in top shape without any extra maintenance. However, rain helps rinse off loose dirt, but it doesn’t remove stubborn grime, bird droppings, or debris. It can also leave streaks or mineral deposits that reduce efficiency. While rain helps, manual or professional cleaning is still needed for maximum energy production.

A light rain in the winter months provides some washing of panels but a light check-up and cleaning might be the cause of significant losses. This is particularly important in areas with higher pollution levels or dust accumulation.

Essential Winter Maintenance Tasks

Regular Cleaning Schedule

It is generally recommended that you perform solar panel cleaning between two and four times per year. During California’s winter months, you must clean them at least twice a year: one at the end of fall and another at the start of winter. If they’re installed in an area with a high dust, pollen, or dirt concentration, it’s recommended to clean them more often, for example every three months.

For residents seeking professional solar panel cleaning in lake elsinore and surrounding areas, winter presents an ideal opportunity to ensure your system is prepared for the season’s unique challenges.

Snow and Ice Considerations

While snow is less common in most of California, it can occur in higher elevations. In winter, you may need to clean your panels after a heavy snowfall. If you’re using water to clear the snow away, make sure it’s lukewarm. It is important to note that you should never use hot water when clearing snow off the panels. The panels are made of tempered glass, and the extreme temperature disparity between hot water and cold panels can crack them.

Visual Inspections

Ensuring that panels are clean and in good condition will help maintain performance throughout the shorter, cloudier days of winter. New Day Solar offers professional solar inspections to keep your system running efficiently year-round. Regular visual inspections should look for:

• Accumulated debris, leaves, or bird droppings
• Visible dirt or grime buildup
• Any physical damage from storms
• Shading from overgrown vegetation

Optimal Cleaning Timing and Techniques

Research engineers from a solar energy industry magazine compiled key insights based on regional climatic patterns, revealing that spring typically offers the best results for maintaining efficiency. This season is ideal because it marks the end of California’s damp winter season, washing away much of the accumulated grime without harsh solar exposure that summer brings. Additionally, the milder temperatures in spring make it easier for cleaning crews to perform their jobs effectively without the risk of overheating.

When cleaning during winter months, clean your panels on a cool, overcast day during the early hours of the morning to avoid the risk of water evaporating too quickly in the sun, which can leave streaks or cause damage. Avoid cleaning them during the heat of midday when the panels are hottest.

Professional vs. DIY Maintenance

For optimal solar panel cleaning in California, consider hiring seasoned professionals. Professional services offer the advantage of expertise, efficiency, and the utilization of specialized equipment, maximizing your panels’ performance. In California, where the climate offers both sun and occasional dust storms, professionals can adeptly handle the required maintenance, ensuring your solar panels remain in peak condition, thus extending their lifespan and efficiency.

Safety. Climbing onto the rooftop can be dangerous as you can slide off. Moreover, working with electricity and electric wires is risky. Professional cleaning services eliminate these safety concerns while ensuring proper maintenance techniques.

Maximizing Winter Performance

One of the key benefits of solar in winter is the effect of cooler temperatures. Unlike summer, where excessive heat slightly reduces efficiency, cold temperatures can improve PV cell performance, making the system more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Additionally, even on cloudy days, diffused sunlight still allows solar panels to produce power.

Clean solar panels can absorb more sunlight, resulting in increased energy production and higher power output. Studies have shown that dirty solar panels can experience efficiency losses of up to 15%, highlighting the importance of regular cleaning to maintain peak performance.

Preparing for California’s Unpredictable Weather

California winters have become unpredictable in the last couple of years, when it comes to weather. One day the sun is shining, the next there is a full-on downpour. These frequent rain showers make solar homeowners wonder if solar panels will still generate power when the sky is gray.

The good news is that your solar PV system will still produce energy even when it’s raining and cloudy outside. On cloudy or rainy days, photovoltaic panels can produce anywhere between 10-25% of their optimal capacity.

Conclusion

Winter solar panel maintenance in California requires a balanced approach that takes advantage of natural cleaning from rain while addressing the limitations of weather-only cleaning. Regular inspections, proper cleaning and avoiding harmful myths are key to keeping your solar system performing at its best. Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial solar user, don’t skip maintenance during the rainy season. Let rain be an assistant, not a replacement.

By implementing a comprehensive winter maintenance routine that includes regular cleaning, professional inspections, and proper timing, California solar panel owners can ensure their systems continue delivering maximum energy production throughout the cooler months. Remember, regular cleaning prevents long-term damage and degradation of the solar cells, making winter maintenance an investment in your system’s long-term performance and your energy savings.