Quick Q&A: Winter & Home Solar Panel System Performance

One question Premier Power gets asked a lot is about how well a home solar panel system will perform in the winter. The quick version of our answer is: less effectively than during other seasons, but perhaps not by as much as you would think.

The long version of our answer depends on where you live and what your weather is like. Solar panels collect light, not heat, so if your solar power home is an an area with fairly clear winters, you’re in luck. For this reason, the performance of solar power in California is going to be better than that in upstate New York during the winter. However, winter days are just shorter, so even in California you’ll lose some output simply because the sun is up for fewer hours.

There’s good news. On overcast days or rainy days, your home solar panel system will continue to generate some energy, though not as much as under optimal conditions. Winter rain can wash away efficiency-reducing dust, although snow will block your panels from absorbing light until it melts or is brushed off. Fortunately, your system starts producing again immediately after. 

Bottom line: Efficiency peaks during late spring and early summer, but your solar panel system will nonetheless be hard at work squeezing as much energy as it can out of the winter sun.

Any other questions about solar? Leave us a comment, or visit our website for more information and your free solar evaluation!

Is your solar contractor qualified?

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California homeowners about the need to select a licensed and qualified contractor before signing a contract for a home solar energy project. Consumers who want to “go green” and take advantage of state and federal rebates and tax credits could be preyed upon by unlicensed, unscrupulous, or unaware contractors.

With that in mind, the CSLB recommends that consumers who are ready for home solar panels take the following precautions.
 
1. Always check for the contractor’s CSLB license. The state and federal government will not grant rebates or credits for home solar panels installed by an unlicensed contractor. Ask the solar contractor to show you his or her pocket license and a photo identification to make sure it is the same person. Compare this to the license information at http://www.cslb.ca.gov to make sure this individual is a legitimate member of the business indicated on the license.
 
2. Check the registration of sales representatives who solicit a contract on behalf of a contractor. A sales representative must be a Registered Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) with CSLB. Ask to see the HIS registration card and ID, then check it on the CSLB website to make sure that individual is actually an employee of the licensed contractor before you sign a contract.
 
3. Check your contractor’s license classification on the CSLB website. Your utility company may require that home solar panels be installed by a contractor with a specific classification.

 Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. is in full compliance with the rules and regulations of CSLB. We also work closely with CSLB to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Don’t forget to get your free solar home evaluation today!