See also:
- The best time to think about snow retention on solar roofs is before it even snows
- The Trouble with Snow: Managing the performance impact of snowfall
- Look out below!: Safety a top concern when removing snow from solar panels
Technology clears panels of wintry precipitation using small amount of panel power
When snow accumulates on panels, owners are advised to let it melt. Cleaning snow from panels with a broom, for instance, is not only unsafe, it could void a manufacturer warranty. But in cold conditions, melting can take days. While that may be a safe and acceptable option for some grid-tied users, off-grid systems could run out of reserve power, taking critical systems offline.
Blizzard Solar, an international company that specializes in innovative solar technologies, has developed a system to combat snow accumulation. The Autonomous Winter Solar Panel, or AWSP, lets modules operate efficiently in all conditions.
The system, which can be can be integrated into manufacturers’ panel design, senses the presence of winter precipitation on the panel. It then uses a minimal amount of stored panel energy to clear the panel of the snow, frost, sleet and ice. The technology can be used with framed or frameless panels, and is a significant cost-saver in terms of panel cleaning and energy maximization. The AWSP technology, which is for sale outright, could open new markets for PV distribution.
Although helpful, in most winter environments, the slanting of panels or implementation of trackers are not sufficient on their own to facilitate the effective removal of all winter precipitation.
Further, commercial solar farms are prevented from handling the surface of panels to remove winter precipitation due to warranty voiding concerns. This technology does not touch the surface of the panel and clears not only the panel surface but reduces avalanche snow build-up below the panel to allow for effective future winter precipitation clearing.
Blizzard Solar has several cost-effective products before numerous international patent bodies that allow solar products to operate effectively in all seasons and all environments. These products autonomously remove winter snow and summer dirt to fully maximize solar efficiency.
Smells like vapor ware. All of the “Our Technology” pages have vague and aloof babble and no real discussion or even basic description of how it works.
What about rain X? That stuff is amazing on windshields.
It’s likely that that compound will break down the anti-reflective coatings on solar panels and decrease output
Hello everyone look at the NextStep Electric Inc. Solar panel snow warming system, they have a great way to melt snow off of solar panels, and it won’t hurt the solar-panel. It is a peal and sticks solution, that adheres/installs to the back of a solar-panel in 10 seconds. They have kits for sale around $1,600-$2,000 dollars for a 2 and a half kilowatt system. Their web site is nextstepelectric.com take a look.
I live in Massachusetts. Are there systems available?
Unfortunately you did not ever return any of my emails.
Even after you said there was an accident with your notebook and to resend my information.
So I’m guessing there is no solution from next step electric
Has any of you tried to treat your panels with a NANO product. The snow will not deposit on the panels if panels is fitted at an angle.
I would like to hear from anyone who used NANO before on their panels . Looking for positive feedback to use in future installations.
Thanks
Greetings
Hi Rudi- Have you continued to use the Nano product? Results? I don’t want to keep climbing on the roof….
Thanks, Catherine
Not helpful. This “article” is nothing more than a sales pitch with no substance. HOW does it work? Is this applicable to already-installed panels? What are the costs?
>> Is this applicable to already-installed panels?
No, I think the key point is: ” … system … can be can be integrated into manufacturers’ panel design …” so it’s not an add-on solution. Unless maybe there is a way of forcing current forward-bias through the cells to heat up ?
Have a Commercial solar farm just finishing up in Vermont. Interested in innovative ways to keep snow and ice off panels. Thanks.
This sounds good but it also sounds expensive. My solar system I have had for 4 years cost $40000 and this sounds like you want me to replace them.
Instead is there a spray I can put on them that repels snow, water, mud and such things. I know there is such a spray for my boots, gloves, and other outdoor equipment. Would this spray harm my panels???
We don’t know about sprays, but simple snow removing techniques can help you out: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2015/01/look-safety-top-concern-removing-snow-solar-panels/
Email [email protected], NextStep Electric Inc, they have a retro-fit kit that you can attach to already existing panels to melt snow.
In my area, the snow that falls stays on the roof of the house all winter, I have a roof rake to clear it off when it becomes too deep. A heater that melts the snow would create ice build up, as at -20 C, any runoff would freeze right away.
Love it!!! Will surely look for your company show we
Build in a snow area.