Thinking about going solar but wondering how it performs during Maine’s snowy winters? You’re not alone! Despite the snow, Maine enjoys an abundance of sunshine — even in winter — making it a great state to generate electricity from the sun. Plus, policies like net metering make solar an even better choice for year-round savings.
In this blog, we’ll answer your top questions about solar performance during Maine’s coldest months and show why winter is no obstacle to going solar. Let’s dive in!
Will my panels produce enough electricity during the short, cold days of winter?
The answer to this question is yes, although it requires a little explanation. In Maine, we have a guaranteed policy called net metering that allows solar owners to build credits for excess electricity their systems produce during the long days of summer that can then be applied automatically to lower your bill during the shorter days of winter.
At Maine Solar Solutions, we design and install systems that are specific to each owner’s property and electrical usage. This means that we look at your past utility bills, talk to you about any expected increases in your usage such as adding a hot tub, and recommend a system size that will ensure you build enough net metering credits during the sunnier months to significantly lower or eliminate your usage charges during winter.
So yes: a properly designed system should produce enough electricity to power your home through the darker days of winter. For more information about how solar arrays help Maine homeowners control their electric bills, click here.
Will I have to remove snow and sleet from the panels?
No. Solar arrays are extremely low maintenance. In fact, we strongly recommend against attempting to remove accumulated snow from panels because panels act just like metal roofs, quickly melting the snow enough for it to slide off before it can significantly impact your electricity production. Additionally, you risk scratching or damaging your panels trying to remove the snow, voiding their long warranty.
Will the cold temperatures negatively impact my panels’ ability to produce electricity?
Not at all! Solar panels are designed to perform efficiently in a variety of weather conditions, and colder temperatures can actually enhance their performance. Cooler weather reduces electrical resistance, allowing your system to operate more effectively. Even in cold climates, your panels remain reliable and productive throughout the year.
Will I need solar batteries to keep my solar array working during the winter?
Not necessarily. Most grid-tied solar systems in Maine are installed without batteries. However, it’s important to note that your solar array will not provide power during an outage without a battery or a backup generator. If you live in an area with frequent outages, have critical appliances you can’t afford to lose power to, or simply want uninterrupted power, adding a battery system might be the right choice for you. Our team is always happy to discuss your options and help you determine if a battery is a good fit for your needs.
For more information about solar batteries, click here.
Can my array be installed during the winter months?
Yes, Maine Solar Solutions installs solar arrays year-round. The only weather factors that can keep our team off your roof are dangerous conditions like lightning and severe wind or hail. In fact, winter is often a great time of year to ensure a relatively short timeframe between signing a contract and installation, specifically because fewer people are thinking about solar during the darker days of the year!
Getting Started
Now that you know what a great choice solar is for Maine’s climate, the next step on your solar journey is a free site assessment to kick off your project. Our skilled drone operators will take measurements of your property, and our professional solar consultants will design and explain a custom solar system that works for your property, your usage, and your goals. Contact us today to schedule your assessment and learn more about our process.
