Any solar company can tell you there’s never a bad time to go solar- and we agree! Especially in today’s economic climate of sky-high prices and record inflation, going solar is an easy way to save money on costly utility bills. However, contrary to popular belief, the winter months are a great time to make the switch.
Do solar panels work in the winter?
Of course! Solar panels are designed to operate in many different climates, and winter months are no exception. Solar panels can even work in various types of extreme weather.
Living in New York, we get a lot of snow in the winter. This creates a common concern-can solar panels produce energy with snow on them? Fortunately, to mitigate the risk of snow burying the panels and subsequently preventing them from sunlight exposure, panels are usually installed at an angle so snowfall can slide right off. In addition, the heat from the Sun can melt the snow. This combination of snow landing on the panels and melting off can also act as a “cleaning service” which washes away any dirt or debris the panels may have accumulated (1).
Even with that in mind, it is always important to keep an eye on your solar panels. Like anything else on your property, solar panels can get damaged. Heavy snowfall can cause cracks on solar panels, so removing snow in such situations can help you avoid serious damage. Luckily, with Kasselman Solar, we provide a 25-year warranty and some of the most reliable solar panels on the market, so you know you’re comfortably equipped to handle snow.
Is it even possible to install solar panels in the winter?
Yes! Our installation crew will clear away any snow that would prevent the installation from being done properly. Plus, the equipment we use for installations is weatherproof, so we can handle snow. The only thing that would prevent our team from installing in the winter is unfit weather conditions, so if it’s a clear day, we can get the job done. Our schedule for the winter also provides some flexibility specifically for weather conditions. So, for example, if your installation has been scheduled on a day there turns out to be 6 inches of snow in the forecast, we can easily reschedule, so you don’t have to wait a long time for installation.
Even if you choose not to get installed in the winter, starting your solar process in the colder months can bring some benefits. Very few solar customers realize how lengthy the solar installation process can be.
As you can see, the process includes many steps, including a site assessment, engineering, permitting, utility approvals, financing, and incentives documentation, all before scheduling. At Kasselman Solar, we handle these things for you, but it’s important to know that this process takes time. The entire process can take anywhere from 90-120 days, but can be more or less depending on your township.
Fortunately, this amount of time usually decreases in the winter months because the solar industry as a whole slows down when the temperature drops. Since the wait time is less, you can get your solar panels installed as soon as possible, potentially by spring break. This can mean avoiding long wait times in the summer due to increased demand.
Act Fast!
So, even if you don’t install in the winter, just getting the process started in the cold months can expedite everything. Why wait? New York boasts the nation’s best solar incentives, and the extension of the federal ITC for the next decade only makes things better. Through the federal government, you’re eligible to receive almost one-third of the cost of your solar system back as a tax credit, as the ITC provides a 30% tax credit.
The bottom line is: getting installed in the winter or at least starting the process can save you time, money, and stress. You know what they say about the early bird and the worm, so get in touch with us today to get started.
