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The snow that has blanketed much of Europe over the past few days has also covered solar panels, preventing the absorption of sunlight and, consequently, electricity production. However, Slovenian solar power plant operators are not attempting to remove the snow, as doing so would cause more harm than good.
The main reason for not clearing the snow is the risk of damage to solar panels. Primož Tručl, CEO of solar power plant operator Moja elektrarna and a member of the board of the Slovenian Photovoltaic Association (ZSFV), told Naš stik that removing snow from solar modules while avoiding scratching their surface would be time-consuming and expensive. It would outweigh the benefits of potential production given the low levels of sunshine in winter, according to him.
Removing snow without damaging solar panels would cost more than the electricity generated at this time of year
Stellar, the operator of a hybrid solar power plant near Črnomelj, also considers such an intervention economically unjustified, as production losses due to temporary snow cover are relatively small and short-lived.
In most cases, snow melts or slides off the surface quickly thanks to the inclination of the panels and the heating of the modules under sunlight, Naš stik was told at the company.
Snow slides off on its own very quickly and outages are short-lived
In addition, manually removing snow with shovels, brooms, scrapers, or other equipment can damage the glass on solar panels. Even softer tools can cause micro-scratches, reducing the efficiency of the panels.
“Any damage to the glass also means an increased risk of moisture ingress and, consequently, module failure,” the company explained.
State-owned energy utility GEN energija has told Naš stik that most of its solar power plants are built on slopes, allowing snow to slide off the modules relatively quickly when the sun shines.
Letting snow slide off on its own also has an upside, as it helps clean solar panels by carrying away most of the dirt accumulated on the surface, according to GEN energija.
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