Solar Power/Heating options...

[Monsterlover]

What do you do about snow covering these panels during the winter months?

[The Architect]

What do you do about snow covering these panels during the winter months?

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It depends on the type of system.  The flat panels will eventually let the snow slip off.  In the snow areas the panels are usually pitched steeper to help collect as much from the sun lower in the sky.  All they need is a small patch exposed and the snow will slide off quickly.  The tubes supposedly don't allow the snow to accumulate.

[rgramjet]

Thats a great question.  Ill check but wonder if there is a way to override the temp control valve and circulate warm glycol up to the panel to clear it from any snow accumulation.

[rgramjet]

Thin film solar is soon to be at $.10 per watt installed....thats why I chose hot water.....hard to beat 60 watts to keep 105 gallons of water at 150 degrees.

[1KDS]

So I guess when you are generating "electricity" your meter spins backwards, throwing power back in the grid.

Generally when you are producing your own power you have two meters, one incoming and one outgoing, then your power provider will adjust your bill accordingly.