Solar panel protection during winter on the hard

[4deck]

Hi, I'm about to have our sailboat hauled out for the winter months and I'm not sure what to do with protecting the solars that sit on top of the davits. The rest of the boat will be enclosed by a winter cover. I'm told to simply leave them exposed and allow the batteries to stay charged. That's fine but what about the impact of snow building up on the panels (The boat is on the north shore of Lake Ontario & I will be away for the winter months and can't clean the snow off). Does anyone have experience with leaving the panel exposed and the winter sun warns the panels up enough to allow the snow to melt off during the day or should I hire someone to brush it off - hopefully without damaging the panels.. Any input would be appreciated

[SailFastTri]

I have been leaving my solar panels exposed to rain/snow/ice and all the freeze/thaw cycles (in Connecticut) since 2001 with no problems other than normal weathering. Mine are supported from beneath on deck.

I think your main concern should be physical -- whether they can support the weight of accumulated snow/ice and withstand the winter winds. You might also want to think about adding remote temperature compensation (probe located on the batteries) to your charge controller if you don't have it. OR, disconnect everything from your batteries and leave them fully charged. If they start the winter at full charge and have nothing more than self-discharge, they should be fine.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, 4deck.

I wouldn't worry about snow accumulation, on your PV panel(s). If they are adjustable, you might increase their angle of incline, to foster snow shedding.

[sunodyssey]

Agree increase the degree of inclinasion so the snow will just drift to the ground if it's possible.

[4deck]

thanks for your input and welcome...