16 June 2024 | Abdel Hakim Abou Yassine, Ehsan Khoshbakhtnejad and Hossein Sojoudi
The study examines the economic impact of snow accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules in different regions and environmental conditions, aiming to identify effective mitigation strategies. Snow accumulation can lead to annual losses of 1% to 12% in PV module efficiency, depending on the environment and location. Financial analysis of maintenance costs associated with snow accumulation is presented, along with a two-fold methodology of quantitative data analysis and interviews with PV system operators. The financial losses in the U.S. are categorized based on snowfall amount and solar market segment, suggesting an annual loss of at least USD 313 million in utility and residential solar sectors. Various active and passive snow mitigation strategies are discussed, including tractors, manual removal, heating, solar trackers, and bifacial modules. Bifacial modules, which capture sunlight from both sides, show significant potential in reducing snow-related losses. However, they are more expensive and require ground space. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for reliable and cost-effective snow mitigation strategies, highlighting the importance of future research in this area.The study examines the economic impact of snow accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules in different regions and environmental conditions, aiming to identify effective mitigation strategies. Snow accumulation can lead to annual losses of 1% to 12% in PV module efficiency, depending on the environment and location. Financial analysis of maintenance costs associated with snow accumulation is presented, along with a two-fold methodology of quantitative data analysis and interviews with PV system operators. The financial losses in the U.S. are categorized based on snowfall amount and solar market segment, suggesting an annual loss of at least USD 313 million in utility and residential solar sectors. Various active and passive snow mitigation strategies are discussed, including tractors, manual removal, heating, solar trackers, and bifacial modules. Bifacial modules, which capture sunlight from both sides, show significant potential in reducing snow-related losses. However, they are more expensive and require ground space. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for reliable and cost-effective snow mitigation strategies, highlighting the importance of future research in this area.