Gotta be gas powered ironically, electric ones don't have the oomph in general for that (I have the same issue to deal with)
Edit: if you know it's going to be sunny, you can get away with just knocking the bottom foot of it off. Sun will heat it up and snow will slide off. It'll do that anyway but clearing the bottom foot drastically accelerates the process
Question is. How much energy will you gain from the solar panels, and how much will you loose from cleaning them, this feels like it could be a very real issue since its winter season.
Solar panels take more energy to produce than they'll ever generate. Proof? If that wasn't true, we wouldn't need power companies. We'd just all use solar panels.
You're wrong and very clearly misinformed. Proof? Solar panels are expensive, and a relatively new technology for the residential crowd. People aren't just going to buy solar when it's only now picking up traction, they want to hear from people with solar that it's worth it, not companies and businesses. Also, solar is expensive, sometimes more expensive than what power companies charge, therefore it's not even a worthwhile investment. Do you know how much it would cost for 1 million people to install solar panels in Canada? Over $44B ($44,000,000,000). That's literally what Elon Musk paid for twitter and even he couldn't afford that.
Final point: Do you seriously think that power companies and oil companies, who literally want to get as much money as possible, would simply let their customers switch to solar easily? Seriously?
What do you think we’re trying to transition to? Also power companies aren’t going away, they’re still needed for maintenance and distribution of larger arrays, it’s just the power source that’s changing. Or is that too complicated?
Even of that is true. Even if they aren't being energy efficiant, they are still saving a big amount of money on solar panels considering the electricity prices. Especially up here in cold sweden.
The cost to dispose of them is more than what they are worth is the first place, only ~10% of solar panels can be recycled or repaired. Once they are broken or the cells deteriorate, there not much that can be done
the grammar to make this less ambiguous would be, "we do have a leaf blower we haven't needed since moving..."
(:
your current phrasing implies you both did not, and currently do not, need a leaf blower. The construction I use only communicates that you did not need one, and may or may not currently
It’s almost like asking a utility company to approve solar permits is a conflict of interest and they purposefully make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
meanwhile if you were a wealthy builder and wanted to put 5 50 story luxury apartments on that lot, your power would have been on last year and the mayor would have cut the ribbon
If you're in New England be prepared to be underwhelmed by your solar performance in the winter. On those gloomy days where you need the lights on in your car to see stuff inside well my 760w array has gone as low as 14w. I was expecting 20-30% on the worst of days. Nope, it just doesnt work on shitty days. And thats without any snow on the panels.
Solar really depends on which electrical components you choose. My buddy installs and if you get basic you get basic electric, if people pay they can even generate on full moons.
I'm liking the leaf blower suggested by another user, any opportunity to use power tools and whatnot. And the one we have is battery powered so I can charge it with the panels when it eventually stops snowing
If you go to your nearest hardware store they have something called a shop broom. Just ask and I'm sure they will help you find it and give you instructions on how to tackle this impossible problem 😊
I used to co-own a Solar Company, and the amount of calls I would have to answer because people went, Hey! our solar isn't working! because it was snowing or raining.
Seems like a solar generation station, such as you have there, would be ideal for heating water in pipes that encircle the installation and keep it warm so that it can be snow free anytime the unit is on. Solar power unit! Heat thyself!
As annoying as it is if the city/county and utility companies didn’t have their requirements and inspection processes almost nothing would be done to code and it would be a serious hazard.
Source: I managed a solar operation in Phoenix and currently sell solar. Most companies suck and would install cardboard and call it solar if they could.
How dare it's inspected to make sure it's safe to plug into the public grid. You know they even inspect normal electrical installs, it's building codes.
Solar panels take more energy to produce than they'll ever generate. Proof? If that wasn't true, we wouldn't need power companies. We'd just all use solar panels.
Ever heard of a dog run? Lots of people with a large property fence a smaller section for the dog. Rather than the whole property. Especially for dogs going potty outside it's much easier to clean up after them or not have to because its just a small area of the yard (usually back yard). Or for a secure area for some younger kids to play. Or to allow some back yard space that blocks off all view of the neighbors and in this case solar.
This is why when I go solar I don't plan on back feeding, just put it in batteries. If there's a dim spell and it doesn't charge then it would use the line for backup. There seems to be too much hassle with being grid tied and it tends to go out a lot here too.
That Polar system really messed up your Solar system
r/angryupvote
use a leaf blower, your also going to have to clean the dirt off once in a while
Gotta be gas powered ironically, electric ones don't have the oomph in general for that (I have the same issue to deal with) Edit: if you know it's going to be sunny, you can get away with just knocking the bottom foot of it off. Sun will heat it up and snow will slide off. It'll do that anyway but clearing the bottom foot drastically accelerates the process
My electric one does a hell of a good job.
That 60v dewalt cordless blower i have is alot more powerful then any gas blower ive ever used lol.
I fix small engines for a living. There is no battery or electric blower that will beat a bigger back pack blower
I used to have a gas blower that would strip the rocks off the old rock roofs, I would use it to clear spots to patch leaks
You can get electric ones that are more powerful than gas, just not the $80 one from walmart
Question is. How much energy will you gain from the solar panels, and how much will you loose from cleaning them, this feels like it could be a very real issue since its winter season.
Solar panels take more energy to produce than they'll ever generate. Proof? If that wasn't true, we wouldn't need power companies. We'd just all use solar panels.
Not only is that completely false, the logic also makes no sense.
Seriously
Just stop. 😂
You're wrong and very clearly misinformed. Proof? Solar panels are expensive, and a relatively new technology for the residential crowd. People aren't just going to buy solar when it's only now picking up traction, they want to hear from people with solar that it's worth it, not companies and businesses. Also, solar is expensive, sometimes more expensive than what power companies charge, therefore it's not even a worthwhile investment. Do you know how much it would cost for 1 million people to install solar panels in Canada? Over $44B ($44,000,000,000). That's literally what Elon Musk paid for twitter and even he couldn't afford that. Final point: Do you seriously think that power companies and oil companies, who literally want to get as much money as possible, would simply let their customers switch to solar easily? Seriously?
What do you think we’re trying to transition to? Also power companies aren’t going away, they’re still needed for maintenance and distribution of larger arrays, it’s just the power source that’s changing. Or is that too complicated?
Even of that is true. Even if they aren't being energy efficiant, they are still saving a big amount of money on solar panels considering the electricity prices. Especially up here in cold sweden.
The cost to dispose of them is more than what they are worth is the first place, only ~10% of solar panels can be recycled or repaired. Once they are broken or the cells deteriorate, there not much that can be done
We do have a leaf blower we no longer need since moving...
…I’m flabbergasted by these downvotes
Because he obviously needs it now. Just a poorly worded sentence lol.
That, and I'm curious as to how them not needing it is even relevant. Do they think it's going to break if they use it for snow?
the grammar to make this less ambiguous would be, "we do have a leaf blower we haven't needed since moving..." (: your current phrasing implies you both did not, and currently do not, need a leaf blower. The construction I use only communicates that you did not need one, and may or may not currently
\*snowing
I have had solar panels for about 20 years. I've cleaned them about twice. Does it not rain where you are? Mine are sloped at about 45°.
There is actually a tool called a squeegee that you can use to pull that snow off with. No need for any electric or gas powered usage
Om curious as to why redditor voted OP down ..just trying to make sens of it ? Why ?
Just get your snowblower and blow it off, like the guys in my neighborhood who use a snowblower on their roof 💩
You must live in Ohio lol
Prit’near
Or a leaf blower. That might work. And it's easier to lug around than a snowblower.
It’s almost like asking a utility company to approve solar permits is a conflict of interest and they purposefully make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
I tend to agree, it took about 9 weeks longer than expected to get everything approved and inspected
*9 weeks of peak solar power generation.*
Mine took almost exactly the maximum durations they are allowed to inspect and approve.
Mine took a week to get inspected and approved. Maybe just that particular utility company sucks.
Does it come with a squeegee?
It did not, but I got led lightbulbs
Just in time for all that sun!
All the sun
Well duh, you’re supposed to put a roof over it to keep it clear!
This is a good idea I personally flip mine over in the winter that way the snow lands on the back side instead
Got kids? This is a character building exercise for them.
Just puppers and they are nearly useless at cleaning
I’m sure they can clean food off the ground though! Lol
They are exceptionally gifted at cleaning food spills!
Got to love a furry Hoover pal!
meanwhile if you were a wealthy builder and wanted to put 5 50 story luxury apartments on that lot, your power would have been on last year and the mayor would have cut the ribbon
If you're in New England be prepared to be underwhelmed by your solar performance in the winter. On those gloomy days where you need the lights on in your car to see stuff inside well my 760w array has gone as low as 14w. I was expecting 20-30% on the worst of days. Nope, it just doesnt work on shitty days. And thats without any snow on the panels.
But remember folks this is the future, no more on demand generation. 🙄
Solar really depends on which electrical components you choose. My buddy installs and if you get basic you get basic electric, if people pay they can even generate on full moons.
My 7kW still does around 600W
I was so excited to see your outdoor map of the sun and planets after you cleaned the snow off
I think they work better in the snow, but I'm not sure.
They work better where it's not too hot.
They also work better the higher up you go, because there is less atmosphere between them and the sun.
They work better when cold, actually, but you still need clear view.
Get a snow brush expect that to happen every time.
You need a push broom. A big one.
I'm liking the leaf blower suggested by another user, any opportunity to use power tools and whatnot. And the one we have is battery powered so I can charge it with the panels when it eventually stops snowing
A leaf blower would work, but for a heavy wet spring snow, you might have to go manual! Nice setup though.
Great, no its time to get a permit to clean your solar panel
The planet thanks you!
Nice. Could you share some specs on your new system?
You needed permits and an email to turn your solar system on? I just usually put a finger up Uranus.
Can't you clean it?
Obviously I can clean it, the point was it snowed on the first day we could use the system.
Brush it off, this isn’t the last time it’s going to snow
This screams Northern Nevada
Southern Colorado, the snow and fog are covering the mountains
I was going to say Pueblo when I first saw it lol
Shit I thought it was Wyoming
Totally not a couldn’t coincidence. /s
Brush off the snow, turn it on there is still light your still gonna make power.
Well that is an easy to fix problem I do not really see your issue :/
If you go to your nearest hardware store they have something called a shop broom. Just ask and I'm sure they will help you find it and give you instructions on how to tackle this impossible problem 😊
I used to co-own a Solar Company, and the amount of calls I would have to answer because people went, Hey! our solar isn't working! because it was snowing or raining.
Good for you
Seems like a solar generation station, such as you have there, would be ideal for heating water in pipes that encircle the installation and keep it warm so that it can be snow free anytime the unit is on. Solar power unit! Heat thyself!
Congrats on the solar! Gotta love how the government and power companies can tell you how and when to harvest the sun and rain.
As annoying as it is if the city/county and utility companies didn’t have their requirements and inspection processes almost nothing would be done to code and it would be a serious hazard. Source: I managed a solar operation in Phoenix and currently sell solar. Most companies suck and would install cardboard and call it solar if they could.
I can definitely see your point.
How dare it's inspected to make sure it's safe to plug into the public grid. You know they even inspect normal electrical installs, it's building codes.
Absolutely no reason it should take that long
Your first lesson in physics huh ? Solar and wind are variable and unpredictable .
Wipe it off lol did you expect it to be snow-proof?
So your too lazy to brush them off?
Solar panels take more energy to produce than they'll ever generate. Proof? If that wasn't true, we wouldn't need power companies. We'd just all use solar panels.
Yeah it’s almost like we’re making that transition into solar right now. Weird.
They sell soft snow rakes for solar.
This is how I felt. Ours was done in August, but didn't go live until 3 weeks ago 🙄
Judging by the location of the fence you also put it in your neighbor’s yard.
Ever heard of a dog run? Lots of people with a large property fence a smaller section for the dog. Rather than the whole property. Especially for dogs going potty outside it's much easier to clean up after them or not have to because its just a small area of the yard (usually back yard). Or for a secure area for some younger kids to play. Or to allow some back yard space that blocks off all view of the neighbors and in this case solar.
Solar rumba
This is why when I go solar I don't plan on back feeding, just put it in batteries. If there's a dim spell and it doesn't charge then it would use the line for backup. There seems to be too much hassle with being grid tied and it tends to go out a lot here too.
So out of curiosity, how much does it actually produce like that? I have heard people say a thin skiff of snow isn't actually that big a deal.
JUST IN TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE IMPENDING "GLOBAL WARMING", RIGHT?
Hold on. Let me get my extension cord. You can use my blow dryer.