Economics of Snow Accumulation on Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

The growth in photovoltaic (PV) module installations over the past decade has prompted a critical need to examine the economic implications of snow accumulation on solar energy production. The aim of this study is to quantify the economic impact of snow accumulation on PV modules in different regions and environmental conditions and to identify effective mitigation strategies for enhancing power generation efficiency and reliability of PV systems. It was found that snow accumulation on PV modules can lead to annual losses of 1% to 12% depending on the environmental conditions and geographic location. A financial analysis related to maintenance costs associated with snow accumulation on PV modules is also presented. A two-fold methodology of quantitative data analysis and interviews conducted with PV system operators is used for this purpose. In addition, the extent of snow accumulation financial losses in the U.S. is categorized based on the snowfall amount and solar market segment, suggesting an annual loss of at least USD 313M in utility and residential solar sectors. Furthermore, various currently employed active and passive snow mitigation strategies are presented in detail, describing their shortcomings and advantages. Finally, prospects on the need for developing reliable and cost-effective snow mitigation strategies for solar panels are discussed, paving the path for future studies.