Winter and renewable energies: are they contradictory?

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In winter in particular, the goal of the energy transition - to generate energy 100% from renewable sources - reaches its limits. At present, in Germany we are still largely dependent on fossil fuels for heat and electricity generation in winter. But what impact does winter have on electricity supply from renewable energies? This is precisely the question we will address in this blog post.

Impact of Winter on Renewable Energies

Own representation based on Fraunhofer ISE

photovoltaics
The most common way of using solar energy is through photovoltaic slovenia consumer email list systems (PV systems). Solar cells are installed in a system that absorbs photons from the sun's rays and converts them into electrical energy. These systems are becoming increasingly popular in society and are mandatory on the roofs of (commercial) properties in some federal states.

In winter, less sun shines because the earth is more inclined towards the sun as it orbits the sun. This means that winter days are shorter and there are fewer hours of sunshine overall. However, this does not necessarily mean that winter is an unpleasant time of year for owners of photovoltaic systems. The efficiency of the systems increases slightly due to a variety of factors. Snow generally has little effect on photovoltaic systems; the smooth surface and the angle of inclination mean that snow usually slides right off when it thaws slightly. However, if snow does remain on the collectors, it is not recommended that you remove it yourself with a broom or other household tools. Photovoltaic collectors are sensitive and the risk of damaging something on the system is too great.

The advantage in winter is that the air is clearer than at other times of the year, so there is less reflection of sunlight by air particles. The reason is that in winter there is generally less humidity than in summer, so there is less water or water vapor bound in the air. This bound water vapor in turn influences the reflection of light. In addition, PV systems can fail due to overheating of collector modules, especially in summer. You can put this fear aside in winter and enjoy the PV system on your roof at home.