Icy Winter Creates Headaches for Solar Panel Owners
Lithuania’s unusually cold and snowy winter has presented challenges for owners of solar power systems, as January electricity bills brought unexpected costs for some. The combination of increased energy demand during colder months and reduced solar energy production has forced some consumers to purchase electricity at unfavorable rates.
According to Elektrą iš saulės gaminančių vartotojų asociacijos (EISGVA) board member Mantas Volkus, attributing low solar energy production solely to this season’s snowfall isn’t entirely accurate. He suggests that the primary reason for consumer disappointment isn’t the snow itself, but rather the age of many solar installations. “A large portion of solar farms were installed 3–5 years ago, and their size and capacity reflected energy needs at that time, which have since increased significantly,” Volkus stated. The growing popularity of electric vehicles and other energy-intensive appliances is driving this increased demand.
Edgaras Bulovičius, sales manager for private clients at solar energy company “Saulės grąža,” echoed this sentiment, noting that cold temperatures don’t necessarily reduce efficiency. “In fact, low temperatures are beneficial for modules when the sun is shining,” he said. Bulovičius added that the most significant factors impacting solar panel performance are shorter days and the lower angle of the sun. Cloud cover as well substantially reduces energy generation.
The situation highlights the importance of accurately assessing long-term energy needs when investing in solar power systems. As energy consumption patterns evolve, homeowners and businesses may need to consider upgrading or expanding their solar capacity to meet growing demands. This comes as energy markets continue to experience volatility, making self-generation an increasingly attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
Experts also cautioned about potential damage to solar panels. According to a report from LRT, mechanical cleaning with hard brushes could cause cracks in the panels.
