An experimental investigation of snow removal from photovoltaic solar panels by electrical heating

A key challenge to the wide-scale implementation of photovoltaic solar panels (PV) in cold and remote areas is dealing with the effects of snow and ice buildup on the panel surfaces. In this study, a thermal method for snow removal from PV solar panels was experimentally tested. Nine PV panels were mounted at tilt angles of 30, 45 and 55° (three panels at each angle). One of the panels at each angle was insulated on the back with a heater embedded between the panel surface and a back layer of insulation. The other two panels remained unheated as reference cases. Outdoor tests were conducted under natural conditions including different snowfall conditions. Solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were also measured during each test. Results showed that the frame at the bottom edge of the panels prevented the snow-cover from sliding off the panels. In addition, it was observed that the entire panel surface requires heat to remove snow, as the panel thermal conduction was not sufficient to conduct heat to unheated areas. To investigate these issues, the lower edge of the frame for one of the reference panels at tilt angle of 45° was removed, and the panel was heated using reversing electrical current flow through it. For most of the experiments with this panel, the snow-cover slid off the panel in less than 30 min.