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					</table>Power generation from a solar photovoltaic (PV) project peaks in summer and dips during winter as the solar radiation intensity in winter is relatively low.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31410" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2.jpg" alt="Picture1" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2.jpg 1256w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2-300x98.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2-768x251.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2-650x213.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2-624x204.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture1-2-600x196.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1256px) 100vw, 1256px" />
The major effects on the operation of solar power projects in winter are:
Low temperature
In cold weather, the ambient temperature drops and to below freezing point in some areas. Since the equipment in a solar PV project, such as solar panels, inverters, data collectors, and batteries, have a certain operating temperature range, the regular operation may be affected when the temperature is lower than the operating range temperature of the equipment. This should be considered when choosing the installation site and design of the system.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31409" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2.png" alt="Picture2" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2.png 1263w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2-300x95.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2-768x242.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2-650x205.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2-624x197.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture2-600x189.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1263px) 100vw, 1263px" />
Recommendation
Equipment should be used in areas with temperatures within the equipment&#8217;s working limits. Items such as energy storage batteries, household PV inverters, and data collectors could be installed indoors or in a cold-proof environment.
Low temperature affects the Voc voltage of the PV system
Low temperature will cause the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of PV strings to increase. If the initial design of the system has not fully considered the effect of temperature, the string Voc under low-temperature conditions could exceed the maximum allowable input voltage of the inverter, which will likely cause damage.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31408" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3.png" alt="Picture3" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3.png 831w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3-300x64.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3-768x163.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3-650x138.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3-624x132.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture3-600x127.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px" />
Consider an example of a 20 kW (maximum DC input voltage of 1100V) grid-tied PV system where 52 475W PV panels are used. Assuming that the lowest temperature in the area during the day is -15°C, the Voc is as per the following table:
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31407" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4.png" alt="Picture4" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4.png 830w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4-300x90.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4-768x229.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4-650x194.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4-624x186.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture4-600x179.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px" />
Note: This PV panel&#8217;s open-circuit voltage temperature coefficient is -0.28%/℃. The value of this coefficient is different for different brands of PV panels.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31406" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5.png" alt="Picture5" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5.png 1755w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-300x50.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-768x127.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-1536x254.png 1536w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-650x107.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-624x103.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture5-600x99.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1755px) 100vw, 1755px" />
Recommendation 
In the preliminary design of a PV project, it is necessary to fully consider the Voc of the PV string in extremely low temperatures.  Reserve sufficient margin to prevent the DC overvoltage in the winter from causing damage to the inverter. If the system has an &#8220;OV-DC alarm, it is necessary to immediately turn off the DC switch of the inverter and reduce the number of solar panels of the PV string.
Shading 
In winter, the angle of sunlight is narrower, and shadows are longer. Therefore, the PV array is more prone to shadow occlusion, which significantly affects the power generation of the PV system.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31405" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1.jpg" alt="Picture6" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1.jpg 1261w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1-300x74.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1-768x190.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1-650x161.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1-624x154.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture7-1-600x148.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1261px) 100vw, 1261px" />
Recommendation
Cleaning the solar panel surface is advised to avoid dirt accumulation in winter.  It is also recommended to trim the overhanging trees to prevent shadows and remove furniture (in case of smaller residential installations) causing shadows if possible.
Snow cover
Another major problem in PV project operations in winter is snow accumulation. Snow covering the solar panel will reduce the solar radiation received by the panel and directly reduce the power generation. Moreover, the long-term uneven irradiation of the components may also cause more significant hidden dangers due to the hot spot effect.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31404" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8.png" alt="Picture7" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8.png 830w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8-300x152.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8-768x390.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8-650x330.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8-624x317.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture8-600x304.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px" />
In addition, snow cover is also a significant test for the structural design of the entire PV system due to its weight. Severe snow accumulation can even cause the PV array to collapse, causing equipment damage and personal injury, and property losses. 
Recommendation
Clear snow from panels in good time
When a PV plant accumulates snow, it needs to be cleaned quickly to prevent excessive snow accumulation from forming into ice, making it heavy and difficult to clean. Soft materials must be used for cleaning without scratching the glass and not stepping on the PV panel.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31403" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1.jpg" alt="Picture8" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1.jpg 1268w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1-300x99.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1-768x253.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1-650x214.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1-624x205.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture9-1-600x197.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1268px) 100vw, 1268px" />
Snow must be removed from solar panels and equipment such as inverters and power distribution cabinets. For example, timely clearing of snow from the cooling air outlet of the inverter will prevent the surface of the inverter and the external cooling fan from icing.
Adapt design and installation to local conditions
In areas with frequent snowfall, the inclination angle of the solar panel must be increased within the optimal range recommended. Keeping within the limits of effective power generation, it is also convenient for snow on the surface of the solar panel to slide down on its own.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31402" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1.jpg" alt="Picture9" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1.jpg 800w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1-300x126.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1-768x323.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1-650x273.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1-624x262.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture10-1-600x252.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
When installing, there has to be a reasonable distance between the bottom of the solar panel and the ground to prevent snow from accumulating at the bottom. In addition, it is recommended that solar panels be installed horizontally in areas where it snows frequently. Compared with vertical installations, this solution can ensure enough space between the bottom of the solar panel and the ground to avoid snow stacking. Due to the structural characteristics of a solar panel, adopting horizontal installation is conducive to reducing the loss of power generation.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31401" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1.jpg" alt="Picture10" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1.jpg 1264w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1-300x54.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1-768x139.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1-650x118.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1-624x113.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture11-1-600x109.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1264px) 100vw, 1264px" />
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31400" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12.png" alt="Picture11" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12.png 1351w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12-300x103.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12-768x263.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12-650x223.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12-624x214.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture12-600x206.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1351px) 100vw, 1351px" />
It is also recommended to install the inverter in a place where snow can be avoided, such as under the solar panel array bracket or indoors. If the inverter is installed in an open area, it is recommended to add a baffle to prevent excessive snow from blocking the cooling air duct of the inverter or adding extra weight to cause the inverter to fall and be damaged.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31399" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13.png" alt="Picture12" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13.png 1252w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13-300x124.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13-768x318.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13-650x269.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13-624x258.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture13-600x248.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" />
Online operation and maintenance
The severe cold, wind, and snow in winter can cause difficulties in maintaining a PV project. So, in addition to the operation and maintenance activities such as snow removal and equipment replacement, most of the PV project inspection and operation and maintenance work is recommended to be remotely implemented through the Solis intelligent monitoring platform, SolisCloud.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31398" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14.jpg" alt="Picture13" width="100%" height="100%" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14.jpg 831w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14-300x127.jpg 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14-768x325.jpg 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14-650x275.jpg 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14-624x264.jpg 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Picture14-600x254.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px" />
Summary 
In addition to the adequate protection measures of warm and cold protection, a photovoltaic power station must be maintained, keeping the panels clean and clear of shadowing.  If snow falls, it must be cleared swiftly to avoid potential damage and loss of power.  When designing a new solar PV system, considering local conditions and weather patterns and taking adequate measures will ensure that power is maintained during harsh winters.
This article is sponsored by solar inverter manufacturer <a href="https://www.ginlong.com/hi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ginlong Technologies</a>.
&nbsp;
Image Credit: Solis

Effect of Winter on Solar Project Operation

The International Electrotechnical Commission (<a href="https://www.iec.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IEC</a>) has issued a new standard – the IEC 62938:2020 &#8211; to test the resistance of solar photovoltaic modules to large amounts of snow piling up on their surfaces.
The IEC defines the test standard as a method for determining how well a framed PV module performs mechanically under the influence of inclined non-uniform snow loads.
It said that this standard was introduced based on how previous market experiences have shown the need for a specific test method for measuring resistance to snow loads as needed. Previously, the IEC 61215-1:2016 was the closest equivalent to this test, and it contained various test methods to induce mechanical stresses to measure how well solar modules could withstand different loads.
The older test, however, was constrained as it could only be used to assess uniform loads on a horizontal plane, unlike the new one which can test non-uniform loads on a sloped pane. The IEC said that there were several reports of bent and misaligned modules in areas with heavy snow.
It said that this was observed at large systems in mountainous areas where modules in the lower rows of sloped installations were affected. Because modules are installed at an inclined position, snow will slide down the panel and accumulate unevenly at the bottom edge of the frame. As a result of this, the lower part of the module needs to withstand greater stress. The IEC also noted that ice might also accumulate between the frame and glass, applying even more stress on the module.
The IEC noted that this standard was applicable only for framed modules with framed protruding beyond the first glass surface on the lower edge after installation, as <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Young_girl_cleaning_photovoltaic_solar_panels_from_snow%2C_Grange_Farm%2C_UK.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this</a> is what stops snow from sliding off the edge. This standard does not apply to other kinds of modules with back rails formed in frames, on the side, top, and lower edges which will not create an additional snow barrier.
Recently, a team of research scientists led by the University of New South Wales, in collaboration with the University of Sydney, have, for the first time, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/new-generation-solar-testing-standards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">produced</a> a new generation of experimental solar energy cells that have passed the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) testing standards for heat and humidity.
A little earlier, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-renewable-energy-standardization-cell-quality-standards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">decided</a> to set up a Renewable Energy Standardization Cell. The objectives of the cell are to identify the areas in renewable energy where standards need to be developed and identify international standards such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for applications in Indian climatic conditions. India’s northern region, especially Leh, Ladakh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, experiences heavy snowfall in the winter season.
Image credit: 1010 Climate Action / CC BY (<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Young_girl_cleaning_photovoltaic_solar_panels_from_snow%2C_Grange_Farm%2C_UK.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2.0</a>)

IEC Issues New Standard for Testing Resistance of Solar Modules to Heavy Snow

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