Photovoltaic cell electrical heating system for removing snow on panel including verification

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Materials Science
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Small-scale private photovoltaic (PV) plants (typically 5 kW peak) are often roof-mounted at angles between 20° and 45°.
• Dense snow layers (e.g., 10 cm) in continental climates can block solar radiation for weeks, halting energy production.
• Snow removal typically occurs naturally via avalanche only after significant melting, which is triggered by ambient temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an active electrical method for snow removal from photovoltaic panels.
• To assess the feasibility of using the photovoltaic cells' internal electrical properties for snow melting.
• To determine if this method can achieve a positive energy balance for efficient snow removal.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the forward voltage drop of photovoltaic cells, driven by an external current, to generate heat.
• Applying this heat to the cells and glass surface to reduce snow adhesion by forming a thin water film.
• Laboratory experiments measuring temperature increases and thermographic analysis of heat distribution.

Main Results:

• A temperature increase of over 10°C was achieved within 10 minutes using rated panel current.
• This heating effectively reduces snow adhesion, facilitating avalanche-like snow removal.
• An additional heating foil may be necessary to overcome snow clamping at panel edges.

Conclusions:

• Electrically induced heating of photovoltaic panels offers a rapid and energy-efficient method for snow removal.
• This technique can significantly improve energy yield during winter months by preventing prolonged snow coverage.
• The proposed system demonstrates potential for a positive energy balance, making it a viable solution for maintaining PV system performance in snowy climates.