Snow impact on PV performance: Assessing the zero-output challenge in cold areas

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has a great potential for renewable energy generation. However, in cold climates with heavy snowfall, PV systems performance might be significantly reduced. This review investigates the impact of snow on solar PV in regions with harsh winters. It describes the snow soiling process while determining the main factors leading to snow losses in PV plants. Factors influencing snow losses are classified into four major categories: controllable factors, such as surface properties and PV installation characteristics, and uncontrollable factors, including climatic conditions and snow properties. The literature review reveals significant variations in reported snow losses due to the number of influential factors. One key recommendation is to improve PV system design to better accommodate snowy conditions, rather than relying on configurations optimized for milder conditions. The review also identifies a gap in the literature regarding the implementation of safety devices such as snow guards in the context of PV systems. With the increasing adoption of bifacial technologies, further research is needed to assess the benefits of snow's high albedo. For accurate snow loss modeling and shedding prediction, it is crucial to include additional factors impacting snow accumulation and clearing, such as liquid water content which affects snow adhesion. Additionally, enhancing models through image analysis and integrating drones for precise camera angles can significantly improve snow detection across various PV configurations and locations.