Heated solar systems produce more electricity in winter
Reverse current heating keeps modules free of snow and increases energy yield
Researchers have shown that solar systems with a heating function can also be worthwhile in winter – they generate significantly more energy than is needed to keep them free of snow.
Heating for solar systems can be worthwhile: researchers at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons have shown that reverse current-heated photovoltaic modules deliver significantly more energy in winter than is needed for heating.
For every kilowatt hour invested, five kilowatt hours of additional solar power are generated, according to the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. In snowy regions such as the Grisons, roofs often remain covered for months on end – a problem for electricity production.
Further data required
Over several years, researchers in Davos tested whether snow can be removed efficiently using reverse current heating. This involves supplying electricity to heat the modules and allow the snow cover to slide off.
The project examined the energy balance based on measurements from the winter of 2024/2025 and historical weather data. During the current winter, further data will help to determine the optimal heating time, among other things.
