Balcony power stations have enjoyed a real boom in recent years, as they are a relatively simple and inexpensive way for anyone to save electricity. However, there are still some myths about using them, especially in winter. Many people believe that snow makes solar panels unusable and that they do not work in the cold. Both are false. Here are some tips on how to get more power from your balcony power station during the cold season.
The most important thing: the right orientation and tilt
In winter, the optimal orientation and tilt of the solar panels is crucial. They make it possible to generate a lot of energy even when the sun is low. A tilt angle of up to 30 degrees has several advantages. Firstly, it ensures that snow slides off more easily. It also keeps the surfaces of the modules free and uncovered. Secondly, steeper panels help to capture sunlight more efficiently in winter. This is because the sun is at its lowest point at this time of year, which means that the light falls more shallowly than in summer. Orientation is also crucial: it is best to face as far south as possible. These adjustments can significantly increase the yield, even during short daylight hours. They will also help you to run your solar power system efficiently during the darker months of the year.
Regular maintenance
As with all technical equipment, regular maintenance is essential to maintain its functionality and extend its life. This is especially true for solar panels, as they are constantly exposed to the elements. Particularly in the autumn, leaves and dirt often accumulate on the panels, reducing light absorption. A thorough cleaning before winter is therefore highly recommended.
In winter, the panels should be kept as free of snow as possible, as a layer of snow can completely block energy production. It is best to use a soft-bristled broom – shovels and scrapers should be avoided as the surface of a panel is delicate and can be easily scratched.
Optimum use at the right time
To make the best use of the output of the Balcony Power Station, it is important to time the operation of electronic appliances that use a lot of electricity. These include washing machines, dishwashers and electric fan heaters. When you do your washing at midday, the sun’s rays are at their highest. This allows you to make the most efficient use of the electricity you generate. You will also reduce the amount of electricity you use from the grid, saving you money on your energy bills.Monitoring your own appliances, for example with a smart socket such as the Homematic PSMCO, can help. Not only is it weatherproof and therefore suitable for outdoor use, it also has an integrated measuring function that can be used to quickly identify power guzzlers in the household. Customisable automations can be used to control the intelligent switching of appliances with high power consumption. Please note: A Homematic IP Access Point or a control centre is required to use the device.
Clever storage of surplus electricity
When more electricity is produced than is needed, it is usually fed into the grid. But if you add an extra energy storage unit to your Balcony Power Station, you can also store it for later use.This is possible with the Zendure Hyper Set, which includes the Zendure Hyper 2000 hybrid inverter and an AB 2000 battery with a capacity of 1920 Wh. The hybrid inverter converts solar energy into alternating current for the house during the day, stores excess energy and returns it at night or when needed. In addition, time-of-use automation via the Zendure app offers cost-effective use through time-controlled charging and discharging when electricity prices fluctuate.
The Hoymiles MS-A2, an AC coupled storage system with a capacity of up to 2,240 Wh, is compatible with all micro-inverters. It supports emergency power operation up to 1,000 W, is weatherproof (down to -20°C) thanks to its IP65 protection rating and can easily be expanded to two units by connecting them in series. As a special feature, the MS-A2 can be used with Shelly’s smart electricity meters to achieve a zero-feed configuration.
Optimised performance during the low light season
Bifacial solar modules are a cost-effective solution for improving energy production during the low light season. They can use not only direct sunlight, but also reflected light from snow, which means more energy can be generated.If you have a balcony power station, you can replace the existing panels with bifacial panels, such as the Trina TSM-440-4 Solar Panel 4-pack. These are compatible with the majority of inverters and feature innovative glass/glass technology for higher yields.
The SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro Set is the right choice for anyone who does not yet have a balcony power station and wants to start with an all-inclusive package. In addition to the Balcony Power Station, the all-in-one set includes both bifacial solar modules (2 x 440 Wp) and a solar bank (1.6 kWh) for energy storage. This makes it ideal for efficient energy generation in winter.
Conclusion: Balcony power plants can save electricity even in winter
Even if they do not reach the maximum values of the peak season from March to October, balcony power plants can also help to reduce electricity costs in the cold season. With the right orientation, regular maintenance and modern technologies such as bifacial solar modules or extended energy storage systems, efficiency can be significantly increased even when there is less sunlight. Even when the days are shorter, balcony power plants make a sustainable contribution to the electricity supply and make energy use more flexible and independent – a clear advantage that pays off all year round.
Images: Adobe Stock
