ABSTRACT
Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, mounting structures and electronic components are affected by the low temperatures, snow, ice and darkness of cold climates. PV modules perform slightly differently in cold climates. Cold cell temperatures, low light levels, altered light spectrum, high incidence angles of the sun’s rays and snow and ice accumulation all affect the module’s operational characteristics. Most PV cells work better when cold. At low temperatures, the electrons in the cell are less agitated and, as a consequence, the PV effect operates more efficiently. In many cold-climate regions, winter days are darker than the days of other seasons. In cold climates, snow falls and water freezes. Sometimes snow and ice can accumulate on the array, blocking sunlight, reducing the electrical output, and in some rare cases, damaging the modules. In contrast, rime can plague a mountainous PV system for much of the year, requiring enormous battery banks for those periods when the array is encased in ice.
