Solar and snow
The first morning after a snow storm is often sunny. This morning (Feb. 8, 2020) was a good example and I got up early so I can clear all the snow off my solar panels and collectors. Yesterday's total was about 8" capped with a layer of ice. I have a snow rake that can reach up about 25 feet with multiple extensions. Each different type of snow requires a different strategy. Sometimes I can just whack the panels and it all breaks loose in big chunks. Other times I have to chip away at it. Today I worked my way up from the bottom. Some big areas broke loose and came down hitting me in the legs which is why I wear waterproof slickers. That stuff is heavy!
Here's a time-lapse of the process:
Obviously the sooner I get everything cleared, the more free electricity and heat I get. Maine is at the 43rd parallel and we get a lot less sun in the winter so I want to optimize every Watt. My electric bill is at the minimum connection fee for most of the spring/summer, but jumps up quite a bit in the winter due to my increased use of electricity for heating and the reduced solar.
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