Comments on: Renewables and the challenges of snow, cold http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/ Trends, happenings and innovations in the clean technology market Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:28:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Cyril R. http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-3992 Cyril R. Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:12:47 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1390#comment-3992 One thing that comes to mind is that areas that get a lot of snow are mostly located far from the equator (with the exception of mountainous climates) and that means the optimal inclination angle for a fixed solar collector system will be steep. That means the snow will slide off easier. Snow can actually help getting more radiation onto the solar panels, considering it's reflectivity. In addition, colder temperatures tend to provide a bonus on PV system efficiency. One thing that comes to mind is that areas that get a lot of snow are mostly located far from the equator (with the exception of mountainous climates) and that means the optimal inclination angle for a fixed solar collector system will be steep. That means the snow will slide off easier.

Snow can actually help getting more radiation onto the solar panels, considering it’s reflectivity. In addition, colder temperatures tend to provide a bonus on PV system efficiency.

]]> By: Jp Warren http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-3862 Jp Warren Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1390#comment-3862 A reason not to mount panels on your roof, to ground-mount instead -if the real estate's available. A reason not to mount panels on your roof, to ground-mount instead -if the real estate’s available.

]]> By: JR Moreau http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-3850 JR Moreau Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:59:16 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1390#comment-3850 As a New Englander (Worcester), I can indetify with challenges and benefits of having four very distinct seasons. I think most technologies are adaptable enough to be useful no matter what. As a New Englander (Worcester), I can indetify with challenges and benefits of having four very distinct seasons. I think most technologies are adaptable enough to be useful no matter what.

]]> By: George D http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-3848 George D Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:52:30 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1390#comment-3848 The photo certainly nicely sums up one of the challenges in cold weather climates. Nevertheless, we tend to forget two of the greatest tools we have in cold weather climates: the first is old fashioned insulation, and for a good renewable technology, geothermal energy just doesn't seem to its fair due relative to 'sexy' solar. Insulation is the most strikingly underutilized tool that could make renewables really shine, only our building codes, developers, and home buyers are still too ignorant of its potential. There's a nice summary of insulation strategy here: http://www.justhomes.ca/Superinsulated.htm (Personally, I can believe how many new homes I see that seem to have no better insulation than my 75 year-old, partially upgraded home). The photo certainly nicely sums up one of the challenges in cold weather climates. Nevertheless, we tend to forget two of the greatest tools we have in cold weather climates: the first is old fashioned insulation, and for a good renewable technology, geothermal energy just doesn’t seem to its fair due relative to ‘sexy’ solar.

Insulation is the most strikingly underutilized tool that could make renewables really shine, only our building codes, developers, and home buyers are still too ignorant of its potential. There’s a nice summary of insulation strategy here: http://www.justhomes.ca/Superinsulated.htm (Personally, I can believe how many new homes I see that seem to have no better insulation than my 75 year-old, partially upgraded home).

]]> By: Renewables and the challenges of snow, cold http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2008/12/28/renewables-and-the-challenges-of-snow-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-3846 Renewables and the challenges of snow, cold Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:10:15 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1390#comment-3846 [...] Renewables and the challenges of snow, cold In discussions about renewables such as wind and solar we often forget to talk about the challenges of using these technologies in certain climates. The same goes for electric car batteries and biodiesel. Folks in California probably don’t give this much thought, but being Canadian — and having shovelled my driveway four times this month — it’s a reality that can’ t be avoided. [...] [...] Renewables and the challenges of snow, cold In discussions about renewables such as wind and solar we often forget to talk about the challenges of using these technologies in certain climates. The same goes for electric car batteries and biodiesel. Folks in California probably don’t give this much thought, but being Canadian — and having shovelled my driveway four times this month — it’s a reality that can’ t be avoided. [...]

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