Technology How solar systems can produce more electricity in winter
Heating for solar systems pays off: Researchers at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden have shown that solar systems that are kept free of snow through reverse-flow heating supply significantly more energy in winter than is required for heating.
03.12.2025, 09:10
SDA
Every kilowatt hour invested results in five kilowatt hours more solar power, the Graubünden University of Applied Sciences announced on Wednesday. As many roofs in snowy regions such as Graubünden are covered in snow for months on end, producing electricity from solar systems in these regions is a challenge, according to the UAS.
Researchers in Davos therefore spent several years testing whether the snow could be efficiently removed by heating the photovoltaic modules using reverse current. Electricity is supplied to heat the modules and enable the snow to slide off in a targeted manner.
The project analyzed the energy balance of reverse flow on the basis of measurements in Davos in the winter of 2024/2025 and historical weather data. Further data will now be analyzed this winter in order to evaluate the optimal heating time, among other things.
