Optimizing the use of photovoltaics in winter: ENEA's 12 tips for professionals and individuals

Optimizing the use of photovoltaic systems in winter is essential, as emphasized by ENEA, which offers 12 tips for the owners of over 1 million domestic systems in Italy.

These tips are useful both for those who already own a system and for those considering a new installation. The focus is on crucial aspects such as the orientation, inclination, and shadow management of solar panels, as well as the appropriate size of batteries relative to the system's power.

Photovoltaics in winter: the still underutilized potential

Nicolandrea Calabrese, head of the ENEA Laboratory of Energy Efficiency in buildings and urban development, highlights the potential of photovoltaics in winter for saving and protecting the environment, especially when combined with electric heat pumps for heating.

Photovoltaic modules are effective even in winter, as energy production depends on sunlight rather than heat. However, winter production is generally lower due to fewer daylight hours and adverse weather conditions. In this regard, Calabrese encourages rethinking energy use in winter, unlike in summer when the system produces abundant energy.

According to ENEA's findings, a standard 4.5 kW domestic system reaches peak power between 11 AM and 2 PM, but after 4:30 PM, it no longer produces energy.

It is interesting to note that by noon, the storage system is already full, suggesting the immediate consumption of the produced energy.

In winter, therefore, it is essential to synchronize production and consumption, for example, using home automation to activate heat pumps and heat rooms even when not at home.

Calabrese emphasizes that efficient use of the photovoltaic system even in winter can significantly reduce the payback period, bringing it to about 6 years.

Photovoltaics in winter: ENEA's 12 points

ENEA, in collaboration with ISNOVA and Logical Soft as part of the "Italy in Class A" campaign by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, has created a poster with 12 tips useful for all users, from professionals to individuals.

Below are the 12 summarized points; the complete poster can be downloaded below!

• Protect the system;
• Maximize orientation and inclination;
• Avoid shadows;
• Size the storage;
• Combine it with a heat pump;
• Position optimizers and inverters;
• Adopt new habits;
• Use home automation solutions;
• Monitor your consumption;
• Maintain the system;
• Choose the renewable energy community;
• Consider Plug&Play