December 2010 Power Production

December was generally -8 to -1 with about 10 cm snowfall mid-month. The second half of the month was almost always overcast. A thaw with rain melted all the snow on 27 Dec.
The panels were snow-covered most of the second half of the month and power generation was significantly reduced (see chart, Whr/day). The overcast days which were slightly below 0C did not provide sufficient radiant heat to warm the panels and melt all the snow off. This was clearly shown in the previous postings of the snow-covered panels. Partly sunny days just after Christmas resulted in some snow melt and snow sliding off about half of the panels (see earlier post with photos). This resulted in an increase in generation on 27 Dec.
The remaining days of December were very overcast with heavy dark cloud. Even the melt that occurred on 29 Dec was not sufficient to increase production even though the panels were clear. The increase on 31 December showed the benefit of clear panels and a little sunshine. Fortunately, the clear panels is helping increase generation during the first week of January which are a little more bright. Happy New Year!