Otovo Announces Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist to Help Homeowners Maximize Solar & Energy Storage Performance During Cold Months

Solar Energy Continues to Deliver Reliable Power Throughout Winter Season, Even in Snowy Conditions

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Otovo, a leading home energy service provider, today announced the release of its comprehensive Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist, designed to help homeowners optimize their solar energy systems during the coldest months of the year. This initiative comes as research from the U.S. Department of Energy¹ and industry data confirm that solar panels generate reliable power throughout winter, even in snowy and harsh weather conditions.

“Winter is when homeowners need reliable energy most, yet many are skipping easy steps that would maximize their solar and storage systems,” said William J. (John) Berger, CEO of Otovo. “Our Winter Preparedness Checklist empowers homeowners to handle key tasks themselves, like visual inspections, clearing snow from equipment and increasing battery reserves before storms. For complex issues like electrical or structural concerns, contact a professional like Otovo.”

Critical Energy Security During Winter Storms
Recent extreme weather events have demonstrated the vital role solar and battery storage play in maintaining energy security. During the devastating February 2021 Texas freeze, traditional energy infrastructure failed catastrophically, cutting off more than 52,000 megawatts of power leaving 4.5 million homes and businesses without power and resulting in over 200 deaths. In contrast, distributed solar and storage systems continued to provide resilient energy when families needed it most.

“When power lines fail or gas plants freeze, solar and battery storage can be life savers,” said Erin Frielingsdorf, Vice President of Operations at Otovo. “Solar paired with battery storage provides critical backup independent of vulnerable grid infrastructure. However, this reliability depends on proper maintenance, especially after an extreme weather event, as neglecting maintenance can significantly reduce system lifespan.”

Solar Thrives in Winter Conditions
According to U.S. Department of Energy research¹, solar panels successfully generate electricity in snowy areas and harsh environments. Light snow has minimal impact on solar performance, as wind easily clears panels and light can scatter through sparse coatings. Even when heavy snow accumulates, power generation resumes once snow begins to slide off, exposing even small portions of the panel.

Additionally, snow provides an unexpected benefit, natural cleaning. As snow melts, it bonds with dirt and debris on panel surfaces, washing them away and leaving panels cleaner and more efficient.

Otovo’s Winter Preparedness Checklist:

Solar Panel Systems

• Before Winter:
  • Visually inspect panels from the ground for cracks, dirt, debris, or visible damage, as this can reduce system performance. If any issues are noticed, a qualified solar service like Otovo can clean your panels or repair/replace any damaged panels
  • Make sure no tree branches are hanging over the panels
  • Confirm your monitoring app is working and you can log in
  • Check that inverter vents are clear of leaves and debris
  • Understand how your solar systems perform in winter conditions

• During Winter:
  • Allow snow to melt naturally whenever possible
  • If clearing snow, use a soft snow rake designed for solar (never metal tools)
  • Never climb onto the roof unless professionally trained
  • Keep snow cleared from around ground-mounted systems
  • Check your app occasionally to confirm the system is producing power
  • Regularly monitor system performance using solar monitoring solutions to track energy production and consumption in real-time
  • Inspect insulation and wiring to prevent heat loss and protect systems from extreme weather such as heavy snowfall or strong winds
  • Inspect outdoor electrical wiring and connections after strong winds and heavy snowfall, as wind and ice/snow buildup may loosen cables from their fixings or damage electrical connections, potentially creating electrical safety concerns
  • Check panel mounting and fixation, including anchor points and supporting structures, after extreme wind events to ensure structural safety and make adjustments if necessary
  • If you notice a sudden drop to zero production on a sunny day or visible damage after heavy snow or wind, contact a qualified solar service.

• Post-Winter:
  • Schedule a post-winter inspection for panel microcracks if panels have been exposed to very heavy loads from snow or ice, as this could affect performance during the summer months

Battery Storage Systems

• Before Winter:
  • Increase backup reserve setting (recommended: 40-60% before storms)
  • Confirm battery monitoring app is working
  • Make sure any vents are unobstructed
  • Ensure the battery area is dry and free of clutter
  • Check inverters and batteries to ensure reliable performance, as inadequate battery performance can become an issue in colder temperatures
  • Manage battery charging and discharging properly during periods with limited sunlight or when snow blocks energy production for several weeks, as extended periods of full discharge can significantly reduce battery lifespan

• During Winter:
  • Keep indoor installation areas within normal room temperature
  • For outdoor units, ensure snow is cleared around the enclosure
  • Check for system alerts after storms
  • Avoid shutting down the battery unless instructed
  • Optimize energy storage for winter power demands
  • Maintain system efficiency throughout cold weather
  • Ensure energy security during potential grid disruptions
  • If you notice error notifications, unusual noises, or warning lights, contact a qualified solar service.

Backup Generators

• Before Winter:
  • Confirm fuel supply is sufficient (propane, natural gas, or diesel)
  • If diesel, confirm winter-grade fuel or anti-gel treatment
  • Ensure generator battery is healthy
  • Check that air intake and exhaust areas are clear
  • Have a qualified professional perform manufacturer recommended generator maintenance

• During Winter:
  • Keep snow cleared around the generator
  • Make sure vents are not blocked by snow or ice
  • Do not cover the generator while operating
  • Listen for normal operation during automatic test cycles
  • After heavy storms, check for visible damage and confirm the generator starts automatically during outages. Contact qualified generator service if it fails to start.

About Otovo
Otovo is an AI-Native home and business energy services company in Europe and the United States. We combine real-time equipment monitoring, rapid repairs, dependable power supply, and grid participation into a single, seamless service–delivering maximum service at a minimal cost. Endurance, Otovo’s industry-leading AI platform, continually monitors installed equipment in homes and businesses, optimizes the entire service process from problem detection to resolution, and coordinates repairs around the clock. “Your Power, Backed by Ours.” Otovo is listed on the Euronext Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker OTOVO. Visit us at https://otovo.ai/.

1. https://www.energy.gov/cmei/articles/let-it-snow-how-solar-panels-can-thrive-winter-weather