Recharge with solar in a Canadian winter
At the bare minimum, one folding panel that matches your power station is enough to start. You can add more later.
Solar panels turn a power station into power that lasts for weeks. But winter sun in Ontario is weak and short, so a panel rated 200 W might give you a third of that.
Set your expectations, point the panels right, and solar will still keep phones, lights and a router going indefinitely.
YOU'LL NEED
- Folding solar panels that match your power station
- The right connector cable (often MC4 to XT60 or Anderson)
- A sunny spot facing south
- A brush or broom for snow
Instructions
- Match panel to station. Check your station's solar input limits (volts and watts). Don't go over the voltage. You can go a little over the watts. The station will just cap it.
- Face south and tilt steep. In winter the sun is low. Tilt the panels to about 60° from the ground and point them south.
- Avoid any shade. Even a shadow from a branch across one cell can cut output in half. Move them through the day if you need to.
- Clear snow and frost. Brush them off each morning. Snow on the ground actually helps by reflecting extra light.
- Run the cable inside safely. Feed the cable through a cracked window with a towel, or use a flat window pass-through. Keep the station indoors and dry.
- Track what you get. Note the watts in on the station's screen each day. After a week you'll know what a winter day really gives you.
TIPS
- Plan on 2–3 hours of useful winter sun a day.
- Cold panels are actually more efficient. It's the short days that hurt.
- Buy panels first, then wait for a sale on the station.
Products to consider
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.