Are you curious about how to remove snow from residential solar panels?
While having the right snow sweeper for your solar panels is essential, your system is designed to withstand substantial snow loads and mostly doesn’t cause serious issues.
However, when your panels are completely covered in snow, they are unable to capture that much sunlight, reducing energy production. This is on top of shorter daylight hours in winter.
In this article, we will explore solar panel snow-related challenges and provide you with practical advice to address them.
But before you learn how to remove snow from residential solar panels, let’s see why or how it is helpful.
Why Is Solar Panel Cleaning Important?
Cleaning solar panels is essential for optimal performance. Accumulated dust, dirt, debris, bird droppings, and snow can block up to 30% of sunlight, significantly reducing electricity production.
Snow, in particular, can form an insulating layer that further decreases output and leads to overheating.
Additionally, uneven coverage can create hotspots, where shaded areas overheat, causing permanent damage and reducing overall efficiency.
Read our blog on how residential solar panels work during the winter for more information.
Keeping panels clean ensures they operate efficiently and extends their lifespan.
Benefits Of Removing Snow & Other Debris
- Enhanced Efficiency
Solar panels convert light into electricity, but dirt or dust on the surface can hinder this process by blocking light absorption, thus reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning eliminates debris, leaves, and bugs, preventing efficiency loss over time.
- Extended Warranty
Most solar panels have a long warranty, often over 25 years. Regular cleaning can help extend this warranty further by maintaining the panels in good condition, ensuring they continue to function effectively during this period.
- Increased Durability
Cleaning not only extends the lifespan of solar panels but also protects them against damage from accumulated dust and debris. Appropriate cleaning products can protect the panels and surfaces like wood or concrete.
- Cost Savings
Clean solar panels operate more efficiently, reducing energy costs and potentially avoiding expensive repairs or replacements due to neglect. Removing snow promptly prevents it from forming an insulating layer that reduces output and causes damage.
- Maintained Aesthetics and Safety
Keeping solar panels free of snow maintains their appearance and visibility, which is crucial for monitoring their condition. In snowy areas, preventing excessive accumulation can protect your roof and structure from damage.
How To Remove Snow From Solar Panels
| Risk Consideration Removing snow from your panels yourself can be hazardous and might void your warranty. Consider if the energy lost due to snow coverage justifies the risk and expense of removal. Additionally, winter pollution can make cleaning more challenging, so it’s best to wait until spring when the panels are cooler and easier to handle. |
1. Natural Melting
Generally, solar panels are installed at an angle and designed to retain warmth, allowing snow to melt and slide off more rapidly than on other surfaces. It’s often safest to allow the sun to clear the snow.
2. Manual Removal
If manual removal is necessary, first ensure no power lines or hazards are near. Use an extension pole with a brush attachment to gently remove the snow from the panels, reducing the risk of falling or damaging the panels.
3. Professional Removal
For heavy snow that’s difficult to remove safely with a brush, hiring a professional is advisable. Professionals have the right equipment, such as steamers and snow blowers, to safely clear snow without damaging the panels.
4. Blow the Snow Off
You can also use a leaf blower to remove snow from solar panels on your roof. Opt for an electric or gas-powered leaf blower to clear lighter snow accumulations efficiently. Remember, though, that this method might not be completely effective for heavier buildups, as some snow could remain adhered to the panels.
5. Prevent Accumulation
To minimize snow buildup, consider installing a pulley-operated tarp system to quickly cover the panels during snowfall; remove the tarp after the snow stops to allow sunlight to reach the panels again.
Additionally, installing snow guards can prevent sudden, large slides of snow and ice, reducing the risk of damage.
Automated Snow Removal Solutions
Consider installing an automated heating system to improve efficiency and manage the snow on your solar panels.
These systems use heating elements to melt snow directly on the panels, preventing buildup and ensuring efficiency during the winter.
Automated heating systems are easy to install under your shingles and useful in snowy regions like Alberta, protecting your investment from ice damage with each storm.
However, check that installing such a system doesn’t void your warranty, as not all manufacturers support these products. Once winter is over, the systems can be disconnected, simplifying maintenance.
Alternatively, automated snow removal systems equipped with sensors can detect snow on your panels and activate them as needed.
These systems use mechanisms like brushes, blades, or heat to clear the snow and are effective for both residential and commercial setups.
They work best with light, powdery snow; heavy, wet snow may hinder their effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding how to remove snow from home solar panels is essential for maintaining their performance and maximizing energy generation during the winter.
From using blowers to installing heating systems, there are several effective methods to ensure your panels stay productive.
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, consider investing in all-weather solar panels designed to melt snow before it accumulates. Alternatively, adjusting the angle of your panels can help snow slide off more easily.
If you need assistance, consider hiring our professional service. Protect your investment and keep your solar panels functioning optimally throughout the winter.
Contact us today to ensure your solar system remains productive and damage-free, no matter the weather.
FAQs
How do you prevent snow from sticking to solar panels?
Consider installing tilted or adjustable mounts to help snow slide off easily, or use heating systems for automatic, maintenance-free snow melting on your solar panels.
Can you use a snow rake on solar panels?
Snow roof rakes are not recommended for use on solar panels. While rakes can clear snow from roofs effectively, they may scratch solar panels easily, particularly low-quality ones.
Can a heavy snow load damage my panels?
Solar panels are typically rated to handle 5,000 Pascals or more, equating to 2-4 feet of snow depending on their density. Generally, the weight of the snow won’t damage your panels unless you experience severe, consistent snowfall.