Winter can be brutal on solar panels, especially in Canada, where snow and ice buildup are common. Panel surface covered in snow decline to generate electricity, which can lower their efficiency and even damage the panels. That is why it is critical to remove snow from your solar panels regularly.
We’ll walk you through the process of safely and effectively removing snow from your solar panels in this step-by-step guide, so you can maximize producing energy and keep your panels free from accumulated snow. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time solar panel owner, our simple guide will provide you with everything you need to know to keep your solar panels snow-free all winter.
So, gather your roof rakes, leaf blower, foam-headed snow broom, and garden hose, and let’s get started cleaning snow from your panels quickly.
Why It’s Important to Remove Heavy Snow From Installed Solar Panels?
Keeping snow off your roof surface during winter months is important if you want them to work well and last as long as possible. Here are a few reasons why you should clear snow from your solar panels:
Increased Energy Production
Solar panels work by turning the heat from the sun’s rays into electricity, but when they are covered in snow, they can’t take in sunlight and make electricity. Taking snow off your solar power system regularly can help them produce more energy and work better.
Damage Prevention
When snow builds up on your solar panels, it can damage the panels, the hardware that serves as the support structure, and even the roof. Snow weight can cause your solar panels to bend, crack, or break. Regular snow removal can help you stay safe from these dangerous types of roof damage.
Risk of Extra Weight From Ice Dams
Ice dams can form on the edges of snow-covered installed panels, preventing snow to melt quickly and drain. Water from melting snow can then seep beneath the panels, damaging both the roof and the panels themselves. Regular snow removal can help prevent the formation of ice dams and keep your solar panels and roof safe.
Long-term Cost Savings
Regular snow removal can help your solar panels last longer and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.
How Do Snow Falls Affect the Performance of Your Solar Panel Systems or Solar Arrays?
Snow accumulation on solar panels can significantly reduce energy production. Even a thin layer of snow can reduce solar panel efficiency significantly. This is because snow prevents sunlight from reaching the panels and being converted into energy. The longer the snow remains on the panels, the less energy is produced. To ensure maximum energy production, the snow must be removed as soon as possible.
Lower Energy Production
Snow can reduce energy production from solar panels. Snow thickness can reduce solar panel efficiency by 80%. This wastes energy and raises electricity bills. Remove snow from solar panels to maximize energy production.
Snow Damage Solar Panels
When snow builds up on your solar panels, it can damage the panels, their mounting hardware, and your roof. Snow weight can cause your panels to bend, crack, or break. This can result in expensive repairs or replacements. Regular snow removal can help to prevent these types of damages and keep your solar panels in good condition for many years.
Removing snow from your solar panels can avoid the formation of ice dams and protect your roof and solar panels.
When Should Snow Be Removed From Solar Panels?
Getting the snow off your solar panels is important if you want to get the most energy out of them and keep them from breaking. When, however, is the best time to clear snow from your solar panels? As a general rule, remove snow as soon as possible after it falls. When determining the best time to remove snow from your solar panels, there are a few factors to consider.
Snow Removal Frequency
The amount of snowfall in your area will determine how often snow removal occurs. If you live in a snowy climate, you may need to remove snow from your solar panels more frequently. On the other hand, if you live in a low-snowfall area, you may only need to remove snow on occasion. Check your solar panels often and clear away snow as soon as possible to get the most energy out of them and avoid damage.
How to Determine When to Remove Snow?
You can look at your solar panels from the ground, or you can use a drone or telescoping pole to get a closer look and see if there is snow on them that needs to be cleared. Check to see if any of the solar panels are covered in snow and figure out how much snow has built up.
As a general rule, it’s time to clear the snow if it has more than an inch of coverage on your solar panels. Also, if the snow is stopping a lot of energy from being made, it is very important to get rid of it as soon as possible. When checking your solar panels, always put safety first and, if possible, don’t climb on your roof.
Safe Methods or Solutions to Safely Remove Snow From Solar Panels
Snow removal from solar panels may appear daunting, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and efficiently removing snow from solar panels.
Planning
Before you start clearing snow off your solar panels, you need to get ready by getting the tools and supplies you’ll need. You will need a sturdy ladder, a brush with soft bristles, a snow rake, and gloves. Before climbing onto your roof, make sure your ladder is secure and stable.
Clearing the Snow From the Tops of the Panels
Clear the snow from the top of your solar panels with a soft-bristled brush or a snow rake. Take care not to scratch or damage the panels with the brush or rake. It’s best to work from the top of the roof down clearing the snow in sections.
Clearing the Snow From Around the Panels
After you’ve cleared the snow from the tops of your solar panels, you’ll need to clear the snow from around the panels. This will keep any melting snow from refreezing and forming ice dams. Clear the snow from the surrounding area with a snow rake or brush.
Clearing Any Remaining Ice or Debris
After you’ve cleared the snow, there may still be some ice or debris on your solar panels. Gently remove any remaining ice or debris with a soft-bristled brush. Take care not to scratch or damage the panels.
Final Checks
After you clear the snow and ice off your solar panels, you should give them one last look. Check for any damage to the panels or the mounting hardware. Check the energy output of your solar panels to ensure they are working properly. If you notice any damage or a significant drop in energy production, contact a professional for repairs.
Winterizing Solar Panels
Winter can damage solar panels. These winter maintenance tips will help your solar panels work well.
Routine Snow Removal
Winter solar panel performance requires snow clearance. Snow buildup reduces energy generation and damages panels, as mentioned before. To avoid difficulties, remove snow from solar panels immediately after a snowstorm.
Panel Damage Checks
Solar panel damage must be checked routinely. Panels can crack, chip, or break in cold weather. Check your panels for damage and call a snow pro if you find anything.
Clean Panels
Keep your solar panels clean over the winter. Dirt, trash, and snow can damage panels and impede energy production. Use a soft-bristled brush or a solar panel cleaning solution to maintain your panels’ top shape.
Conclusion – Snow-free Solar Panel for Optimal Solar Power System Performance
Solar panel maintenance in the winter is crucial for energy production. Maintaining solar panels requires snow removal, damage inspection, and cleaning. These steps will help you how to remove snow from solar panels. If you have any solar panel concerns or questions about maintenance, call a professional.
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