Removing Snow from Solar Panels

Solar.com Energy Advisors get this question all the time from homeowners who live in snowy areas — “How do I remove snow from my solar panels?” We get it, snow is blocking you from generating that clean energy to charge your car, run your heat pump, and lower your electricity bill. But is it worth doing it yourself? 

How should I remove snow from my solar panels?

Generally, the best way to remove snow from your array is to let Mother Nature do her thing. Although it may not feel like it in the depths of winter, the weather will eventually get warmer and sunny enough to melt the snow off your panels and wipe them clean in the process. Solar.com discourages using brushes or shovels on or near the array, as you might dislodge the panel-to-panel or home-run wiring connections and create a host of problems.

Solar panels operate at a higher temperature than the ambient temperature, which helps promote “sluffing” of the snow off the panels. Even when completely covered with snow, some light will get through, and the radiant heat from your home will help keep the panels warmer from the underside. On a bright day that remains freezing, it’s entirely possible to see a couple of inches of snow melt off your panels on their own. 

It’s worth being aware of what’s underneath your solar panels as snow slides off them and move anything you don’t want buried in snow (grills, patio furniture, people, etc). If you have a steep pitch or a metal roof, it may be worth installing clamp-on guards or snow fences to prevent sudden “panel avalanches.”

How to clear snow and ice from solar panels

If you’re absolutely insistent on removing the snow yourself, be sure you use a device without hard edges (a soft cloth brush would work well) and be sure to not walk on your panels. And, it goes without saying, if you’re on your roof, you should be taking all necessary safety precautions, including using a harness or fall arrestor. 

The one place you might want to consider clearing snow from is if you notice a snow or ice damn on the roof or gutters beneath your array, you can clear that using a brush or shovel, being careful not to make contact with any of the solar panels or racking elements. You should wear head and eye protection as the dislodged snow and ice can come down quick. 

The bottom line

Snow and solar panels get along better than you might think. With a little sun, snow will melt and slide off your panels and leave them squeaky clean and ready to power your home!

Ready to learn how your roof can generate inexpensive clean power — even if you live in a snowy area? Compare multiple solar proposals at once with a solar.com Energy Advisor.