Winter Solar Panel Help....snow cover

[cdaigle430]

I just had a 7kw solar system installed and was wondering if anyone has tips and tricks on getting 10-12 inches of snow off them without damaging or scratching them? i am a newbie at solar so even other resources would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jbrumberg]

I've thought about using a plastic roof rake as well as one of those sponge rubber windshield scrapers, but just let gravity cause the snow slide off. Although it does pile up at the bottom. The last time I checked earlier this year my panels still produced under snow cover. I should check my panels now I had 10" snow this storm.

I produced 10% capacity (11.83kWp) yesterday and about 50% today. This time of year I only achieve about 75 - 80% of maximum production.

 

[Budweiser John]

Our solar install came on line on December 6 last year. The solar company furnished us with a snow removal tool that is similar to a rubber squeegee on the end of a extendable pole like a painters roller pole.
We’ve only had a couple snow events of less than 2” but next time it needs snow removal i’m Going to try my Stihl backpack blower as the snow brush is only 24” wide and it took forever to clean off 64 panels.
If we were ever to get a major ‘dump’ I’de be inclined to just let it melt.

B. John

 

[jbrumberg]

BJ- Snow melts pretty quickly considering the length of time needed to clear off the panels and as the sun angle increases the panels will melt off even more quickly.

 

[coldsteelva]

May I suggest a simple solution? Have you thought about having a rope attached to the top of the mount? Then you simply slide the rope across the surface to break tension and all the snow falls off.

Video: Norwegian couple's creative idea for removing snow from barn roof | Daily Mail Online

 

[Diggin It]

It may be one thing to deal with them at ground level, but what about the oh-so common roof mounts? Does anyone really want to climb out on to a snow covered roof to do this?

Leaf blower might work with light fluffy snow. Not so likely with the more common heavy wet snow.


Seems like there's gotta be a better way.


When I had a satellite TV dish, I found a way to use a garden sprayer with windshield washer fluid to spray enough to clear the dish. Would a powered AG garden/crop sprayer with non-toxic anti-freeze work?

 

[cdaigle430]

This looks like a good opportunity for me to invent something I may first try an air hose spray, will need to get some lightwait small diameter piping. if air doesnt work will try warm or water using same pipes.....

The solar company who installed them informed me they charge 20 dollars plus mileage to clear snow off the panels.

 

[RoyKing]

Hose and water

 

[airbiscuit]