Solar panels are an excellent investment, but snow buildup can be a real bummer. Not only will this reduce the efficiency of your system, but too much snow on your panels can also cause dangerous snow slides because the glass is slippery.
That’s why you need to install solar panel snow guards – they prevent heavy, wet snow from sliding off your roof and hurting someone or damaging your property.
The guards also prevent snow from melting gradually, allowing you to get the most out of your solar energy system without worrying about large chunks of snow suddenly sliding off and causing trouble. Investing in snow guards is a small price to pay for safety.
Snow melts faster on solar panels than on a conventional roof due to heating from the sun. Snow guards are needed to keep the snow at bay and prevent large chunks of wet, heavy snow from sliding down your panels unexpectedly. Wet snow weighs more than 9 pounds per square foot. You can imagine how quickly it can add up and the damage it can do.
You may need multiple snow guards depending on the size of your roof and the amount of snowfall in your area. For example, a clamp-on guard is an easy way to prevent small amounts of snow from sliding, while a more extensive fence system works for more extreme conditions.
Damage control
If your guards are too small, snow and ice can slide over them and cause damage, so be sure to get the right size for your roof.
In addition to injuring people, falling snow can damage vehicles, break windows, damage gutters, block doors, break fences, damage trees, or cover drains. This avalanche can be a costly problem, and it is better to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Solar panel snow guards are an easy solution – they hold snow in place until it melts, allowing you to get maximum use out of your solar panels without risking dangerous or expensive property damage.
What Are the Different Types of Snow Guards?
You can buy two common types of snow guards: snow fences and clamp-on guards. While both types of guards are good for preventing snow slides, you must consider the angle of the slope and type of roofing material when deciding which one is best for your home. You can also contact a professional to help you choose the right product.
Snow Fences
Snow fences differ from panels and are usually metal. It is placed on the roof and prevents the accumulation of snow from sliding, creating a safe barrier that allows the snow to melt slowly in small chunks. Snow fences require space for snow collection, so you must provide at least a foot of space between the bottom of the panels and the fence.
Examples of Snow Fences
The Snow Fence from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards is the best selling snow fence on the market. It is made of durable, powder-coated aluminum and has a beautiful design that blends in with any style of roofing material. Snow Fence is UV resistant and works on metal, composite, asphalt shingle, cedar shake, or slate roofs.
Clamp-On Guards
Clamp-on guards are usually attached to the sides of the solar panel or between the panels. These guards keep the snow on the panels to melt and allow the little snow to melt on the roof slowly.
Guards that melt snow on the panels affect the panels’ ability to use energy. These units are for panels on steep slopes, but they need to be stronger to withstand avalanches when a lot of snow accumulates.
Examples of Clamp-On Guards
- The Solar SnowMax from Alpine guards fused panels and can support 50 pounds of snow per square foot.
- The Solar SnowPad from Alpine is a small guard that sits between the panels, allowing the snow to melt the glass slowly.
- The SnoBlox SnowBreaker is a guard that breaks up snow and ice into small chunks before melting on the roof, reducing the risk of injury from snow slides.
- ColorGuard from S-5! comes in colors to match your roof fixtures to prevent guards from being an eyesore.
What Should I Know About Snow Guards?
When installing snow guards, it is important to consider the type of roofing material used. For example, metal roofs are often more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. It’s also important to make sure your chosen snow guard can hold the weight and force your roof to bear in the event of a heavy snowfall or ice storm.
It is also important to position the snow guards correctly when installing them on your roof. You must ensure that snow guards are placed close to the edge of your roof to be effective but far enough away from it that they do not interfere with regular maintenance or repair procedures.
Also, make sure snow guards are properly secured so they don’t loosen and cause more damage to your roof.
Finally, it’s a good idea to clean your snow guards regularly to keep them working properly by using a mild detergent and warm water. Wash the snow guards thoroughly afterwards so you can clean off any dirt or debris. This cleaning will help them maintain their effectiveness in keeping your roof and its solar panels safe from damage.
Snow guards can reduce water runoff on the roof by protecting your solar panels from the accumulation of snow and ice because they create a barrier to the snow and slow down its melting process. This feature helps protect your roof from water damage and leaks.
Snow guards also help reduce the amount of debris that accumulates on the roof, which can be beneficial in keeping your solar panel system clean and efficient.
It is important to remember that snow guards are not a substitute for regular maintenance and repairs. To keep your solar panels working at their best, you need to make sure they are regularly checked and cleaned.
It is important to ensure that all components of your snow protection system are safe and functioning properly. With proper maintenance and care, snow guards can help protect your solar panels from unwanted damage due to snow or ice accumulation.
What Are Some Problems With Snow Guards?
One concern when using snow guards is that they cast shadows on the solar panels and reduce the efficiency of the system.
To avoid this, choosing snow guards that are clearly designed for solar panels is important. Solar-specific snow guards should be as unobtrusive and unnoticeable as possible while providing the necessary protection from dangerous snow slides. The minor shading caused by the snow guards is worth it for added safety.
If you have snow on your solar panels but not enough to cause a dangerous slide, the melting snow will clean the panels as they slide, so moderate snowfall will benefit your solar system. If not, consult a professional and choose the proper snow guards for your panels.
You generally don’t have to worry about snow coverage reducing the amount of electricity your solar panels can draw. In the summer, the extra electricity goes back to the grid, and a well-designed system accounts for it during the winter when there is less sun and more snow on the panels.
Solar panels are better in cold weather because electronic devices are less effective when overheating. Cold weather helps solar panels generate more electricity. So, don’t worry about snow coverage reducing your power output – snow guards help protect your system without sacrificing efficiency.
Snow guards for solar panels typically cost about $2 per foot, depending on the type and brand. It’s always better to be safe, so invest in some snow guards to protect your home from potential disaster.
While it’s important to keep the solar panels free of snow buildup, you don’t need to worry too much if the snow is a light dusting. Investing in snow guards is a great way to be safe and still get the most out of your solar energy investment. You can keep your solar panels working efficiently and safely with careful planning.
Final Thoughts
Do you need snow guards for solar panels? Absolutely! Investing in quality solar panel snow guards is an easy way to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely all winter long. You don’t have to worry about dangerous snow slides causing damage to expensive property or injuring someone.
Snow guards for solar panels are a small but important investment that can save you from costly damage or injury. When you install them, you’ll know your panels are safe and efficient, no matter how much snow.
Doing so will help ensure that your solar energy investment pays off. Snow guards are an inexpensive and easy way to maximize the potential of your system and protect your property from damage. Install them now.
