Solar panels are an excellent investment for homeowners because they lower energy costs and lessen their ecological impact. Snow accumulation on solar panels is a real problem in areas with a lot of snowfall. This can lead to dangerous slipping areas and big blocks of snow and ice falling off your roof. Installing snow guards on your solar panels can provide both functional and safety benefits by lowering the risks connected with snow accumulation.
In this blog, we’ll explore why snow guards are essential to protect your solar panels from snow-related issues.
1. Understanding the Risks of Snow Accumulation
Heavy Load on Your Solar Panels
One common issue is the weight of snow accumulation on solar panels and roofs. Snow can grow to be quite heavy, and it can put a lot of strain on panels and your roof when it accumulates. Even though the solar panels are designed to withstand inclement weather, the additional weight of many inches or feet of snow can strain them and harm them.
Slippery and Hazardous Conditions
The largest priority when it comes to protecting your panels, homes, and loved ones during the winter months is the danger of snow accumulation avalanching off your panels. The term “snow avalanche” refers to the falling of large sheets of snow and ice off of solar panels and roofs. This is especially dangerous with solar panels because they generate more heat than a roof alone, which causes more rapid melting of snow. This melted snow can refreeze, turn to ice, and then snow will build on top of this sheet of ice. When the ice starts to melt again, that ice can start to slide all at once with hundreds of pounds of snow weight falling down, hitting what’s below with chunks of ice. People, pets, cars, property, and anything wandering close to the roof’s edge could be seriously injured and damaged by this sliding snow. Snow guards are extremely helpful in snow avalanche prevention.
2. How Snow Guards Work
There are two components to a Snow Guard solution. The first component is called a Snow Dog. Snow Dogs are 6 inch metal attachments that fit between your solar panels to break up the flow of avalanching snow. As the snow starts to slide down your panels, the Snow Dogs break the larger sheets of snow and ice into smaller sections rather than letting it slip off in big, dangerous sheets. These smaller sections are less likely to cause serious property damage, injury, or fatalities should they land on something or someone below.
The second component is called a Snow Rail. A Snow Rail is a two inch high rail that is attached to the bottom edge of your solar array that catches the avalanching snow before it falls down below. Large enough to stop the speed and intensity of avalanching snow, but small enough to not cause large shadowing issues to your panels, the Snow Rail is the perfect compliment to the Snow Dogs. Together they form the industry’s first Snow Guard system for solar panels, lessening the dangers brought on by thick snowfall, slick surfaces, and snow avalanches off your solar panels.
3. Why Installing Snow Guards is Important
Protecting Your Solar Panels
Even though solar panels are made to withstand various weather situations, persistently high snowfall could cause problems.
Preventing Damage to Roof and Property
Snow guards shield your panels and reduce the chance of roof damage and other property-related issues. The force of rapid, heavy snowfall from a solar panel or roof can seriously damage gutters and roofing components and injure people, animals, or items below. There have been instances of cars being totaled by this snowfall, gutters being completely demolished, and pets passing away from the weight of the impact. By allowing snow to release in smaller amounts rather than huge sheets, snow guards reduce these concerns.
Reducing Slip Hazards
Snow from the roof can fall and cause dangerous situations on driveways and the exterior of your house. Installing snow barriers lowers the possibility of slip-and-fall incidents by ensuring that snow falls gradually. This is particularly crucial in houses with a lot of foot traffic, youngsters reside, or senior citizens.
4. Choosing the Right Snow Guards for Your Solar Panels
Compatibility with Solar Panels
It’s crucial to pick snow guards made especially for solar panels because not all are equal. Search for snow barriers that are simple to install, lightweight, and do not obstruct the operation of your solar panel. Many contemporary snow guard installation systems do not require drilling or harming your panels.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Make sure the snow guards you select are constructed from sturdy materials resistant to inclement weather. Because they aim to shield against heavy snowfall, snow guards are made to resist rust, corrosion, and wear over time.
Professional Installation
Although homeowners could install their own snow guards, it’s always best to have them professionally installed to make sure they’re mounted correctly, without disrupting any significant amount of sun exposure to your panels. A qualified installation will guarantee that the snow guards are positioned correctly, fastened firmly, and tailored to offer your roof and solar system the best possible protection. Many manufacturers offer warranties on their product that is dependent upon a certified installer performing the installation.
FAQs
1. Do snow guards affect the efficiency of solar panels?
Very little. Their goal is not to obstruct energy production but control snow accumulation and prevent avalanching snow off of your solar panels. If snow is caught by the Snow Rail, it can reduce some solar energy production. But the possible property damage and safety of your family below and loved ones below far outweighs the potential minimal loss of production during the winter months.
2. Can I install snow guards myself, or do I need a professional?
Hiring a professional is advisable to ensure the guards are firmly placed and oriented correctly for optimal effectiveness. Professional installation can also protect manufacturer warranties for homeowners.
3. Are snow guards only useful in heavy snowfall regions?
No. Snow guards can also be helpful in locations with moderate snowfall, as the combination of a steep roof, solar panels and any amount of snowfall can create a dangerous environment. Snow guards will reduce the risk of avalanching snow off your panels and shield your home and loved ones from harm.
Contact a Professional Snow Guard Installer
Protect your home and family from the dangers of avalanching snow with a Snow Guard solution that comes with a 10 year warranty. Contact Wash Me Solar at (801) 210-1387 or visit our website at www.washmesolar.com/snow-guards to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
