Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a way to use the sun’s energy to power your home. Solar energy is collected in both sunny and cloudy weather, but what happens when it snows?

Your solar panels will still collect energy on a snowy day. Believe it or not, but if heavy snow accumulates on them, they will not only be unable to do their job. But they may also become a danger to you, your family, and your property.

Why are Snow Guards Needed for Solar Panels?

The materials used in the manufacture of solar panels are at the; heart of the problem with snow and solar panels. To keep the panels durable, while still allowing the maximum amount of electricity; producing light to reach the solar film, most panels have a top layer of glass or plastic. This material is also simple to clean and allows for the quick repair of minor chips and cracks.

However, one issue that the glass causes arises when a large amount of snow begins to accumulate on the surface. The glass surface of the solar panels. Like that of metal roofs, creates very little friction between the roof and the snow. And it is very common for the snow to come off.

How Does Solar Snow Guards? 

By evenly distributing the weight of the snow and holding it in place; a snow guard will keep sheets of ice and snow from sliding off your roof. The goal is to keep the snow from avalanching onto the ground in large sheets; causing additional damage to your home.

Snow guards also prevent your roof from becoming too heavy or unevenly weighted; as a result of the heavy snow and ice. This is what leads to sagging and other damage risks in your crawl space; which can be dangerous if not addressed. Snow guards are important for your roof’s overall health because; they prevent your roof panels, shingles, and other materials from becoming damaged.

Do you Really Need Snow Guards for Solar Panels?

To begin with, solar energy in the snow works in the winter; and they can even function with a light dusting of snow on them. The lack of access to the sun, not the cold, is what prevents panels from functioning. If your panels have a few feet of snow on them; they will be unable to absorb the sun and thus will not generate power.

You could climb on your roof to brush off the snow; but we recommend relying on the grid for your energy production for a few days. Alternatively, you could purchase snow guards. A snow slide will hold back by the guard so that it does; not fall off your panel all at once. It could break your gutters, destroy your landscaping, crash into your car, or fall on unsuspecting passersby. 

Snow and ice melt slowly and fall off your roof naturally, thanks to the snow guard. When compared to the type of roof and shingles you have. Solar panels have a very smooth glass surface; which allows snow to stick better.

Dangers of Snow Accumulation on Solar Panels

The majority of roof types are made in texture to allow friction to hold and release snowfall slowly and safely; they shed snow naturally and without incident. Most homeowners don’t notice a problem until after the panels have been installed. When solar panels are installed on the roof, however, the large glass panels reduce friction and become quite slippery. Snow may compact as it accumulates on your solar panels. And, as melted snow runs between your solar panels and the compacted snow, it can avalanche and cause serious damage.

Also Read: – Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter Season in California?

Install Snow Guards with your Solar Panels 

Snow guards should be installed during the initial installation of your solar panels. Therefore if you live in an area where snow falls and accumulates to several inches; such as in the north of the mountains.

When you’re buying solar panels in California you must get a snow guard too, Why? You will save a lot of money and time by installing snow guards with your new solar panels. Snow guards are simple to install and are a great addition. If the installer is already; on your roof and the solar panels are in good condition. The snow guards are simply an extra step in the process.

Solar Panel Snow Guard Options

To safely shed snow from your solar panel installation, there are a variety of designs available. If you want the best results from your new solar panels, talk to your provider about complimentary snow guard options.

Clamp-on guards and snow fences are the two most common types of snow guards.

1. Clamp-on Snow Guards

Snow guards that clamp onto the edges of your solar panels or in between panels can be installed. These snow guards either gradually release small amounts of accumulated snow. Or allows the snow to melt naturally on the solar panels. Keep in mind that if you choose a snow guard that holds snow from melting; your solar energy production capabilities will be reduced during the snowy months.

2.  Alpine SnowGuards

Alpine SnowGuards secure to the solar panel frame with a screw-on clamp, which prevents the snow guard from moving. Alpine’s snow guards are available in two different models and usually, solar companies use recycled materials make it

• A solar snow rail: is a continuous bracket that connects the bottom of the solar panel array to the ground.
• Solar Snow Pad: A solar snow pad is a much smaller bracket that goes between each solar panel.

Conclusion –

Get snow guards if you live in California. Where sudden, heavy snowfall occurs frequently and can result in many inches; or feet of snowfall in a short period of time. If you only get a light dusting of snow on a regular basis, it’s safe to skip them.
To get your solar snow guard to install Contact the best solar panels companies in Fresno, California.