Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. Snow on your solar panels is like a blackout curtain – no sun gets in, no power comes out. Most of the time, especially with a light dusting on a sunny day, they'll clear themselves. For heavier stuff, you can use a long-handled, soft-bristle brush, NOT a hard rake, to clear them from the ground. Be careful, a roof rake (the best tool for DIY snow removal) might cost you $50-$100. Calling a pro will run you $150-$450, but honestly, it’s the only safe bet for a steep or icy roof.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Open your solar monitoring app and compare the daily production graph from a snowy day to a recent clear, sunny day. A massive drop is your smoking gun.
Step 2
Walk outside and visually inspect the panels. Confirm that they are actually covered in snow. Note if it's the whole array or just the bottom edge.
Step 3
Check your main inverter (if you have a string inverter) for any red or orange fault lights. This ensures the problem isn't an unrelated equipment failure.
Step 4
Note the type of snow. Is it light powder you could blow off, or a heavy, icy mess? This determines your next move.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Manual Removal (Light Snow, from Ground) | $0 - $50 | $100 - $250 | < 1 hour |
Manual Removal (Heavy Snow / Roof Access) | $100 - $300 (for GOOD safety gear) | $150 - $450 per visit | 1-3 hours |
Using a Leaf Blower (Powdery Snow) | $0 - $200 (if you need a blower) | N/A | < 30 mins |
When to Call a Professional Solar
- The minute you see ice mixed in with the snow. Do not try to chip or scrape ice off your panels.
- If your house is two or more stories tall, making safe removal from the ground impossible.
- If you don't own or know how to properly use a fall-arrest safety harness and ladder stabilizers.
- If you clear the snow and your system still isn't producing power; this indicates a problem beyond just the snow cover.
Prevention Tips
- During installation, insist on the steepest tilt angle your roof and local regulations allow, preferably 30-45 degrees, to encourage snow to slide off.
- If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, seriously consider a ground-mounted system for incredibly easy and safe cleaning.
- Ensure the installer leaves at least a 6-inch gap between the bottom of the panels and the roof deck to prevent snow dams from forming.
- Monitor weather forecasts. If you're expecting a big storm, it's easier to clear a few inches of fresh snow than a foot of compacted, icy snow later.
Frequently Asked Questions
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