There are a few components that are more commonly part of a roof today than they would have been a decade or two ago, and solar panels are a great example. For homes or buildings in areas with lots of snowfall, a common question comes up: Should you install snow guards to help prevent snow accumulation on or around solar panels?
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a huge range of snow guards for metal roofs, plus related items like foam closure strips, metal roofing fasteners and more. Here's a look at how snow typically interacts with solar panels, some factors to consider when determining whether you need snow guards for your roof's solar panel setup, and what to consider if you do decide to purchase snow guards for this purpose.
When you have solar panels installed on your roof, snow has the potential to cause a few different problems. The most immediate and obvious issue is that it can block sunlight from reaching your panels, reducing their efficiency and potentially even causing them to produce less energy than they would otherwise. Depending on how much snow falls and how quickly it melts, this can result in significant energy losses for days or weeks at a time.
In addition to blocking sunlight directly, though, snow buildup around solar panels can also create indirect effects that are even more troublesome. For example, as snow melts and refreezes around the edges of the panels or between individual panels, it can form ice dams that make it difficult for melted snow and ice to escape the roof. This can lead to water pooling and seeping into the roof, causing damage to the panels and potentially even the structure of the building.
On the flip side, it should be noted that snow does not stick to solar panels or metal roofs in the same way as products like asphalt shingles or wood shakes. With a slick surface, snow is more likely to slide off these materials on its own, without any help from snow guards or other solutions.
For the reason we just noted above, many homes or buildings with solar panels won't require snow guards. In most cases, the combination of a slick roof surface and sufficient sunlight will be enough to keep panels clear and functioning properly throughout the winter.
To determine whether your particular setup may need additional snow protection, it's worth talking to both your solar panel installer and a roofing professional who can provide guidance on how different types of roofs tend to interact with snow in your area.
Now, there will still be a number of settings where snow guards will show great benefits for solar panels. In a really snowy area, there may be so much snow that it could slide off in large chunks and damage the panels or other parts of the roof even if it does not stick around. This can also happen on roofs with steeper slopes where snow is more likely to accumulate quickly and create heavy loads.
In either case, installing snow guards helps prevent these issues by holding snow in place until it has had time to melt away safely and gradually. This can help protect both your rooftop equipment and anyone who might be passing below when a chunk of ice or snow would have otherwise fallen from above.
Furthermore, because snow guards are a small financial investment, the potential benefits of added safety and protection for your solar panels make them a wise choice in many situations. Plus, with options like adhesive or mechanical attachments, snow guards can be installed relatively easily without requiring any major modifications to your existing roof setup.
If you've decided that snow guards are a good idea for your solar panel setup, there are still some important factors to consider before making a purchase. For example, you'll want to make sure the specific type of snow guard you choose is compatible with both your roofing material and the size and weight of your solar panels. One of the more common choices for these roof needs will be clamp-on show guards, which can be attached to panels or nearby areas easily.
You should also think about where on the roof you want to install the snow guards. While they may not be necessary all along the edges of your roof, it's generally recommended to place them around any areas where there is a change in slope or direction. This can help evenly distribute the weight of accumulated snow and prevent it from building up in certain spots.
As you can see, there are many considerations to keep in mind when it comes to snow guards and solar panels. At Supply Maverick, we offer a wide range of options to fit your specific needs and ensure that your solar panel setup stays safe and efficient all year round. Contact us today to learn more!
