How to Clear Snow Off Solar Panels

By Shelley Frost

February 14, 2025

You can't beat free energy from the sun, but solar panels aren't cheap. Taking care of them is essential for the longevity of your solar electricity equipment. If you live in a snowy area, it's natural to wonder how snow accumulation affects the panels. Knowing how to clear snow off solar panels can help you keep them working effectively.

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Do Solar Panels Work With Snow on Them?

Solar panels can still work with snow on them, but it depends on how much. A dusting of snow doesn't usually make much of a difference in how the panels perform. Sunlight can typically still get through to generate energy. Small amounts of lightweight snow typically blow off if it's windy anyway.

If part of the panel is exposed, it can still produce some energy. But if a thicker layer of snow forms on the panels, they might not work properly. Sunlight likely won't penetrate areas covered by thick snow, which means the panels won't be able to generate energy for your home.

What Happens If Snow Builds Up on Solar Panels?

Snow buildup on solar panels can affect how well they work. It can also pose a risk to the equipment in extreme situations. The structure is designed to hold extra weight, so modest amounts of snow likely won't cause damage. However, large amounts of snow are heavy and could cause issues, such as stressing the panels, supports or roof, especially if the equipment is already weak. The mounting points are often the most vulnerable under heavy weight.

How Can Snow Buildup Affect Your Ability to Generate Solar Power?

Large amounts of snow buildup on your solar panels could decrease the amount of solar power generated. However, the reduced energy production is temporary and only occurs when the panel is completely covered. Unless you live in an area with constant, large amounts of snowfall, you likely won't see a huge overall loss in solar power generation.

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How to Safely Remove Snow From Solar Panels

The good news is that the design of solar panels helps minimize the amount of snow that builds up on them, which means you may not need to manually clear snow off solar panels. The dark color and location in the sun's pathway help any snow that accumulates melt quickly once you have a few sunny days.

Solar panels are also installed at an angle, which makes it more difficult for snow to build up on them. If it does, the angle, along with the melting effect of the sun, often helps the snow slide off the panels quickly.

However, if you notice a large buildup of snow that isn't melting rapidly, you may need to determine how to safely clear snow from the solar panels.

Things You'll Need

The surface of your solar panels can become scratched or damaged if you use the wrong tools. Avoid anything that's sharp or abrasive, including shovels, wire brushes, stiff-bristled brushes and hard squeegees.

Instead, use a roof rake with soft bristles. You'll need one with a telescoping pole so you can reach the panels from the ground. Never climb a ladder in snowy conditions to clear the rooftop panels. A soft-bristled snow broom or another type of soft brush with a long handle could work.

Step by Step: How to Clean Snow From Solar Panels

1. Inspect the area, looking for power lines or other obstructions that could get in the way of the brush.

2. Raise the brush up to the roof where the panels are positioned.

3. Place the brush on the first panel and pull it toward the bottom edge to slide the snow off the surface.

4. Move the brush to the next panel and repeat the process of sweeping the snow off the panels.

Considerations for Cleaning Snow Off Solar Panels

Solar equipment is expensive, so you want to be cautious whenever you do anything to it. Keep the following tips in mind if yours is covered in snow:

Give it time. Even a few hours might make a big difference in how much snow is on the panels.
Check your warranty. Some cleaning tools and methods could void the warranty on your solar panels. Read the fine print to determine what the warranty allows in terms of homeowner actions. If you damage the panels by using a sharp tool or pouring hot water on them, you may be stuck paying for the repairs yourself.
Use caution. Climbing on a snowy roof is a highly risky activity. Only clear snow off the panels if you can do so from the ground. Even then, the ground could be slippery due to snow and ice buildup. Wear footwear with traction or put something down to help you keep your footing while you clean.

When dealing with snowy solar panels, assess the risks before you take any action. Voiding your warranty or injuring yourself isn't worth the reward of increased solar energy production.

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