No, solar panels don't cause ice dams. Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home into the attic, melts snow on the roof and the water refreezes at the colder edge. The real fixes are better attic insulation, air sealing and ventilation. A solid roof with an ice and water barrier helps keep any ice dam from turning into a leak.
If you live in Massachusetts, you've probably seen icicles hanging off a roof edge. Here's what's going on, and where solar panels fit in.
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that builds up along the bottom edge of a roof. Water from melting snow gets trapped behind it.
That water can back up under the shingles and leak into your attic, walls and ceilings. Big icicles along the gutters are often a sign an ice dam is forming.
How do ice dams form?
- Heat from your home leaks into the attic and warms the roof deck.
- Snow on the warm part of the roof melts.
- The water runs down to the roof edge, which is colder because it sits past the heated part of the house.
- It refreezes there, and the ridge of ice grows with every melt.
Do solar panels cause ice dams?
No. Solar panels don't add heat to your roof, so they don't start the melt that causes ice dams.
Snow does tend to slide off panels faster than it melts off shingles, and it can pile up along the edge of the roof. But an ice dam still needs heat escaping from the attic to melt that snow and refreeze it. The panels aren't the cause.
Does your roof need replacing?
Tell Mark about your roof. He'll tell you if your home qualifies for a new roof when you go solar, with no upfront cost.
Talk to MarkHow to prevent ice dams
- Air seal the attic: close up gaps around light fixtures, chimneys, vent pipes and the attic hatch where warm air leaks in.
- Add insulation: more insulation on the attic floor keeps heat in the house and off the roof.
- Vent the attic: good ventilation keeps the roof deck cold, so snow doesn't melt from below.
- Keep gutters clear: clogged gutters give ice a head start.
A Mass Save home energy assessment can help point out where heat is escaping from your home.
Be careful clearing snow near solar panels
A lot of Massachusetts homeowners use a roof rake to pull snow off the edge of the roof. If you have solar, keep the rake away from the panels, since metal can scratch the glass. Never climb on a snowy or icy roof. Most of the time, snow slides off solar panels on its own anyway.
Signs ice dams have damaged your roof
- Water stains on ceilings or walls near outside walls
- Damp insulation or stains in the attic
- Peeling paint or warped trim under the roof edge
- Shingles lifted or torn along the edge
Years of ice dams can wear a roof out early. If you're seeing these signs, it may be time to look at whether your roof needs replacing.
Why a new roof helps
New roofs in Massachusetts typically include an ice and water barrier along the edges, the area where ice dams do the most damage. It's a sticky membrane under the shingles that helps keep backed-up water out of your house.
If you're going solar on an older roof, replacing it first gives you that protection and a fresh start. For Massachusetts homes that qualify, you can get a new roof with solar panels with no upfront cost. A solid roof is also the best way to make sure solar panels don't damage your roof.
Has your roof been through a few too many winters?
Tell Mark about your roof. He'll tell you if your home qualifies for a new roof when you go solar, with no upfront cost.
Talk to MarkFAQs About Solar Panels and Ice Dams
Do solar panels cause ice dams?
No. Ice dams form when heat escaping from your home melts snow on the roof and the water refreezes at the colder edge. Solar panels don't add heat to the roof.
Can solar panels make ice dams worse?
Not on their own. Snow sliding off panels can pile up along the roof edge, but an ice dam still needs heat from the attic to melt that snow and refreeze it. Good insulation and ventilation are the fix.
How do I prevent ice dams in Massachusetts?
Seal the spots where warm air leaks into the attic, add insulation and make sure the attic is well vented. Keeping gutters clear helps too.
Does a new roof help with ice dams?
A new roof doesn't stop ice dams from forming, but new roofs in Massachusetts typically include an ice and water barrier along the edges, which helps keep water from leaking inside.
About Mark Featherstone
Mark has been in solar for over 12 years, working at some of the biggest solar companies in the country, before co-founding Your World Solutions. His goal is simple: help homeowners get into solar deals that actually work for them, and make sure they understand every part of it before they sign.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Every home and roof is different, and roof condition, timelines, costs and what's included vary by home and aren't guaranteed. No upfront cost applies to homes that qualify. Have a qualified roofer inspect your roof before making a decision.