Yes, solar panels work in the snow. A light dusting of snow barely slows them down, and when snow does completely cover the panels, it usually slides off once the sun comes out. Panels still produce electricity on clear winter days, and they're built to handle Massachusetts snow.
Snow is one of the first questions about how solar panels hold up in New England. Here's how snow affects solar panels, what happens to solar energy production in the winter months and whether you ever need to clear them.
How does snow affect solar panels?
Solar panels make power from light, not heat. The photovoltaic cells inside turn sunlight into electricity, so anything blocking the sun cuts down how much power they make.
A light snow lets some light through, and the panels may keep producing solar power. Heavy snow cover blocks almost all of it until the snow melts or slides off. That usually takes a day or two after a snowstorm.
Do solar panels still produce electricity in winter?
Yes. Solar panels still produce electricity all winter, and they actually like the cold. Panels run more efficiently in colder temperatures, which helps on bright winter days.
They'll make less power in winter than in summer, mostly because of shorter days and a lower sun. That's normal. Your system is designed around a full year of solar energy to power your home, not one snowy week.
Snow on the ground can help, too. Bright snow reflects extra sunlight back up toward the panels, called the albedo effect, which adds to the light reaching them.
Does snow slide off solar panels?
Usually, yes. Solar panels today are covered in smooth tempered glass, and they're mounted at an angle, so snow tends to slide off rather than accumulate.
The panels absorb sunlight even through a thin layer of snow and generate heat, which helps melt the snow from underneath. Once the bottom layer melts, the panel surface gets slick, allowing the snow to slide off in one sheet. How fast it happens depends on the specific panel tilt and how much snow fell.
That snow can come down all at once, so keep walkways, doors and parked cars below the panels clear when it's melting. Snow guards along the roof edge can help mitigate that.
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 MarkShould you remove snow from solar panels?
In most cases, no. Snow on the panels usually clears on its own, and most snow removal does more harm than good. Waiting a day or two is almost always the better choice.
If you clear snow manually, do it safely
If you really want to keep them clear of snow:
- Never climb onto a snowy or icy roof
- Only use a soft brush or foam snow rake made for solar panel snow removal, from the ground
- Don't use a metal roof rake or shovel, since it can scratch the surface of the glass
- Don't pour hot water on frozen panels
Ground-mounted systems are easier to clear, since you can reach them safely. For rooftop panels, letting the sun do the work is the way to go.
Can solar panels withstand the weight of the snow?
Yes. Solar panels are built to handle heavy snow, and panels are designed to withstand the weight of snow that falls in snowy climates like ours.
The bigger question is your roof. The roof structure is checked as part of the design and town permit process. If your roof is older, sagging or has soft spots, that's a sign it needs work before solar. Knowing how long a roof lasts in Massachusetts helps you figure out how much life yours has left.
Can you prevent snow from building up on solar panels?
Not completely, and you don't need to. The best way to prevent snow buildup is a good installation: panels at an angle that lets snow slide, with nothing blocking it at the bottom edge.
Snow accumulation also depends on how much snow falls. A big nor'easter will cover any roof for a bit, and that's fine.
Tips to improve performance in a snowy Massachusetts winter
- Let snow fall off naturally instead of clearing it
- Trim trees that drop snow and ice onto the panels
- Keep an eye on your monitoring app after a storm to see when power picks back up
- Have a roof in good shape under the panels
Solar panel efficiency in winter mostly comes down to sunlight, and you can't change the weather. Over a full year, solar power in snowy places like Massachusetts still works well for homes and businesses that want renewable energy.
What about ice dams?
Snow and ice sitting on your roof can lead to ice dams, but solar panels don't cause ice dams. They come from heat escaping into your attic, and better insulation and ventilation are the fix.
A solid roof makes winter easier
If your roof has seen a lot of winters, a new one before you go solar gives you a fresh start for decades of snowy conditions. For Massachusetts homes that qualify, you can get a new roof with solar panels with no upfront cost. If you have questions about how solar panels would work on your home, Mark can give you expert advice.
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 Snow
Do solar panels work in the snow?
Yes. Solar panels make little or no power while they're completely covered in snow, but snow usually slides off once the sun hits them. With a light dusting of snow, panels can still produce electricity, and on clear winter days they work just fine.
Should I remove snow from my solar panels?
Usually no. Snow tends to fall off naturally within a day or two. Don't climb on your roof, and don't use a metal rake or shovel on the panels, since it can scratch the glass surface.
Can solar panels withstand the weight of heavy snow?
Yes. Solar panels are designed to withstand heavy snow, and the roof structure is checked as part of the design and permit process. A roof in good shape can usually handle snow and panels together.
Is solar worth it in Massachusetts with all the snow?
Snow only covers your panels for a small part of the year. Your solar is designed around a full year of production, and long sunny days in spring and summer make up for the short, snowy days of winter.
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.