Snow on Solar Panels: When to Remove It and How to Do It Safely

Introduction

Snow might be a Canadian reality—but it doesn’t have to bury your solar savings.

Across provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and PEI, homeowners see their solar output drop dramatically during heavy snowfall months.

So here’s the big question: should you remove snow from your panels, or wait for it to melt naturally?

In this friendly, no-fear guide, we break down when snow removal makes financial sense, how to do it safely, and which tools are designed specifically for solar panel care—no roof climbing required.

Plus, we’ll share some regional tips, mistakes to avoid, and how to spot if snow is silently cutting into your ROI.

Should You Remove Snow from Your Solar Panels?

It depends on your roof type, snowfall frequency, and energy goals.

Good reasons to remove snow:
You rely on winter solar to offset time-of-use rates
You have a flat or low-slope roof where snow doesn’t slide off
Panels stay covered for multiple days = production drops

Times when it’s fine to wait:
You have steep, south-facing panels (snow will melt/slide)
Sunny stretch is forecasted = passive melt
Your panels produce <10% of your annual output in winter

Tip:
In provinces like Alberta or Southern BC, where solar output is high even in winter, removing snow can boost seasonal production by 15–25%.

The Safest Way to Remove Snow (No Roof Climbing Required)

Rule #1: Never use a metal shovel or broom.

These can scratch or crack the tempered glass, voiding your warranty.

What to use instead:

Solar panel snow rake: Lightweight, non-abrasive foam heads with extendable poles

Telescoping broom with soft bristles: Ideal for ground mounts or single-storey homes

Non-stick spray or panel coating (optional): Can help snow slide off naturally

How to do it right:

Stand on solid, dry ground or a stable ladder

Gently push snow down the panel slope—never upward

Don’t scrape frozen ice—wait for sun to help soften it first

Atlantic Canada tip:
For homes near the ocean or with icy, wet snow, wait until midday to clear softened snow to avoid chipping frost-hardened buildup.

How Snow Impacts Solar Performance

Even a small patch of snow can block enough sunlight to reduce panel efficiency—especially with string inverters.

Microinverters or optimizers limit the impact to only affected panels.

Snow Coverage	Impact on Output
Light dusting	Minimal
30% coverage	40–60% loss (string)
Full coverage	100% loss

Microinverter owners:
If just one panel is snow-covered, your system can still produce from the others—check your monitoring app (Enphase, SolarEdge) to confirm.

Snow Removal by Roof Type & Region

Region	Roof Type	Best Approach
Southern Ontario	Asphalt sloped	Wait for melt unless shaded
Calgary	Metal sloped	Snow usually slides on its own
Winnipeg	Low-slope shingle	Use rake after big storms
Halifax	Flat rubber roof	Consider pro cleaning 2–3×/season
Rural PEI	Ground-mount system	Easy DIY brushing after snowfall

Flat roof owners:
You’re more likely to deal with snow dams and lingering coverage.
Consider adding snow guards or a heating cable system.

When to Call a Professional

You should hire a pro if:

Your roof is steep, two-storey, or icy

You’re not comfortable with ladders or safety gear

You want a bundled winter service (panel + gutter cleaning)

Average costs for pro snow removal in Canada:

$100–$300 per visit (depending on roof access and region)

Ask about bundled seasonal maintenance plans to save long-term.

Bonus:
Some solar installers offer winter maintenance packages—ask when you sign your install contract if they include it.

Conclusion

Snow-covered panels are part of Canadian life—but they don’t have to freeze your solar gains.
Whether you brush them off with a foam rake, wait for sun to do the work, or call in a pro, smart snow management helps keep your system working all year.
Just remember: never sacrifice safety for savings.