How Does Snow Affect Solar Panels?

June 12, 2026

Solar panels are designed to work efficiently year-round, but in snowy conditions, you may notice temporary changes in their performance. Here's what you need to know about snow and your solar panels:

1. How snow can impact your solar panels

• Blocking Sunlight: If snow builds up on your panels, it can temporarily block sunlight, reducing energy production until the snow clears.

• Weight Load: Solar panels are built to handle typical snow loads, but very heavy accumulations may add weight to the system. Fortunately, most panels are designed to withstand these conditions.

• Alerts from Your System: Your system is designed to notify you if there is a significant drop or halt in production. If snow is covering your panels, this alert will not resolve until the snow melts naturally.

• Palmetto Monitoring: These alerts are reviewed by Palmetto's monitoring team to ensure your system is operating efficiently. If any action is needed on your part, you will be explicitly notified.

2. Why snow doesn't typically cause long-term issues

• Panel Tilt Helps Snow Slide Off: Solar panels are usually installed at an angle, which allows snow to naturally slide off as it begins to melt.

• Dark Surface Heats Up Quickly: Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight and can generate enough heat to melt snow faster, even in cold conditions.

• Sunlight and Wind Assist: As soon as a small part of the panel is clear, it can generate heat to help melt the rest of the snow, especially when the sun comes out or there's a light breeze.

• Winter Production Adjustments: Your system's production naturally decreases in winter due to snow, but this is accounted for in the annual production estimates, which include snowy days and winter conditions.

3. Does snow have a big impact on energy production?

Not as much as you might think! While snow may temporarily reduce production, its overall impact on annual energy generation is minimal. Here's why:

• Studies show that snow-related energy losses are typically less than 5% annually in areas with average snowfall.

• Snow reflects sunlight (known as the albedo effect), which can sometimes boost energy production when panels are clear.

• Summer Compensation: Production in sunny summer months typically offsets the lower winter production caused by snow.

4. Should you clear snow off your panels?

• Let Nature Do the Work: In most cases, snow will slide off your panels on its own as the sun warms them or temperatures rise.

• Avoid Manual Cleaning: Attempting to clear snow yourself can risk damaging the panels or injuring yourself.

• Anti-Soiling Benefits: Snow has natural cleaning properties. As it melts, it helps wash away dust and dirt, leaving your panels cleaner and working at higher efficiency.

Note: We do not recommend using tools like snow rakes or squeegees to remove snow. These can damage the panels and pose safety risks. Allow the snow to melt naturally for the best results. Additionally, Palmetto's service team monitors alerts related to snow accumulation, ensuring that your system is functioning optimally even in winter conditions.

5. Summary: Snow and your solar panels

Palmetto's solar systems are equipped with an automated alert and monitoring process to track performance during different weather conditions, including snow. This monitoring ensures that your system maintains optimal efficiency, and any necessary interventions will be communicated to you promptly.

• Snow may temporarily block sunlight, reducing energy production.
• Panels are designed to shed snow naturally and handle typical winter conditions.
• Annual energy production losses from snow are generally very small.
• Snow on the ground can reflect sunlight, which can sometimes improve panel efficiency.
• Your system alerts you to production drops caused by snow, but these resolve naturally as the snow melts.
• Snow helps clean your panels as it melts, improving efficiency.

Your solar panels are built to handle all seasons, including winter. Palmetto also actively monitors your system year-round, so if weather affects your panels' performance, we're already on it.