What really happens after a storm
Once a strip of glass is exposed, the panel warms in the sun and the rest of the snow tends to slide off in sheets. On steeper roofs that can happen the same day; on low-slope roofs or in shaded valleys it takes longer. Colorado’s combination of high elevation, dry air, and clear skies after storms works in solar’s favor.
Mountain homes are different. At higher elevations with deep, repeated snowfall and north-side shade, panels can stay covered for longer stretches. That doesn’t rule solar out, but it changes the design: steeper tilt, a ground mount that sheds into open space, or a south-facing roof that gets full winter sun.
Don’t climb up there
Please don’t go on an icy roof to clear panels, and don’t scrape them with metal tools, which can scratch the glass and void warranties. A soft foam roof rake from the ground is fine if you really want to, but the production you gain over a day or two is small next to the risk.
What matters more is where the snow goes. Sheets of snow sliding off an array can land on a walkway, a deck, or a gas meter. On the design side, we plan for that — snow guards or panel placement away from entries where it’s a concern.
Snow load and your roof
Every Colorado jurisdiction sets a design snow load, and it varies sharply between the plains and the high country. Racking and attachments are engineered to the local requirement, and in heavier-snow areas that can mean closer attachment spacing. It’s part of why permit review looks at the structure, not just the electrical.
What to do next
- 1Look at how your roof sheds snow now — which faces clear first, and where the snow lands.
- 2If you’re in the high country, ask about tilt and a ground-mount option during the quote.
- 3Plan panel placement so sliding snow won’t land on entries, decks, or meters.
- 4Run the solar savings calculator — its production estimate is annual, which is the number that matters.
- 5Buy a soft foam roof rake if you want one; never climb an icy roof to clear panels.
FAQ
Questions we hear
How much production do Colorado solar panels lose to snow?
It depends heavily on roof pitch, elevation, and shade. On a typical Front Range roof, snow cover is usually short-lived. Winter is the lowest-production season anyway, so the annual impact is modest for most homes.
Should I clear snow off my solar panels?
Usually no. Never climb an icy roof, and never use metal tools on the glass. A soft foam rake from the ground is the only method we’d suggest, and most people don’t bother.
Are solar panels heavy enough to cause roof problems under snow?
Systems are engineered for your jurisdiction’s design snow load. Panels add relatively little weight, but the attachments and racking are checked against local requirements during permitting.
Does a ground mount handle snow better?
Often, yes. A ground mount can be set at a steeper tilt and sheds snow onto open ground. We build ground mounts, and they’re a common choice for mountain properties with space.
Will I get a big electric bill in winter if my panels are snowed over?
Net-metering credits built up in sunnier months carry forward, so a snowy week draws on those credits first. How far they stretch depends on system size and your utility’s rules.