What is a Snow Guard? Keeping Your Solar Panels and Roof Safe

What is a Snow Guard? A snow guard is a protective device installed on a roof to help control the release of accumulated snow. Snow guards prevent large, heavy sheets of snow and ice from sliding off all at once, instead allowing it to melt and fall off gradually. They’re particularly helpful in snowy climates [...]

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What is a Snow Guard?

A snow guard is a protective device installed on a roof to help control the release of accumulated snow. Snow guards prevent large, heavy sheets of snow and ice from sliding off all at once, instead allowing it to melt and fall off gradually. They’re particularly helpful in snowy climates where heavy snowfall on a pitched roof can create a safety hazard as well as potential damage to your roof and property.

How Snow Guards Work:

Breaking Up Snow Accumulation: Snow guards work as small barriers that break up large piles of snow on the roof, keeping it from sliding down in one big sheet.
Controlled Snow Release: By holding snow in place, snow guards let it melt gradually or release in smaller, manageable amounts, reducing the chance of sudden snow slides.
Protecting Property Below: Snow guards help shield everything below—vehicles, landscaping, walkways, and doorways—from damage caused by unexpected snow avalanches off the roof.

Why Are Snow Guards Important for Solar Panels?

Solar panels can be prone to snow buildup in areas of heavy snow simply because they are mounted on your home’s roof. When solar panels are operating, they are naturally warm, so it doesn’t heavily affect your system’s efficiency. As the snow melts, however, it tends to slide easily off solar panels, which can lead to sudden releases, especially as the panels warm up in the sun. Snow guards help manage this issue by holding the snow in place until it melts or releases in smaller amounts.

Snow guards add a layer of safety by keeping heavy snow from sliding off solar panels, protecting people, pets, and property below from sudden snow slides.

They also shield your roof from damage. When heavy snow releases all at once, it can put stress on the roof, gutters, and fixtures. Snow guards allow the snow to melt gradually, easing the load and protecting your roof.

Plus, snow guards help keep your solar panels exposed to sunlight sooner. By reducing heavy snow buildup, they ensure your panels get back to generating energy faster after a snowfall.

Types of Snow Guards

Snow guards come in various designs, allowing them to work effectively on different types of roofs, including those with solar panels.

1. Pad-Style Snow Guards

Pad-style snow guards are small, low-profile barriers that attach directly to the roof, keeping snow from sliding off. Perfect for both metal and shingled roofs, they can be placed strategically to control snow release exactly where you need it. These guards are a great fit for roofs with solar panels, too—they won’t interfere with panel installation.

2. Bar-Style Snow Guards

Bar-style snow guards use metal bars that run horizontally across the roof, holding back larger sections of snow and releasing it in smaller, manageable amounts. While highly effective, bar-style guards work best on roofs without solar panels, as they need more space for installation.

3. Fence-Style Snow Guards

Fence-style snow guards form a fence-like barrier along the roof’s edge, holding back snow just like bar-style guards. They’re super effective but typically used more on commercial or industrial buildings.

Installing Snow Guards with Solar Panels

If you’re installing solar panels in a snowy area, your installer might suggest adding snow guards to the setup. Placed alongside or just above the panels, these guards offer winter protection without impacting energy production.

Getting the placement right is essential for snow guards to work effectively without blocking or shading your solar panels. Installers position them strategically, ensuring they maximize both safety and energy production.

Snow guards need to be tough enough to handle the weight of heavy snow. That’s why high-quality materials like stainless steel or durable plastic are the go-to choice, built to last through all kinds of winter weather.

And there’s no need to worry about looks—snow guards come in various styles to match your roof. Many are low-profile and blend seamlessly, keeping your home’s appearance sharp and clean.

Are Snow Guards Right for Your Home?

Snow guards are particularly beneficial for homes in regions with significant winter snowfall. Here are a few signs that snow guards might be a good addition to your home:

Heavy Snowfall: If you live in an area that experiences frequent, heavy snowfall, snow guards can help prevent sudden slides and protect your property.
Sloped Roofs: Homes with sloped roofs are more susceptible to snow slides. The steeper the roof, the more likely snow is to accumulate and slide off quickly.
Solar Panels: Solar panels create a slick surface where snow builds up and then melts from the heat of the panels and slides off in sheets. Snow guards can control the release of snow and keep your property safe.

Get a State-of-the-Art Solar Setup with XOLAR

Snow guards are a valuable addition to any home in a snowy climate, especially for roofs with solar panels. By controlling the release of snow, they help protect your property, enhance safety, and reduce the risk of roof damage. If you’re considering solar panels or already have a solar system installed, snow guards can provide peace of mind during winter weather. Installing snow guards alongside a new solar system may be more cost- effective than adding them later. They will also help prevent potential damage costs from sliding snow, which may be worth the initial investment for homeowners in snowy regions.

Interested in learning more about going solar?

The first step is to acquire a solar proposal. By understanding your energy consumption, sunlight exposure, and roof orientation and space, we can design a solar solution that meets your needs both now and in the future. A well-sized solar system can help you achieve your energy goals and reduce your carbon footprint.

Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of any provincial or federal programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.