Whether All the Snow is Actually Dangerous for a PV System?- Can it Even Withstand It?

In regions with frequent snowfall, snow can accumulate on solar panels, affecting performance and reducing energy production efficiency. So snow is indeed an important factor to consider when building a PV mounting system for rooftop, carports and solar parks, especially in areas with snowy climates. Snow can affect the performance and safety of the system in several ways.

Firstly, snow accumulation on the solar panels can reduce their efficiency by blocking sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. This can result in a decrease in power output.

Secondly, the weight of the snow can put stress on the mounting structure and potentially cause damage or collapse if the system is not designed to withstand the snow load.

Thirdly, if the snow melts and refreezes, it can form ice dams that can damage the roof or the mounting system.

To mitigate these issues, PV systems in snowy areas are typically designed with tilted panels and smooth surfaces to allow snow to slide off easily. Some systems also incorporate heating elements to melt snow and ice buildup. Regular maintenance and monitoring are important to ensure the system is functioning properly and to prevent any damage from heavy snow or ice.

In Cowell, the issue of snow load is already considered in detail during the planning stage. Therefore, solar mounting systems in snowy areas are designed to shed snow easily, and the structures are reinforced to withstand the snow load.