Should You Clear Snow Off Solar Panels? An Ontario Winter and Maintenance Guide
Should you clear snow off solar panels in Ontario? Usually not. Winter output, snow losses, safety risks and the yearly maintenance panels actually need.
Key takeaways
- In most cases you should not clear snow off rooftop solar panels in Ontario; it usually slides off within days, and the lost production is small.
- November to February typically produce only about 15–20% of a southern Ontario array's annual output, so snow cover costs relatively little.
- Climbing onto a snowy roof or scraping panels risks injury, scratched glass and voided warranties.
- Cold, clear days are good for solar: panels are more efficient at low temperatures.
- Routine maintenance is mostly watching your monitoring app, checking for shade and critters, and an occasional professional inspection.
You generally should not clear snow off solar panels on an Ontario roof. Snow on smooth, tilted panels usually slides off within a few days, especially once the sun warms the dark glass, and winter months produce only a small share of a system's annual electricity, so the energy lost is modest compared with the risks of climbing on a snowy roof.
This guide explains how solar panels behave in Ontario winters, how much snow really costs you, when clearing might make sense, and what routine maintenance a system actually needs.
Do solar panels work in winter in Ontario?
Yes. Solar panels produce electricity from light, not heat, and they are actually more efficient in cold temperatures. On a clear, cold January day, a clean array can perform very well for the available sunlight.
What limits winter output is:
- Short days: around 9 hours of daylight in Toronto in late December, versus about 15 in late June.
- Low sun angle: sunlight passes through more atmosphere and strikes the panels at a steeper angle.
- Cloud cover: November and December are among the cloudiest months in much of Ontario.
- Snow cover: panels produce little or nothing while covered.
How much does a solar array produce by month?
A well-oriented, unshaded array in southern Ontario typically produces roughly 1,100–1,250 kWh per kW per year. The monthly split below is an approximate estimate for a south-facing roof at a typical pitch; your actual pattern depends on location, tilt and local weather.
| Month | Approx. share of annual output | 8 kW system (approx. kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 3% | 280 |
| January | 4% | 370 |
| February | 6% | 550 |
| March | 9% | 830 |
| April | 10% | 920 |
| May | 12% | 1,100 |
| June | 12% | 1,100 |
| July | 13% | 1,200 |
| August | 11% | 1,010 |
| September | 9% | 830 |
| October | 7% | 640 |
| November | 4% | 370 |
Assumes about 9,200 kWh/year (1,150 kWh per kW). November through February together are roughly 15–20% of the year. Northern Ontario sees a lower winter share.
How much does snow cost you?
Even if your panels were covered for half of the winter months, the loss would usually be a small slice of annual production. Studies of snowy climates have commonly found annual snow losses of a few percent for tilted rooftop arrays, higher for low-tilt or flat-mounted systems.
Example: if snow reduces an 8 kW system's November–February output by 40%, that is roughly 630 kWh, about 7% of annual output. At an illustrative 15¢/kWh, that is roughly $95 in value. In a typical winter with intermittent snow that slides off between storms, the loss is often less.
Note: If you are on net metering, credits from high-production summer months roll forward up to 12 months and can offset winter use. Snow-season losses are partly cushioned by summer surplus. See our net metering guide.
Should you clear snow off solar panels?
For most rooftop systems, no. Reasons:
- Safety: falls from roofs are a serious injury risk, and snow and ice make it far worse.
- Damage: shovels, scrapers and hard brushes can scratch the anti-reflective coating or crack glass.
- Warranty: many panel and installer warranties exclude damage from improper cleaning or snow removal.
- Roof damage: dislodging snow can tear shingles, damage flashing and gutters, and send heavy snow onto walkways.
- Low payoff: the electricity gained is often worth a few dollars a day at most.
When clearing might make sense
- Ground-mounted arrays you can reach safely from the ground with a soft foam roof rake designed for panels.
- Low-tilt arrays where snow does not shed on its own for weeks.
- Off-grid or battery-dependent systems where winter production matters more than its dollar value.
If you clear snow, work from the ground with a soft, non-abrasive tool, never use hot water (thermal shock can crack glass), never chip ice, and stop if snow is frozen to the surface. Leave a thin layer; the sun will finish the job.
Snow load, sliding snow and ice dams
Snow load: solar panels are tested to specific mechanical load ratings, and installers should confirm your roof structure can carry the panels plus Ontario snow loads under the Ontario Building Code. Ask for this assessment in writing, especially on older homes. Our guide Is my roof good for solar? covers roof checks.
Sliding snow: panels shed snow faster than shingles, so snow can slide off in one sheet. Consider this above doors, walkways, decks, gas meters and vents. Snow guards installed below the array can help.
Ice dams: panels do not cause ice dams, but sliding snow can pile up at the eaves. Ice dams are usually caused by heat loss into the attic; see our guide to ice dams and attic ventilation.
Caution: Keep gas meter regulators and furnace or water heater vents clear of snow sliding off a roof array. A blocked vent can lead to carbon monoxide problems.
Year-round solar panel maintenance in Ontario
Solar panels have no moving parts, and Ontario rain and snowmelt keep most panels reasonably clean. Maintenance is mostly monitoring.
| Task | How often | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Check your monitoring app for unusual drops | Monthly | Homeowner |
| Compare annual production with the installer's estimate | Yearly | Homeowner |
| Look for shading from growing trees | Yearly | Homeowner |
| Visual check from the ground for debris, damage or loose wiring | Spring and fall | Homeowner |
| Check for squirrels, birds or nests under panels | Spring and fall | Homeowner; installer for fixes |
| Inspect mounting, flashing and wiring | Every 3–5 years or after severe storms | Installer |
| Inverter replacement | Often 10–15 years for string inverters; microinverters often warrantied longer | Installer |
Cleaning: professional cleaning is rarely needed in Ontario. Near gravel roads, farms or heavy tree pollen, an occasional rinse with a garden hose from the ground can help. Avoid pressure washers and detergents unless the manufacturer allows them.
Critter guards: squirrels can chew wiring under panels, and pigeons may nest there. Mesh guards installed around the array edge are a common fix.
Inverters: the inverter is the component most likely to need replacement during the system's life. Note its warranty term, and budget for replacement if it is shorter than the panels' 25–30 year warranty.
To see how your system is performing against expectations, compare its output with the estimate from our solar savings calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Do solar panels melt snow on their own?
Panels do not heat themselves significantly, but dark glass absorbs sunlight through thin snow, and light reaching the cells helps snow release. Smooth glass and a good tilt make snow slide off.
Does snow damage solar panels?
Normal snow loads should not damage properly rated panels installed on a sound roof. Damage is more often caused by people clearing snow incorrectly.
Should I turn my system off in winter?
No. Leave it on. It will produce whenever light reaches the cells.
Who should I call if production drops suddenly?
Check for obvious shading, snow or a tripped breaker first, then contact your installer. Our solar hub explains how to find qualified help, and our guide to choosing a solar installer covers warranty questions to ask.
About this page. Written and reviewed by the Energy Efficiency Ontario editorial team using official sources including the Ontario Energy Board, Save on Energy (IESO), Enbridge Gas and Natural Resources Canada. Figures are estimates unless attributed. Program terms change — confirm with the administrator before you buy. Our editorial standards · Report an error
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