Snow covered panels.

Anyone got good ideas re how to remove snow from solar panels.
AK

 

I have the same problem. My panels are currently hard mounted to the roof ,
at too low of an angle for winter sun. But, I did make hinges on the bottoms
to allow them to be titled up with some small modifications to the upper
brackets.

I found a large satellite dish at the dump, which has about a 3' long linear
positioner. I also found an old rotor antenna motor. I'm thinking of
combining the two to make an electric pusher that I can use to jack up the
high side of the panels (the bottoms are on large hinges).

The control on the rotor is perfect for this, since it rotates very slowly,
and stops relative to the position of the dial. I plan on adding some limit
switches. I am guessing that it will have enough torque to operate the
satellite linear positioner which has a gear on one end moving a long rod
back and forth.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to jack up the panels to maximum tilt
periodically to dump the snow off of my two 4'x6' panels. I'll use the
positioner to make periodic seasonal adjustments to tilt angle.

The other thought that occurred to me was to make some kind of a linear
wiper. But, I have not thought this out very carefully and do not know what
parts might be necessary.

 

Put them in the sun

 

Reverse current works...

Nick

 

Well when you depend on them for power to your home, you mount them on the
ground where they are easy to reach with a broom.

Jake

 

I roof mounted my panels for two reasons. First, that is where the best sun
was. Anyplace on the ground was subject to shading because of nearby 100'
tall trees. Second, this is my second home that I am not present at for many
months of the year. It would be easier for somebody to walk off with ground
mounted panels than roof mounted.

So, the broom trick does not work for me.