Re: [RE-wrenches] Flat roof in snow country - snow removal

[toddcory]

except, "let it melt" on shallow angle roof mounts often yields this:

 

todd

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, December 9, 2015 1:48pm, "Benn Kilburn" <b...@skyfireenergy.com> said:

Dana,

SESA (Solar Energy Society of Alberta) has been providing a great service to anyone interested in Solar Energy for many years.  One project touches on what a PV system will produce at various angles here in Edmonton and the result of snow removal, or not, in particular.

I've been meaning to reply to this with a link... here it is...
http://solaralberta.ca/content/alberta-solar-performance-data

Now, assuming we are talking grid connected systems rather than off-grid when the energy is 'really' needed.

​The rational that this reference array system supports​ is that during the 'snow months' while the days (and sun hours) are short and there is little potential energy to harvest anyway, there is not a huge, if any, benefit to pay anyone or risk safety to bother clearing snow off of modules in the winter.

Of course your site will have its own variables, but if you make some estimations on days of snow cover and peak sun-hours you are missing out on then you can calculate the potential loss in kwh and dollar value that you are loosing due to snow cover.

If someone's time is being paid to remove the snow then it is most likely not worth the cost considering the $ value of the potential kwh lost.

Our general consensus is that if removing the snow presents any challenge, especially to safety, then it is best to just leave it to melt.

Not really an answer to your question... but another perspective to consider.

 

Benn Kilburn 

CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc

6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7

P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com

    

On Thu, Dec 3, 2015 at 3:05 PM, Dana <d...@solarwork.com> wrote:

For a flat roof, 35° rack mounted large array in snow country what have people done for snow removal other than hand shovel it out?

We thought of a dark roof material to start, & we can’t snow blow as there will be sidewalks & people below on all 4 sides.

We are trying think this out in advance!

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dana Orzel

Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136

E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com

O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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