PV tilt angle and snow

From HeatSpring.com PV Boot Camp Discussion Board

Q:

What is the best angle to put solar panels at for removing snow loads while still gaining solar energy?

A:

There is no exact answer for snow, since sometimes snow will stick vertical and sometimes it will slip off at a 5 degree tilt. There are hundreds of different types of snow.

From my experience, I rarely see snow stick to PV for more than a day. It often melts, slips or blows off.

I do not often see installers and designers worry about snow.

Here is an array that was designed for deep snow in Truckee CA:

http://solarprofessional.com/articles/project-profiles/commercial-grid-direct-photovoltaic-system-truckee-sanitary-district

They are using a 35 degree tilt.

I have seen zero tilt in Canada. When there is snow on it, it will not work well, but when there is snow on it, it is that dark time of the year.

Thanks,

Sean White

From HeatSpring.com PV Boot Camp Discussion Board