Ice Dams, Snow and Squirrels: Protecting Your Solar Panels This Winter
Earthlight Technologies • November 9, 2026
Ice Dams, Snow, and Squirrels: Protecting Your Solar Panels This Winter
Last winter was unlike anything our service team had seen in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It stayed cold, the sun rarely came out, and ice dams built up on roofs across the region. At one point, nearly every other call we received was about an ice dam. Here is what we learned, and what you can do to protect your solar system this winter.
Why Last Winter Caused So Many Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow on your panels warms just enough to start melting, then refreezes. Without steady sunshine to clear it, that cycle repeats and the ice keeps building. In a typical year, we tell homeowners to wait a couple of days because the snow will slide off on its own. Last winter, it did not.
For the first time, Earthlight performed snow removal on solar systems. When a homeowner needs it, we send our roof crew to physically get on the roof and clear the snow safely.
What Homeowners Can and Cannot Do
We do not recommend climbing onto your roof. If you can safely reach your panels from the ground and ice is building up, a very soft broom or soft cloth is the only tool we suggest. Never power wash your panels, because the pressure can cause damage. For more seasonal tips, see our guide to caring for solar panels in bad weather.
Snow Guards and Critter Guards
With snow season on the way, many homeowners ask about snow guards, which help control how snow slides off the roof. Squirrels are another common call. They climb bushes to reach rain spouts, make their way under your panels, chew on wiring, and sometimes move the whole family in.
When we find a nest, we remove it the first time and install critter guards right then. A critter guard is a metal mesh secured around the edge of your array that blocks animals from getting underneath. If there are babies, we move them in a cardboard box to a nearby tree so they are relocated humanely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Solar Care
Should I clear snow off my solar panels myself?
In most winters, no. Snow usually slides off on its own within a couple of days. We do not recommend climbing on your roof. If ice dams are building up and you can reach your panels safely from the ground, use only a very soft broom or cloth. For heavy buildup, Earthlight can send a roof crew to remove snow safely.
Can I power wash my solar panels?
No. Power washing can damage solar panels, so we do not recommend it. If your panels need attention, a soft cloth or soft broom is the safest option for homeowners. Earthlight also provides solar system cleanings for commercial customers, including farms, and our service team can advise on what your residential system needs.
What are snow guards, and do I need them?
Snow guards are devices installed on your roof that help control how snow slides off, so it is less likely to come down all at once. Many homeowners request them before snow season starts. Whether you need them depends on your roof and where snow falls, so contact our service team and we can take a look
What is a critter guard?
A critter guard is a metal mesh that is secured around the edge of your solar array. It sits on the roof and blocks squirrels and other animals from getting underneath your panels. Squirrels in particular like to climb up from bushes and rain spouts, nest under panels, and chew on wiring, so a critter guard closes off that gap for good.
What happens if squirrels have already nested under my solar panels?
Call our service team. We remove the nest on the first visit and install critter guards at the same time so the animals cannot get back in. If there are baby squirrels, we place them in a cardboard box and move them to a nearby tree. Critter calls are common, so you are not alone if this happens to you.
Need help before the snow flies? Contact Earthlight about snow guards, critter guards, or winter service, or learn more on our solar service page.
