A Feasibility Study of Photovoltaic Snow Mitigation Systems for Flat Roofs

A new photovoltaic system combining electrical power production with snow mitigation intends to reduce the snow load on flat roofs. Applying electrical power to PV modules causes heat production on the module surface, allowing the ablation of snow. This study combines measurements and theoretical analysis to investigate which conditions are favourable for snow load reduction and discusses the system’s feasibility to perform a controlled snow load reduction in a heavy snow load scenario for buildings with flat roofs. Both melting and sublimating of snow are investigated as means to reduce the load. The results show that the potential for load reduction is highly dependent upon weather conditions and snowpack characteristics during system operation. The refreezing of meltwater and water saturation of snow are identified as phenomena potentially preventing sufficient load reduction in cold conditions. Due to such temperature sensitivity, the system is likely to be more suitable for warm climates occasionally experiencing heavy snow loads than for climates with long and cold winters.