Last Days of Winter
Unlike the past few seasons, we have received plenty of snow this year in many areas, and cold temperatures are keeping it around. Just when it looks like things are going to be warming up again, another storm has arrived, “bombing out” on the northeast.
With March here, sunnier days are just around the corner. Throughout the season, we received calls and emails from customers who were concerned that their system cannot produce electricity when the panels are covered in snow. What should be done? With the latest storm here in March, there are sure to be plenty of solar system owners wondering how they should maximize their system’s production.
The Recommended Option
Apex Solar Power does not recommend, condone, or encourage any home or business owners to physically remove snow from their system. It is tempting, we know, but there is a very real risk that damage can occur to your panels if you’re swinging a snow rake around in freezing cold weather. Would you be comfortable cleaning your car off with a big metal and plastic rake on a pole, while standing 20 feet away? Us either. Snow rakes are hard to control. Though the tempered glass of solar panels is extremely durable and damage resistant, slamming a hard corner down onto glass is never a good idea. Like a car window, they will last a very long time, so long as you don’t smash it with a hammer.
What to do?
Be patient. The photo above shows one of our systems that has started to shed its snow, without any mechanical help. The “photovoltaic effect” that causes solar panels to create electricity also generates heat. Eventually, the snow will slide off the panels, and as more of the panels are exposed to sunlight, the heat they generate will expedite the process. It can be hard to wait, but the precautions are well worth it in the long run.
Remember- Your system production estimates include forecasted snow cover, and even then, the amount of energy your “missing” in December is less than 45% of what your production will be in April or May. We plan for winter when we size your system as it’s something that happens every year.
The Rebel’s Path
***The following is NOT recommended by Apex Solar Power, and any damage that results will not be covered by any manufacturer, installer, workmanship, or production warranty. Apex Solar Power does not recommend physically removing snow from your roof yourself, ever.***
Alright, with the disclaimer(s) out of the way we can talk about something that people do to clear snow off their systems, and the critical precautions they take while doing so.
Some homeowners decide that enough is enough and the snows gotta go. To do so, they use a snow rake with an important modification. They know that the hard, cold, sharp edges can cause damage, so they cover them up. We’ve seen some clever solutions:
- Cutting a slit in a pool noodle, and affixing it along the edge of the snow rake. This makes a soft foam barrier, keeping hard edges away from the panel’s surface.
- Using a large rubber or foam squeegee instead of the traditional roof rake end.
- Using a big soft bristled broom on ground mounts.
The important thing to do is to cover the hard edges of anything that could be in contact with the panels, and try not to swing the device around with reckless abandon. Also, all the snow does not need to be fully removed. Often, leaving an inch or so of snow on the panels not only makes it an easier job, but sunlight easily penetrates this layer, which heats up the panels, and melts the rest.
***Remember, to ensure the longevity of your system and its panels, it is always best to be patient, and let the sun do the work.***
What the 2026 Utility Rate Changes Mean for Homeowners As we move into 2026, homeowners are facing a major shift in how much it costs to power their homes. Utilities across the country are preparing for another round of significant rate increases — driven by aging infrastructure, higher demand, and rising energy costs. At the same time, the federal solar tax credit is set to step down, reducing the incentive homeowners have relied on for years. While this combination may sound discouraging at first, it actually underscores a larger truth: with utility rates climbing faster than ever, going solar still makes long-term financial sense. Rising Utility Rates in 2026 Many utility providers have already announced increases for 2026, and the trend is consistent nationwide. In fact, the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved an increase of 30% increase for New York utilities to occur over the next 3 years. Electricity costs are going up, fixed monthly charges are increasing, and more utilities are shifting to time-of-use pricing models that penalize homeowners during late-afternoon and evening peaks. In some regions, residential demand charges — once reserved for commercial customers — are becoming more common. For the average homeowner, this translates to noticeably higher bills even if their usage stays the same. Some areas could see annual increases of 10–25% as these new structures take hold. The Solar Tax Credit Is Decreasing — But the Savings Aren’t 2026 is also the year the federal solar Investment Tax Credit steps down from the full 30% for many homeowners. This means installing solar will carry a slightly higher upfront out-of-pocket cost than in recent years. However, the long-term economics still strongly favor solar. While the tax credit reduces, electricity prices continue to rise every year — and those increases compound over time. The value of producing your own electricity becomes greater with each rate hike, often offsetting the reduced tax incentive within just a few years. In other words, the short-term increase in system cost is still outweighed by decades of escalating utility prices. Why Solar Still Makes Financial Sense Solar’s value has always come from its ability to provide clean, predictable, stable energy for decades — and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how quickly grid-supplied electricity is becoming more expensive. By installing solar, homeowners reduce or eliminate their reliance on a system where prices are uncontrollable and consistently rising. Pairing solar with battery storage makes the financial case even stronger, allowing homeowners to bypass expensive peak rates and keep their homes powered when the grid is stressed or offline. Even with the incentive stepping down, the lifetime savings from solar in 2026 remain extremely strong. What Homeowners Should Take Away The combination of rising utility rates and a reduced tax credit might seem like a reason to wait, but it’s actually the opposite. The longer homeowners remain 100% dependent on the grid, the more expensive their energy costs become. Solar continues to offer protection from rate volatility, greater control over monthly expenses, and long-term savings that significantly outweigh the loss of part of the tax credit. 2026 is a reminder that the cost of utility power is only moving in one direction — and investing in your own energy system is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead. If you’d like a personalized look at what these changes mean for your home, our team can walk you through the numbers and build a plan tailored to your energy needs.
Why EV Battery Longevity Makes a Strong Case for Commercial Charging Stations in NY and VT
Energy Costs Keep Rising, and Predictability Matters