Surge in U.S. Home Solar Installations Underscores Need for Snow Retention Solutions

Drift Solar with Ice Screen below solar panels - On Point Contracting

Drift Solar Snow Retention System Provides Essential Safety for Solar Projects

By 2030, it's projected that 11% of American homes will feature solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs.

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented boom in residential solar projects, with homeowners across the nation turning to solar energy to power their lives. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, bringing the total number of solar energy systems in the U.S. to nearly 6 million--enough to power 47 million households.

As the number of solar installations continues to climb, it is critical for architects, specifiers, contractors, and roofing professionals to proactively plan for the unique challenges these systems present--particularly in regions prone to winter weather. One significant concern is the rapid warming of solar panels after snowfall, which causes snow to slide quickly down surfaces. Without proper snow retention, this can result in avalanches of snow and ice, putting people, property, and landscaping below at risk.

Solar Snowfall Solution

To address this issue, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers the Drift Solar 4-pipe fence-style snow guard system. Specifically engineered for installation below solar panels, this innovative system features a 12-inch-tall snow fence that acts as a catch basin, holding snow in place until it melts gradually. This prevents dangerous, sudden releases of snow, safeguarding both residents and property.

The Drift Solar Snow Fence is compatible with both new construction and retrofit roof applications. Its robust design calls for the brackets to be bolted directly to the roof support structure (rafters/trusses/purlins) flush at the eave, with the tubing side facing downslope--a reversed installation compared to other Drift Series snow fence installations. Each bracket is anchored with five structural lag bolts, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. Individually sold ice screens must be installed with the Drift Solar snow fence system to impede the movement of snow between the tubing.

Guidance for Industry Pros

With residential solar adoption on the rise, integrating snow retention systems like the Drift Solar fence is essential for safe and successful solar installations in snowy climates. Architects, specifiers, and contractors are encouraged to include snow retention in their project specifications to protect homeowners and maximize the benefits of solar energy year-round.

Solar Panel Snow Retention With Roof Snow Fences

Often overlooked, snow retention should be considered with some rooftop solar panel installations

Snow build-up on solar panels is different from other types of roofs. Snow compacts more and gets heavier, tending to slide off all at once, often needing special snow retention.

Read more about Solar Panel Snow Retention With Roof Snow Fences

Cheshire Academy Embraces Solar Panels and Drift Solar Snow Fences

Founded in 1974, Cheshire Academy, a private school in Cheshire, CT, is closing in on its first successful year of using solar-powered panels to help reduce energy costs. Four campus buildings boast the productive solar panels. To slow down the release of melting snows and ice from those panels, Drift Solar Snow Fences were added to help keep the students and faculty safe on the historic 104-acre campus.

Read more about Cheshire Academy Embraces Solar Panels and Drift Solar Snow Fences

Solar Panel Snow Retention Systems

RMSG Has Designed Hundreds of Solar Panel Snow Fence Systems!

Snow Fences by RMSG are a great, cost-effective solution to snow sliding off of roof solar panels. Snow collects BELOW the panels, making sure there is no shadowing of the solar panels, while protecting the area below the roof.