Forum Discussion

TurnThePage's avatar
TurnThePage
Explorer
Dec 26, 2017

Suggestions to remove ice from solar panels

Several weeks ago we got 8" or 9" of snow, quickly followed by almost an inch of almost freezing rain. Since then, it's been well below freezing with a few more inches of snow thrown in. The panels are encased in about 3 inches of solid ice.

It's not really a big deal. The trailer is in storage in my back yard, and I plugged in and turned on the converter to maintain the batteries.

Am I just gonna have to ride it out?
Seeking Advice
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Dec 27, 2017
    3" of ice is a lot. They're flat? So don't need to worry about slabs coming off the roof?
    I'd probably throw a heat tape on it. Move it around a bit and get the ice gone. Unless there's warmer weather forecasted soon. Ice = no good on your roof and all of the penetrations.
    Is it going to be sunny? Maybe jsit a sheet of black visqueen over the camper would get it melting?
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    Yeah. I kind of figured there were few options. And yeah, it really is that thick. Almost the length of my index finger.

    pianotuna, I would bet there is still some current being generated, but just haven't had time to monitor. I verified that the batteries were full, then turned on the converter, just in case I forget later, which I'm very apt to do.
  • pconroy328's avatar
    pconroy328
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    TurnThePage wrote:
    yThe panels are encased in about 3 inches of solid ice.


    I haven't had to deal with ice that thick since leaving DFW.
    Yeah, 3" is a ton of ice to try to melt. Ride it out.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    Incandescent rope light glued or some such to the backs of the panels. That is if you're going to keep using them during the winter?

    Water (ice) has significant weight. If you really have 3 inch thick coat and not an exaggeration, that's heavy, like you've doubled the panel.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    A couple sunny days and those panels will self clear. Mine always do. I don't plug in, so the solar is what maintains all of the MH's batteries.
  • FLY_4_FUN's avatar
    FLY_4_FUN
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2017
    I wouldn't worry about the snow as the rig is obviously winterized. If plugging in can replace the trickle charge from the solar then no need to get on a slippery ladder and risk damaging roof/panels/self trying to clear them

    Daryll
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 26, 2017
    Hi,

    You may find that the panels are still producing some output. Please check and let us know?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 26, 2017
    The southern states, east to west, welcome you to melt ice within our boundaries.

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