Rob, I think much of your snow removal will be at your lesser test angles. 4:12 might be a problem, but here in Western Colorado we are seeing 10:12 pitch (40 deg) shed quite easily after a storm (would be curious about the 6:12(we don't see too much here)). I think, although we don't share similar latitudes, we do share similar snowpack. Colorado, and I believe Edmonton have a Continental snowpack which tend to have lower moisture content (colder dryer snow). Usually we don't see the rhyming issues that a Costal or even Intermountain experience, so the "tackiness" of the snow is less of a problem. Usually with the first sun after a storm, we see a pretty good shed of the array. I agree with Todd in that raising the array will give the snow a place to accumulate. I am curious about an automated snow removal. Whats that like, can it be done without heat? Thinking about the steep pitched array, I always wonder if just a bit of heat to melt and lubricate the glass sliding surface would be enough of a boost to clear snow earlier. I have had the conversation a few times with an off grid client, and convinced him it wasn't the best use of his energy harvest, but for science....
Jay Pozner Nunatak AES Crested Butte, CO
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