Solar Snow Management Guidelines and Best Practices with

Guidelines & Best Practices: Snow Management on Solar Installations

289 Harrel Street, Morrisville, VT 05661 • Toll Free Phone 1.888.766.4273 • Toll Free Fax 1.888.766.9994 • [email protected] A Division of Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.

Alpine SnowGuards does not provide layouts for solar arrays. The following is a best practices guideline.These guidelines can be used to provide Alpine SnowGuards with a Bill of Materials (BoM).It is the responsibility of the purchaser to choose the best product in the proper quantities to accomplish their end goal.

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Document version 06.03.2020 07 72 53 Snow Guards

Guidelines & Best Practices:

Snow Management on Solar Installations

Contents

Application Example

Important User Information

Solar Snow Management Systems Overview

Typical Solar Snow Management Layout Combinations

Solar SnowMax-R2 Guidelines & Best Practices

Solar SnowMax-Standard Guidelines & Best Practices

Solar SnowMax-RL Guidelines & Best Practices

Solar Snow Pad Guidelines & Best Practices

Estimated Per Foot Budget Cost for Solar Snow Management

Solar Snow Guard Order Form

Solar SnowMax Application Example

Quantity take-off chart

Example details:6:12 pitch (26.57°)26.57°)39" x 65" panels35 PSF Ground Snow Load ((Pg)) 224" rafter spacing


In all cases, Alpine suggests a roof mounted snow guard system supplemented by the layout above. Contact Alpine SnowGuards for Roof Mounted landing zone requirements. 1

NOTE: If your project is a solar carport with roofs that aren't typical composition (asphalt) shingle roof applications, give Alpine a call to discuss (888-766-4273).

IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION: •This document includes all of the information you will need - please read in its entirety.•Not for use on solar arrays where the ground snow load exceeds 50 pounds per square foot (psf).•Will not retain all of the snow and ice on a solar array.•If no landing zone (see legend on page 3) is present below an existing array, performance will vary by roof pitch.•Snowfall greater than the height of the bar may slump, crest and come over the top of the bars as the snow melts.•This system was designed to help manage a sudden evacuation (also known as an avalanche) of snow and ice from asolar array, however, snow and ice will still shed from the array. The rate at which the snow will shed will varydepending on array variables, weather conditions and may vary from one snow storm to the next.

•Solar PV Arrays

Typical Roof Types:

Solar Snow Management Systems Overview:

SSM-R2 System: The SSM-R2 system is installed only on the eave edge of a solar array. Fits horizontal and vertical gaps that are a minimum of 5/16" and a maximum of 7/8". Maximum unsupported length between brackets is 68".

SSM-STANDARD System: The SSM-STANDARD system is installed in horizontal joints between tiers upslope of the solar array eave edge. Fits horizontal and vertical gaps that are a minimum of 5/8" and a maximum of 7/8". Maximum unsupported length between brackets is 68".

SSM-RL System: The SSM-RL system is installed in one of the two following manners:1. For arrays mounted with railless racking and a structural array skirt is present:

SSM-RL is installed at the eave edge of array. Additional, upslope tiers may be addedas needed.

2. For arrays mounted with railless racking and a structural array skirt is NOT present:SSM-RL is installed only on upslope tiers of the array.

SSM-RL fits horizontal gaps that are a minimum of 0.9" and a maximum of 1.5". Maximum unsupported length between brackets is 68".

SSP-T-3*: SSP-T-3 Solar Snow Pads are installed in horizontal joints between tiers upslope from the solar array eave edge. Do not space brackets more than 24" apart. *SSP-T-3 can be used in place of SSM-STANDARD (SSM-STANDARD will generally be lessexpensive than SSP-T-3 for the same array).System Bar Heights:

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In all cases, Alpine suggests a roof mounted snow guard system supplemented by the layout on page 1. Contact Alpine SnowGuards for Roof Mounted landing zone requirements.

mailto:[email protected]


Typical Solar Snow management layouts/combinations:

NOTE: *fig. A is for reference purposes only and is not a recommended layout.

3In all cases, Alpine suggests a roof mounted snow guard system supplemented by the layout on page 1. Contact Alpine SnowGuards for Roof Mounted landing zone requirements.

SSM-R2 System

SSM-R2 Bracket:

1. Remove the release paper from theadhesive tape on the underside of thebracket (fig. B, #1).

2. Drop the T-nut in the vertical joints betweensolar panels. Use the alignment ridge on thefront of the bracket (fig. B, #2) to secureplacement on the panel edge.

3. With T-nut perpendicular to panel edge,torque bolt with T-nut to a minimum of120 inch-pounds.

4. If array has expansion joints, contact AlpineSnowGuards to discuss.

SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR (2” bar):

5. Place the SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR into the bracket’s dovetail feature (fig. C). Install the Lock Bolt (fig.

D). Bar must extend a minimum of 1/2” beyond the sides of the solar array (fig. E) to accommodate theSSM-R2-END bracket.Maximum unsupported length between brackets is 68"

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SSM-R2-END Bracket:

7. Remove the release paper from the adhesive tape on the underside ofthe bracket.

8. Position the SSM-R2-END bracket over the extended end of the SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR until theBottom Clamp lines up with the side of the solar panel frame.

9. Tighten Lock Bolt to secure the SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR. Tighten the bolts to secure Bottom Clamp tobottom of solar panel frame (fig. G).

NOTE: The SNOWMAX-BAR should not extend more than 6” - 8” from the last SSM-R2 bracket.

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6. To connect two sections of SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR, slide a SNOWMAX SPLICE PLATE into the hollowchamber of the SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR. The small ridge on one side of the Splice Plate (which can befacing up or down) keeps it from sliding out of place (fig. F).



SSM-END BRKT Bracket: 3. Set the End Bracket & End Clamp Bottom (fig. I) on the bottom corner of module. Align with the SSM-

BRKT brackets installed on that tier. Torque bolts to 120 inch-pounds.

4. Use the supplied flange bolt to secure strap (fig. J). Install the upper clamp.

SSM-BAR (1” Bar): 5. Drop SSM-BAR into the bracket’s dovetail. Install the washer and tighten the Lock Bolt (fig. K).

6. To connect two sections of SSM-BAR, slide a SSM SPLICE PLATE into the hollow chamber of theSSM-BAR. The small ridge on one side of the Splice Plate (which can be facing up or down) keeps itfrom sliding out of place (fig. L).Maximum unsupported length between brackets is 68"

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SSM-STANDARD System SSM-BRKT Bracket:

1. Drop the T-nut in the vertical joints between solar panels.Position the bracket on the panel frame so that thealignment ridge sits against the upslope panel (fig. H).

2. With T-nut perpendicular to panel edge, torque bolt withT-nut to a minimum of 120 inch-pounds.

*7/8" Maximum gap between panels



SSM-BRKT with SSM-AL-STRAP WTN:Non-Standard Array: In situations where a solar panel is missing from an array, in the below tier of an array, or when panels overhang below tiers, you will need to install a strap with the SSM-BRKT Bracket (ex:

fig. M).

NOTE: For illustrative purposes, some tiers of snow guards have been omitted from fig. M below

7. Install the bracket so that the alignment ridge tightly abuts the leading edge of tier (fig. N).8. Clamp bracket into place using T-nut assembly and torque to 120 inch-pounds.

NOTE: For SSM assemblies installed along the leading edge of a tier, a strap is always installed to prevent the system from sliding down

9. Install the Strap with T-nut, placing the T-nut above the lowest racking mid clamp (fig. O) so that itcannot slide down. This will vary from array to array depending on rack locations. Torque bolts to 120inch-pounds.

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• Panels > 68” & ≤ 82” wide in Landscape on a railed racking system.• When used with railless racking systems - Maximum 68" solar panel length.

SSM-RL Solar Snow Management System Overview:

SSM-RL System for racked solar arrays with panels betwen 68"-82", landscape orientation:

The SSM-RL system is installed between tiers upslope of the solar array eave edge. Fits horizontal gaps from 0.9”-1.5”, with 1 bracket centered in panel and 1 bracket in vertical joint. End conditions will require 1 bracket within 6” of row-edge.

SSM-RL System for railless arrays:

The SSM-RL system is installed between tiers upslope of the solar array eave edge. Fits horizontal gaps from 0.9"-1.5", with 3 brackets evenly spaced. End conditions will require a bracket within 6" of row-edge. Maximum distance between brackets is 34" on center.

Snow management below solar array: Most projects may utilize snow guards below a solar array (requires 2' of open roofing below the array). Contact Alpine SnowGuards for further information, or visit us online at www.alpinesnowguards.com to view our pipe-style snow management options. We have designed an Online Project Calculator specifically for pipe, fence and pad-style snow management systems.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 888-766-4273.

SSM-RL System

NOTE: Not for use on solar arrays where the ground snow load exceeds 50 pounds per square foot (psf).

Typical Solar Array Conditions:


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1. Drop the T-nut in the horizontal joint between solar panels. Position the bracket (centeredin panel for standard application, or 6” from row-edge for end-panel/condition) on the panelframe so that the alignment ridge sits against the down-slope panel.

2. With T-nut perpendicular to panel edge, torque bolt with T-nut to a minimum of 120 inchpounds.

SSM-RL Bracket → VERTICAL JOINT:

3. Drop the T-nut in the vertical joint between solar panels. Position the bracket on the panelframe so that the alignment ridge sits against the down-slope panel. With T-nut positioneddiagonally, so that it engages a corner of 1 upper panel & the opposite corner of 1 lowerpanel, torque bolt with T-nut to a minimum of 120 inch-pounds.

SSM-RL Bracket → CENTER OF PANEL & End Conditions:


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https://www.alpinesnowguards.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?pageStyle=h&ProdSort=0&page=3&idCategory=3&viewAll=yes

http://calculator.alpinesnowguards.com/#/signup


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SSM-RL System for railless applications without a structural array skirt

SSM-RL Bracket → CENTER OF PANEL & End Conditions:

1. Beginning at the horizontal joint between the first and second rows of panels, install 3SSM-RL brackets, equally spaced.

2. At the ends of the array, the SSM-RL bracket should be installed no more than 6" frompanel. Maximum distance between brackets is 34" on center.

SSM-BAR (1” Bar): 3. Drop SSM-BAR into the bracket’s dovetail. Install the washer and tighten the bolt.

4. To connect two sections of SSM-BAR, slide an SSM SPLICE PLATE into the hollow chamberof the bar. The small ridge on one side of the splice plate (which can be facing up or down)keeps it from sliding out of place.

SSM-RL System for Railless Applications that utilize a Structural Array SkirtTypical Solar Array Conditions: Use the installation instructions above if the array skirt allows you to mount the bracket as described above.

SSM-BAR (1” Bar): 4. Drop SSM-BAR into the bracket’s dovetail. Install the washer and tighten the bolt.

5. To connect two sections of SSM-BAR, slide an SSM SPLICE PLATE into the hollowchamber of the bar. The small ridge on one side of the splice plate (which can be facingup or down) keeps it from sliding out of place (fig. L).


SSP-T-3 System

1. The first row of SSP-T-3 (Solar Snow Pad) should be installed in the horizontal joint betweenthe top of the 1st panel and the bottom of the 2nd panel (fig. R). NOTE: Max panel gap is ¾”

2. For landscape orientation arrays, four SSP-T-3’s should be installed per panel. For portraitorientation arrays, three SSP-T-3’s should be installed per panel. For either orientation, SSP-T-3’s should be evenly spaced within the panel gap.

3. Drop the T-nut in the horizontal joint between the panels. With T-nut perpendicular to the joint,torque bolt to 120 inch-pounds.

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Estimated Budget Cost Examples (prices shown are PER FOOT):

Estimated Per Foot Budget Cost for Solar Snow Management

(A supplemental addition to Guidelines & Best Practices: Snow Management on New Solar Installations)

Solar SnowMax-R2

(for eave edge)

Solar SnowMax-R2 is always installed on the eave edge of the array regardless of roof pitch, snow load or

panel orientation.

Solar SnowMax-Standard is installed upslope of the R2 system, as needed. Refer to Guidelines &

Best Practices: Snow Management on New Solar Installations.

Solar SnowMax-Standard

(for tiers upslope of R2)

NOTE: The above are estimates only. They do not include labor or shipping costs and are for rough calculations and budget

purposes only. If budget allows for this cost and you would like an official quote , refer to the Guidelines & Best Practices: Snow Management on New Solar Installations document. Please send a Bill of Materials (BoM) to Alpine SnowGuards for quoting

purposes.

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COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________________________________

CONTACT NAME:___________________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

JOB NAME / NUMBER:_______________________________________________________________

PRODUCT IMAGE PRODUCT SKU DESCRIPTION UOMUNIT

PRICEQTY

SNOWMAX-LITE-BAR SNOWMAX LITE BAR 2"-AL: sold in 8' lengths (ft)

SNOWMAX LIGHT SPLICE SNOWMAX LIGHT SPLICE PLATE, 1 included per 8' bar

SNOWMAX-CI-69 SNOWMAX 2" CI MATTE BLACK: sold in 8' lengths (ft) $0.79

SSM-END BRKT-MIX SSM END BRKT MLL W/ BLACK STRAP $26.76

SSM-BAR SSM 1" BAR W/SPLICE-AL: sold in 8' lengths (ft)

SSM SPLICE PLATE SPLICE PLATE AL .5": 1 included per 8' bar

SSM-COLOR INSERT-69 SSM 1" COLOR INSERT-MATTE BLK: sold in 8' lengths (ft) $0.79

SSM-AL-STRAP WTN-BLK SSM STRAP WTN BLK-AL $9.70

SSM-RL SSM RAIL-LESS BRKT W/T NUT Each $6.99

SSM-BAR SSM 1" BAR W/SPLICE-AL: sold in 8' lengths (ft)

SSM SPLICE PLATE SPLICE PLATE AL .5": 1 included per 8' bar

SSM-COLOR INSERT-69 SSM 1" COLOR INSERT-MATTE BLK: sold in 8' lengths (ft) $0.79

SSP-T-3 SSP T 3"-AL

SSP-T-3-BLK SSP T 3"-AL BLACK

Document Date: 6.25.2020

Foot

Foot

$9.75

$9.75

SS

P-T

-3

SSM-R2 SSM R2 BRKT W/TAPE & T NUT $9.89

SSM-R2-END SSM R2 END BRKT W/TAPE

Foot

Each

SS

M-R

L

Each

SS

M-R

2S

SM

-ST

AN

DA

RD

SSM-AL-STRAP WTN-MLL SSM STRAP WTN MLL-AL

$2.49

$8.79

$10.64

Each

Each

$2.49

Alpine SnowGuards • 289 Harrel St., Morrisville, VT 05661 • Email: [email protected] • Phone: 888.766.4273 • Fax: 888.766.9994

$2.50

SSM-END BRKT-MLL SSM END BRKT MLL W/ STRAP $19.50

SSM-BRKT SSM BRKT W/T NUT

SOLAR SNOW GUARD

ORDER FORM

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Solar Snow Management Guidelines and Best Practices with