Snow retention systems for solar roofs

By Jenny Yu.  

As renewable energy technologies advance so must the accessories and systems that keep them safe and efficient. 

Tesla’s Solar Roof is creating new opportunities for roofing contractors and accessory manufacturers as demand grows for integrated solar products. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager of TRA Snow & Sun, and Nick Zavala, brand president of American Home Contractors, to talk about their firsthand experience with the new technology.  

For Nick, after seeing Tesla’s system at the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the product has become a defining part of their work. “We've been doing solar roofing since 2021, and the Tesla system has been the most exciting product that we've integrated into our business,” he said. “It's changed the game for us, not just in terms of product innovation, but just how we operate as an overall team.” 

Nick explained that installing Tesla Solar Roofs requires precision and advanced training. “I like to call our solar roofing crews and electrical division our ‘Navy SEALs of roofing’ because the work demands a higher level of precision, discipline and teamwork,” he shared. “There are so many different things that you're working on all together, both on the electrical and the roofing side. It requires a different level of coordination and experience.” 

Another essential consideration for solar shingle performance is snow retention, especially in heavier winter climates. As the glass solar panels absorb heat, snow easily slides off the surface, posing serious safety concerns. That’s where TRA Snow & Sun’s expertise comes in.  

“We were contacted to come up with a solution for the faux panels to be able to hold snow on them,” Mindy said. “How do we keep this snow from sliding? How do we attach to this? This isn't a shingle that we can retrofit, or that we can interlay with a bracket system like we normally would. So, how can we make this function?” 

After several rounds of research and development meetings, case studies and testing, TRA Snow & Sun created its Faux Panel Mount, a two-rail system engineered specifically for use with solar shingles. “We were able to create the base plate out of 10-gauge steel,” Mindy explained. “The bracket that sits on top, called a snow blocker, is 3/16” steel, and those can be powder-coated to match the Tesla roof surface.” 

As roofing products evolve, so do TRA Snow & Sun’s accessories. “We really like innovating and trying to figure out something that can work for both the contractor and for us, as well as the manufacturer,” Mindy stated. “We're also trying to make sure that the homeowner is happy with the aesthetic, because the Tesla Solar Roofs just look absolutely beautiful.” 

Nick shared a similar opinion. “When executed correctly, the performance and the aesthetics of the system are just astounding,” he added. “The long-term value is just unmatched. I think it's the best roof money can buy, and we've invested heavily — not just in training, but equipment, process development, infrastructure — just to make sure our teams can deliver excellent quality every single time.” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about the way the industry is adapting to solar roofing innovations.