Roof Rake and
Snow Rake Online Store

The pitch of my roof isn't steep enough for my solar panels to clear themselves of snow, so after about two months of no production because of all the snow I decided that my investment in solar energy was worth the money for this product. I do think the price is a bit too much, but once you've spent thousands on the panels, what is the extra cost of the rake worth? It has been a busy snow year so I've had plenty of opportunity to use it in light and very heavy snow. I found that it was very easy to figure out how to use it once I got the feel for it. I have 35 solar panels and it takes me about 20-30 minutes to clear the snow when in maintenance mode. It took a couple of hours to get it all off the first time because it was so deep and hard packed snow. This weekend we got over a foot of wet, heavy snow and it took me about an hour to get it all off. I've found that if there is just a skiff of snow I can start at the top and work down, but if there is any significant amount of snow it is easier to clear it from the bottom first, then work towards the top. That sounds counter-intuitive because you want to just pull it all down, but even though you feel like you're clearing the bottom area multiple times, it is in fact easier. With the heavier snows I have found that if I clear the bottom well enough then large sections near the top slide down with little or no effort.



I had read of others complaining that the sections freeze; I have intermittently found the same but it has not been a significant problem. I live in a very dry place though which may contribute to the difference. Like someone else reported, I also have bolts connecting the different sections but have not found the amount of damage to the foam. I can see that it is not going to last forever, but recognize a balance for softness to not damage the panels versus durability over the years. I'd rather buy the replacement more frequently and wish that I had purchased a spare with my original purchase.



One thing I have learned to do is to constantly be checking the tightness of the head in the handle; on one of my first uses the head unscrewed off the handle. Fortunately I was able to retrieve it easily. I have to constantly change the length on the handle so each time I change the length I make sure the head is tight. I'm guessing if I use some plumbing tape it will add a bit more security.



In the end I'm very glad I got the roof rake and would purchase it again. I guess the best indicator is that I've already shown it to several friends with solar panels. I even used it yesterday to clear the snow from the neighbor's satellite dish.

I live in Minnesota, my panels are on my garage facing the alley. The slope isn’t terribly steep so I’ve needed something to pull snow off. The extra deep cold has often slowed melting down, too.



I’ve how had the opportunity to use this through about 7 snow falls. It has worked the best I could find anywhere, so I have great praise!



However after using this through this many snow events, I find myself wishing this had a little bit more … mass/weight to dig into packed snow on a shallow slope. But most of all, I wish the width was an extra 1/2 to 2/3, it would really improve clearing more faster. All the better to get out of the biting –10° and back inside!

We have roof mounted solar panels at a 30 degree angle, so any snow accumulation takes forever to melt and slide off. The RoofRake changed that, and now I can get at least SOME power out of the panels after cleaning them off after a snowfall. However, it will not work if rain/freezing rain falls first and then the snow - you'll still have that frozen layer on top of the panels. You also have to be diligent and clean the panels after every snowfall.



Four stars because of the durability of the rake itself. I know it has to be soft to protect the panels, but unless you are extremely precise, the panel mounting brackets will take a lot of little chunks out of the rake edges the first time you use it.



Also be aware that using a long pole to maneuver the rake is awkward, at best. I bought the aluminum pole for better control, and am glad I did. I think the fiberglass pole, while perhaps lighter, would bounce around way too much to get thorough panel cleaning. Still, this product works and is well worth the investment, even if it doesn't snow much where you live.

Bought this to clean off solar panels with. Works great.

There are fundamental limits to this system. Wet snow, more than a few inches deep- forget it. The pole is a wet noodle. Also, the head has a way of frequently unscrewing from the pole. Be prepared for the squeegee to get stuck on the roof. Need to tighten it every few pulls. Mine worked for the sessions, now the head is stuck on the roof till spring. Hell if I am going to pay $25 for another one...