Residential solar adoption in the United States is accelerating, raising new safety and design considerations for roofing professionals in colder climates.

A new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, bringing the total number of systems nationwide to nearly 6 million, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Those systems generate enough power for an estimated 47 million homes. By 2030, about 11% of U.S. homes are expected to have rooftop solar.

As installations increase, industry professionals are being urged to account for risks tied to snow and ice movement. Solar panels can warm quickly after snowfall, causing accumulated snow to slide off roofs in large sheets. Without proper controls, that movement can create hazards for people, property and landscaping below.

Roofing contractors may face added pressure to incorporate snow retention measures into project designs, particularly in regions with frequent winter weather. Limited planning for snow management could affect safety outcomes and increase liability risks.

Manufacturers are developing systems intended to hold snow in place and allow it to melt gradually, rather than releasing suddenly. Industry guidance recommends that architects, specifiers and contractors include snow retention strategies in project planning to address the growing intersection of solar adoption and cold-weather performance.