The answer is no, shorting connection won't harm your panel since your panel will most likely be able to handle it if it was made by a good manufacturer. Commercial solar cells have 28 mA/sq.
The best DIY approach for most homeowners is a ground-based solar panel snow removal tool, like a solar panel snow rake with a foam or rubber head. Just as important: knowing when to let snow melt naturally, and when clearing snow off solar panels is worth the effort.