If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, you’re likely wondering how well they will hold up during a hurricane. After all, nobody wants their hard-earned investment to be destroyed.
Thankfully, solar panels are designed to withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. Most panels are built to withstand winds up to 150 mph and can still generate power in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
So if you’re worried about your panels being damaged during a hurricane, don’t be! They are likely to hold up just fine. Of course, it is always best to take precautions and properly secure your solar panels before any major storm. But if you do experience some damage, most panel manufacturers offer warranties that will cover minor repairs or replacements.
What Types of Storm Damage Can Solar Panels Sustain?
All high-quality solar panels withstood Hurricane Maria’s devastation in Puerto Rico in 2017. The powerful hurricane made landfall on the island with wind gusts of more than 150 mph (Lakhani, 2021).
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill, but what happens if they get damaged during a hurricane? Can they sustain high winds, water, and flying debris? What about hail?
The good news is that most solar panels are built to withstand a fair amount of storm damage. They’re usually made of heavy-duty materials that can survive high winds and flooding. However, there is always the possibility of damage, so it’s important to have a backup plan in place.
Make sure you have a sturdy roof to which you can safely attach your solar panels, and keep an emergency energy supply handy in case you lose power during a heavy storm.
One further element that might play a role in a hurricane is the wind. Even the most well-built homes can sustain damage from strong storm winds from all angles. Fear of rising may be a concern when solar photovoltaic panels are installed slightly above the roof’s surface.
Do I Need to Bring Solar Panels in During a Hurricane?
Do you have solar panels installed in your home? If so, you might be wondering if you need to bring them in during a hurricane.
The short answer: it depends. Each solar panel is built differently and can withstand different levels of wind and rain. Some panels are designed to be left outside, while others should be taken in during a major storm.
If you’re not sure whether your solar panels can withstand a hurricane, it’s best to err on the side of caution and bring them inside. That way, you can rest assured that your investment is safe and sound—even during the most powerful storms.
What Precautions Should I Take for Solar Panels in a Hurricane?
The short answer is YES if you’re wondering whether your solar panels can withstand a hurricane. Solar panels are designed to be durable and weatherproof, holding up to some extreme conditions. However, there are a few things you can do to help increase their resilience. First, ensure that your panels are firmly attached to your home roof.
Second, invest in a good quality solar panel insurance policy. This will ensure you’re not left out of pocket if your panels are damaged or destroyed in a storm. And finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to take action if necessary. If a hurricane is headed your way, take all precautions to protect your solar panels.
What Kind of Repairs Should Be Done After a Hurricane?
After a hurricane, you’ll need to assess the damage done to your solar panels. If everything looks okay, then you can go about your business and continue reaping the benefits of your solar energy system. However, if you do find some damaged components, then it’s time to start repairs and replacement.
The good news is that after a hurricane, most solar panel components can easily be repaired or replaced. You should promptly contact your solar panel provider and explain what happened during the storm so they can send out parts as soon as possible. Suppose any of the panels physically broke or were cracked during the hurricane.
In that case, you should order a replacement panel immediately and install it to restore your solar energy system’s full power capability. Check all the wiring and other associated components for any signs of damage too!
Solar Panel Maintenance Following a Hurricane
After a hurricane, it’s important to inspect any solar panels for damage. Even if you can’t see any evidence of damage, it’s still a good idea to give them a once-over—just in case.
If you find damage, the most common type is breakage or cracking of the glass panels. When this happens, you’ll need to ensure that the broken glass is safely removed and then repair or replace whatever parts are necessary. You might need to re-anchor your solar panels if the hurricane knocked them out of alignment from their mountings.
In addition to physical damage, check for functional issues, like an inverter no longer working, affecting your ability to generate electricity from solar energy. If you find anything unexpected or out of place, contact an experienced professional!
Are There Any Special Considerations When Dealing With Solar Panels During a Hurricane?
You may be wondering if there are any special considerations when dealing with solar panels during a hurricane. The answer is yes! Solar panels may seem delicate, but they can withstand extreme weather conditions like those caused by a hurricane.
The best way to ensure your solar panels’ safety is to shut them down before the storm hits. This will prevent potential damage from high winds and flying debris. You should also cover your solar panels with a waterproof cover. Finally, check in on your panels after the storm is over to make sure everything is in order.
Take these steps if you want to ensure your solar panel system makes it through the storm unscathed!
Conclusion
In conclusion, well-built solar panels are resilient, but additional safety measures are necessary to ensure their safety during a cyclone or a hurricane. A hurricane-rated frame and mounting system built on a high-wind-rated structure can help keep solar panels safe from the elements.
References
- energymatters.com.au. (2022). Can Solar Panels Withstand Cyclones? Retrieved from EnergyMatters: https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/can-solar-panels-withstand-cyclones/
- Lakhani, N. (2021, October 18). ‘We want sun’: the battle for solar power in Puerto Rico. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/18/puerto-rico-solar-power-climate-resilience
