How Do Solar Panels Hold Up In A Hurricane?

With more people considering sustainable energy options, one of the most trending topics of discussion globally now is solar energy. The great thing about this type of energy is that it is renewable and safe for the environment. 

If you live in a sunny climate, the possibilities are endless, especially when you choose a solar installation company like EcoGen America. Solar panels have now become quite popular and it’s not just for homeowners to save on their electric bills, but also for commercial businesses. 

However, since there are different weather conditions across several countries. It is important to examine the integrity of a typical solar system set up in different weather conditions. In this article, we will examine how solar panels hold up with hurricanes. We will answer questions, like; what happens to solar panels during the hurricane season? Is it wise to get solar panels during the hurricane season? If you’re concerned about your solar panels in a hurricane, then keep reading as this article provides answers to your questions.

Solar Panels During The Storm

Although the storm can cause several damages including an issue called uplift to your solar panels, there’s no need to worry as your solar panels are designed to handle different types of weather conditions. The panels are held in place by large lag bolts that keep them from moving around. It is also important that the roof was well-built and maintained to ensure that solar panels don’t tear up the roof during a storm.

Solar Panels During Rain

If you have a solar panel system on your roof you can rest assured that it will survive the rain. You don’t need to worry about your solar panels getting wet as they have an in-built waterproof system. The good news is that the rain helps to wash grime, pollen, and dirt off your solar panels, enabling them to work at their best. Hence, you can enjoy your solar panels even if it rains.

How Reliable Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are one of the most reliable sources of energy for your home. This is because they are designed to withstand a lot of abuse from the weather, and are made of high-quality materials that are durable, lightweight, and waterproof. A high-quality panel will also have cells that are well-constructed and highly efficient.

Although solar panels are generally reliable, their reliability also depends on the geographic area they’re installed. While some areas need solar arrays of about 160 mph to be built to withstand strong wind, other locations require about 110 mph. However, the general number of solar arrays required to withstand a strong wind is about 140 mph.

When it comes to hailstorms, the reliability of the solar panels depends on the severity and size of the hail. However, the chances of your solar panels getting damaged during hail are extremely low. They have been tested for hail resistance and only a few were damaged as a result of hail. Hence it’s safe to conclude that solar panels are reliable during hailstorms.

Difference Between A Hurricane Watch And A Hurricane Warning

Hurricane watches and warnings are issued to alert the public that a hurricane is approaching or has just made landfall. The difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning is that a hurricane watch refers to conditions when there is a possibility of an impending tropical cyclone making landfall, whereas a hurricane warning refers to when that tropical cyclone has already made landfall.

Knowing the difference between a hurricane warning and a watch is crucial. It helps you prepare ahead for any circumstances. Even in the case of a hurricane watch, you must be careful and prepared to prevent rainstorms, wind, or hail from damaging your solar panels.

How To Prepare For A Natural Disaster

Although solar panels are built to withstand strong weather conditions, you can still do some things to mitigate damage to the solar panels. Here are some of the things to do. 

• Use a lightning protection system. This helps to prevent a direct hit from lightning from damaging your solar panels and even your electronics.

• In case of any damage, ensure you take pictures of the condition of your solar panels.
• Check the warranty on your solar panels to be sure of what it covers.
• Check the insurance policy. Whatever the warranty doesn’t cover must have been insured before the hurricane.

Since it’s impossible to prevent future extreme weather events, it’s best to prepare as best you can for unforeseen circumstances. Building a home that uses renewable forms of energy is a logical place to start and using solar panels is one way to do this. Hopefully, this guide will help you make the most out of your solar panels.