Solar panels are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions. Therefore, manufacturers strive to make solar panels as tough as possible. Most people ask whether solar panels can withstand harsh weather, including hurricanes. Solar panels are durable and can withstand hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. You should not worry about windscreen, rain, or hailstones damaging your solar panels. However, you have to take precautions in extreme conditions to prevent the likelihood of damage. You must also ensure you only buy solar panels from the best manufacturers to get the best quality.
The Durability Of Solar Panels
You might assume that solar panels are fragile, given that most are made of glass. However, this is not the case because solar panels are often made of strong, thick, tempered glass. Most solar panels are made of monocrystalline silicon, which is even more durable than glass panels. Manufacturers melt pure silicon, form it into bars, and cut the silicon into wafers when making monocrystalline silicon. The efficiency of a solar panel depends on the purity of the silicon. The purer the silicon, the better the solar panel quality. Solar panels made of monocrystalline silicon are more durable than any other type of solar panel worldwide. These solar panels have a low degradation rate, making them long-lasting.
Before releasing solar panels, manufacturers test them and seek third-party verification. By doing this, manufacturers ensure that the solar panels can withstand hurricanes and the accompanying heavy rains, hail, and strong winds.
Places Where Hurricanes Are Common
In the United States, hurricanes mainly hit coasts along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes are not limited to coastlines since they can travel hundreds of miles inland. Hurricanes often hit the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and other areas in the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, hurricanes can also strike the southwest region of the United States, but this is uncommon.
Florida experiences more hurricanes than any other state in the U.S. The prevalence of hurricanes is due to Florida's location because the state is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical storms are common in Florida and can roll in from either side. Since the invention of the Saffir-Simpson Scale in 1851, which categorizes hurricanes based on severity, 41% of the recorded 292 hurricanes occurred in Florida.
Texas comes next after Florida. Since Texas sits right above the Gulf of Mexico, it is highly prone to hurricanes. Some of the most extreme tropical storms originate from the Gulf of Mexico.
How Hurricanes Affect Solar Panels
Hurricanes have several elements, including rain, hail, and winds. Each of these elements can have a distinct effect on your solar panels. Understanding how different conditions can affect your solar panels can help you take the right measures. Here is a look at how each of these elements affects solar panels:
How Rain Affects Solar Panels
Rain does not have a significant adverse effect on solar panels. Solar panels are designed to be waterproof, and their connectors can withstand water exposure. Even when the rains start pouring, you do not have to worry about your solar panels malfunctioning. You would be surprised that rainfall could make your solar panels more efficient. Water droplets on your solar panels can enhance energy generation. Due to water's reflective properties, water droplets on a solar panel attract light, enhancing energy generation when the sun re-emerges after a rainstorm.
Rain can also make it easier to maintain your solar panels since it washes dirt and debris off them. When the solar panels are clean, they absorb sunlight better.
How Wind Affects Solar Panels
When manufacturers are designing solar panels, they usually consider the local wind patterns. Most solar panels are resilient and can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph or 2400 pascals. As classified by the U.S. National Hurricane Centre, major hurricanes range from category three hurricanes and above. Severe hurricanes are rare and, thus, occur less frequently. For most category three hurricanes, the average sustained wind is between 111 and 129 mph. However, high-quality solar panels can withstand these wind speeds.
How Hail Affects Solar Panels
Most people assume solar panels cannot withstand hailstones, but this is not true. Solar panels are strong and can withstand impact even from large hailstones. A study conducted between 2009 and 2013 on 50,000 solar panels revealed that only 0.1% of the solar panels had underperformance or modular damage due to hailstones.
Reputable solar panel manufacturers test their products for extreme weather patterns. Every solar panel manufactured must undergo vigorous testing. It must also have proof of an Underwriters Laboratories certification, abbreviated as UL certification. If the solar panel manufacturer is outside the United States, the solar panel can have some variation of this certification. The UL certification indicates that the solar panel has undergone many safety, durability, and quality assessments.
Whether Solar Panels And Batteries Are Effective During Hurricanes
Hurricanes are often categorized by intense rain and clouds. However, solar panels can still generate energy even during this period. As long as your solar panel comes into contact with sunlight, whether directly or indirectly, it can still produce electricity. However, hurricanes often damage grid lines, leading to power outages. Solar panel owners must connect to the grid in some states, like Florida. Whenever there is a power outage, all solar systems must halt production to ensure the safety of the experts working to restore power.
If your area is prone to power outages, it is essential to have a battery backup.
Preparing Solar Panels For A Hurricane
If a hurricane is on the way, your local weather station will likely report this upfront. You do not have to remove your solar panels from the roof, walls, ground, or any other location. Solar panels protect your roof from storm damage. You should check and document the condition of your solar panels before the hurricane. When you do this, it will be easier to identify any damage after the storm. Solar panels are an investment, and you can seek compensation from your insurer in case of damages. Documenting the condition of your solar panels before the storm gives you evidence that you can use to prove the damage caused by the storm.
You should have both the soft and hard copies to make it easier to prove damage. Most solar systems also have a warranty covering the equipment, installation, repair, and maintenance costs. Most warranties cover loss, damage, or theft within 25 years.
If you do not have coverage, you should contact your homeowner's association to obtain information on rain, wind, and hailstones coverage in case of a storm.
Inspecting Your Solar Panels After A Hurricane
Once a hurricane is over, you should inspect your solar panels to identify any damage that might have occurred. However, roof solar panels are not easy to access, unlike wall and ground solar panels. Contact a solar panel expert or maintenance technician to inspect or repair your solar panels. Trying to fix the solar panels on your own can cause more damage.
In case of damage, you should photograph all the damaged areas. Whether you inspect the solar panels independently or request expert help, always capture and document any damage. Avoid touching exposed or damaged wires because they could be energized and harm you. Here are some steps you can follow when inspecting solar panels for storm damage:
Perform A Visual Inspection
Survey the solar panels from the ground. Look for noticeable signs of damage like broken glass, cracks, or missing panel components. You should also check for debris, like loose shingles or tree branches, that could obstruct sunlight. If your solar panels are mounted on the roof, avoid climbing unless you have the proper safety equipment and are experienced. You can use binoculars to inspect your solar panels from a safe distance.
Determine If There Is Structural Damage
Storms can destroy the framework that supports your solar panels. Check for loose, bent, or misplaced brackets and mounts. Structural flaws can destabilize the solar panels, reducing their ability to endure subsequent weather events. Address these issues quickly to avoid further consequences.
Assess Electrical Connections
Loose or damaged cables can impair your system's operation and pose safety risks. Look for scorch marks, exposed wires, or melted components throughout the system without opening the electrical panels. If you encounter difficulties, switch off the system and contact a licensed technician immediately.
Check Performance
Following a storm, monitor your system's performance. The majority of solar installations have a monitoring app to track energy generation. Even if your solar panels appear to be in good condition, a considerable decrease in power could indicate damage. Consistent monitoring allows you to identify performance drops early and take necessary action.
Assess Water Intrusion
Heavy downpours and hailstones can allow water to infiltrate panel components, resulting in electrical problems over time. Look for evidence of moisture, for example, fogged glass or corrosion along the edges of the solar panels. If water damage is evident, contact an expert to avoid voiding warranties or risking additional damage.
Check Shading Issues
Storms frequently leave debris on the panels, such as leaves or grime. Even partial shadowing can severely diminish efficiency. Clean the panels using a nonabrasive cloth or a soft brush and water to restore maximum efficiency. Avoid using aggressive chemicals, which could harm the solar panel's surface.
Test Functionality
After inspecting and cleaning the panels, check their functionality. Check the inverter to ensure the system efficiently transforms solar power into energy. If the inverter shows an error code, contact a technician.
When to Contact a Professional
While some tasks can be completed independently, others require professional assistance. If you discover structural damage, severe production drops, or problems with electrical connections, contact a qualified solar specialist. Attempting complex fixes yourself might breach warranties or exacerbate the situation.
Proactive Strategies
Preventative maintenance can mitigate the effects of future storms. Secure loose roof components, trim overhanging branches, and have professionals evaluate your roof regularly. Storm-resistant panel mounting systems could also increase longevity and safeguard your investment.
What To Do If Your Solar Panels Are Damaged In A Hurricane
First, if your solar panels are destroyed by a hurricane (or any other cause), do not go near them or attempt to fix them yourself. The high voltages that run through them can kill you quickly. While every system should have an automatic shutoff in the event of damage or a voltage spike, you should be cautious and notify your utility company immediately. If your system is destroyed, it can be fixed or replaced promptly and delivered to a solar panel recycler. Again, you are most likely protected by your home insurance policy.
Even if your solar energy system appears undamaged, your energy company might want an assessment before reconnecting it to the grid. If your system withstood the storm without automatically shutting down, you should be okay with leaving it operating while you survey the harm caused to your property and neighborhood.
If The Power Goes Off
If utility electricity goes out due to the storm, many homes' solar systems will also shut down. There are strategies to keep your solar system operational during a power outage, and with proper preparation, you could be the sole resident in your neighborhood with power.
Find An Experienced Solar Panel Expert Near Me
Solar panels are engineered to endure extreme weather conditions like high winds. In addition, solar racking systems have been built to keep your panels mounted no matter what. However, if a hurricane damages your solar panel installation, do not worry. Most homeowners' insurance policies include solar panels as structural components of the home. Photographing your solar system, just like any other significant investment, is a good idea to make an accurate record for the insurer if it is damaged.
We at Sun Solar Electric realize how important it is to maintain your home's solar energy systems. Our skilled staff specializes in professional solar panel inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installs, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency all year. Contact us at 707-658-2157 to set up your post-storm solar panel maintenance and keep your solar energy going smoothly in the Bay Area and Northern California.
