Do Solar Panels Really Hold Up in A Hurricane?
Floridians know that summer is not all sunshine and beach days. It is also the start of hurricane season – a time that can cause worry and panic to ensure homes are up to snuff, especially those with solar panels. Solar Bear of Tampa examines how extreme weather can impact your solar panels and how you can protect against future damage.
Generally, most solar panels are certified to withstand up to 140mph winds. Certain states like Florida require installation companies to ensure that their fixtures are strong enough to hold off winds up to 170mph. High winds and heavy rain could potentially disrupt a solar panel installation but by using high-quality materials, even the heaviest of storms should not cause damage. Because solar panels are created from a combination of aluminum and glass, they are extremely waterproof. The rain actually helps clear away dirt, pollen, and other debris. If there is an incident of damage, most homeowners’ insurance plans include solar panels as a permanent part of your home. We recommend contacting your insurer before installation to see whether you’re covered and if you are not, see if you can be.
Hurricanes can often bring with them heavy cloud cover and dark skies. But fear not, solar panels can still absorb about 25% of their capacity in those conditions. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact amount due to variables like the number of breaks in the clouds or how dark the clouds are but generally, it’s enough to keep essential appliances running. Furthermore, by installing a solar battery or stand-alone inverter with your solar system, you are better prepared than most to withstand a powerful hurricane. If the electrical grid should fail during a storm, a solar battery bank will allow you to take the excess energy stored and use it at your disposal.
Our team of energy experts can assist with any solar panel questions while we customize a solar installation that works for you. Call Solar Bear Tampa at (727) 471-7442 or request a free estimate today.
