Living in Central Florida definitely has its perks: sunshine, great weather, and proximity to beaches and theme parks. The downside? Hurricane season. But don’t worry, just because we often have hurricanes to contend with doesn’t mean that your solar panels are obsolete.
We often get asked if solar panels still save money when storms roll through. The answer is yes—and in many cases, solar panels can actually make your home more resilient during hurricane season by keeping energy costs lower.
Follow our team as we share how solar panels perform during a storm and why they are still a smart investment for Florida homeowners.
Built for Tough Conditions
Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand high winds and severe weather. Most panels that we install in Florida are tested to resist winds of up to 140-160 mph, which meets or exceeds hurricane building codes.
Plus, solar panels are secured to roofs with reinforced racking systems to ensure they can handle the toughest storms.
Energy Savings Year-Round
Even during hurricane season, our area gets plenty of sunshine. When the skies are clear, your panels will generate power just as efficiently as they would any other time of year. And if it’s cloudy, they will still generate power, just not as much as they would on a full sun day.
These benefits are far-reaching and include:
- Lower monthly bills
- Net metering benefits, which let you earn credits for any excess electricity sent back to the grid.
- Protection from rising utility costs, which often climb with storm recovery costs.
What About Power Outages?
One of the biggest concerns during a hurricane is losing power. While standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down when the grid powers down (for safety reasons), you can still use solar power by pairing your panels with a solar battery backup system.
A solar and battery storage setup lets you:
- Run essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment even if the grid is down.
- Avoid the noise, fuel costs, and maintenance headaches of a gas generator.
The sad truth is that power outages can last hours—or even days—after a major storm. So it’s best to be prepared with a solar array and battery backup system.
Insurance and Peace of Mind
Believe it or not, solar panels are covered under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies. This means that if your system is damaged during a hurricane, repairs or replacements are usually covered. That gives homeowners peace of mind, especially during our stormy season.
Why Solar Still Makes Sense in Orlando
Despite the risks that hurricane season brings, solar panels are one of the best investments that Florida homeowners can make. Our area enjoys over 230 sunny days a year, which gives plenty of opportunities to generate clean energy. And with federal and local incentives, the upfront costs of going solar are lower than ever before.
And if you go to sell your home, your property will have more value, making it more attractive to future buyers.
Stay Storm-Ready With Solar Bear
At Solar Bear Orlando, we know the challenges of living in Central Florida during hurricane season. That’s why we design and install solar systems with hurricane season in mind. From reinforced panel mounting to optional battery backups, we help you stay safe, save money, and keep the lights on when you need them most.
Call Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 today to schedule your no-hassle solar consultation!