How Do Solar Panels Hold Up In Hurricanes And Storms?

As the owner of an array of solar panels, you may be worried about what will happen to your investment if there is a storm on the way. If you have high-quality panels that were properly installed by a proficient expert, you probably do not have anything to worry about. In most instances, solar panels can withstand the effects of hurricanes.

However, some factors can impact on the capability of solar panels to withstand hurricanes, they include:

The Type of Solar Panels You Own

Solar panels are made using different materials. The quality of the materials used in manufacturing solar panels impacts on their durability and quality. Hurricanes often come accompanied by strong winds and hail. In most instances, panels made from low-quality materials do not have the strength to withstand the beating of huge hailstones.

However, high-quality solar panels made from the strongest components have the strength to withstand the thumping of hail. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you should acquire high-quality solar panels. Otherwise, you may end up being forced to replace your array of panels every time there is a hurricane.

The Quality of Your Solar Panel Installation

Hurricanes often come accompanied by strong winds. If your solar panels have been installed improperly or loosely on the roof, there is always the possibility that they will get dislodged by strong winds. When getting your panels installed it is usually best that you rely on the services of an experienced solar panel installation expert.

An experienced professional will ensure that your panels are firmly affixed on your roof so that they do not get blown away by the uplift of strong winds.

Top Things That Can Damage Your Solar Panels During a Hurricane

1.Strong Winds

Solar panels are typically affixed on the top of the roof. During installation, there is usually the possibility of some space being left between the panels and the roof. Strong winds can blow across this space and dislodge panels from the roof especially if they were not fixed firmly.

2. Hail

Sometimes, hurricanes come accompanied by large hailstones which have the capability of breaking the surface of solar panels. When the surface of a panel gets damaged, its efficiency usually lowers tremendously since its cells cannot harness the power of sunlight effectively.

3. Debris and Falling Trees

Some strong hurricanes have the capability of uprooting trees which can then fall on the roof and damage your solar panels. Additionally, the strong winds during a hurricane can at times contain debris that can fall on your panels causing damage.

Tips on How to Prepare for a Hurricane

1. If you receive warning that there is an approaching hurricane, there are certain steps that you can take to protect the investment you have made in solar energy. They include:

2. If you have a warranty for your solar panels or they are insured, you should take photos of their condition before the hurricane. Though they may not get damaged in the hurricane, you may need this photographic evidence if they get damaged and you want to file a claim against your insurer.

3. After the storm, take photographic evidence on the state of your panels from a safe distance. Do not attempt to climb on the roof to inspect your panels. The hurricane may have weakened the structural integrity of your roofing and you can end up exposing yourself to the risk of serious injuries.

4. Should you notice any damage on your solar panels, do not attempt to carry out repairs. Instead, contact a skilled solar panel expert to carry out the necessary assessment and repairs.

If your solar panels are not attached to your roof, store them inside your house until the hurricane passes over.

When it comes to extreme weather, there is no knowing how your solar panels will hold up. The best you can do is take the necessary precautions and hope for the best.

Metal Roofing: The Right Choice For Solar Panels

These days, enjoying the benefits of a solar panel is much easier. Due to continued technological innovation, solar panels have become more affordable compared to before. A lot of homeowners are now taking advantage of lease options to eliminate their maintenance and financial-related responsibility for the solar panels while slashing their home’s energy spending at the same time.

The type of roof material over which to install the new solar panels is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to this type of upgrade to a business or home. A common problem is a potential for leaks brought about by the installation of solar roof panels. In general, there are only a few roofs covering materials that can bear with the mounting hardware without causing resulting leak points and penetrations.

Solar companies in South Africa have long favoured metal roof structures for the systems, although most roof types are compatible for a solar installation some cost more than others.

Metal roofs and a few concrete tiles are common examples of roofs that could be configured to allow the installation of the mounting hardware in such a manner as to hide or remove altogether the specific point at which the solar hardware’s fixing point attaches to the roof structure.

It’s different from a composition roof where you have to literally punch holes via the roof to affix the solar panels. This is not an ideal option, and although solar panels are not that heavy, they do add some load to a roof structure. Because metal roofs are generally 1/5 the weight (or even less) of concrete, it implies that they are the most suitable type of roof when it comes to roof-top additions such as solar panels.

Reasons Why Metal Roofing is the Ideal Choice

  • Here are some of the top reasons why metal roofing is the ideal choice to use with any roof-top solar component:
  • Metal is the most environmentally friendly roof material and complements the environmental reasons for using solar energy collectors. If you even give it a second thought, it makes no sense to make use of eco-unfriendly, petroleum-based products such as asphalt shingles with an energy-efficient and green solar panel system.
  • Metal roofing provides profiles that enable installation of solar panels that literally have zero holes punched in the roof. Undoubtedly, no other material would make such a claim.
  • When it comes to resisting damage from very high winds, metal roofs are the most suitable roofs. Therefore, it’s a crucial consideration for those who want to keep off from potential damage of their solar panels, especially from flying roof debris.
  • Another advantage is the long-term costs. Having to remove and re-install a solar panel array since the roof beneath it requires replacement is an added expense beyond the cost of the roof itself. Opting for a long-lived metal roof does away with this costly maintenance problem down the road.
  • High weather durability. Typically, metal roofs are uniquely designed to put up with hurricane-force winds, as well as ice loads and heavy snow. Some specialized protective coatings allow them to be practically impervious to UV rays, water, and other area-specific environmental toxins. Its durability is the prime reason why a lot of metal roof manufacturers tend to feel comfortable providing warranties that last up to 40 years.
  • A positive impact on the life cycle. Metal and steel building products are considered some of the most sustainable materials available. Apart from being made from a high percentage of both pre-and post-consumer materials, they are also 100% recyclable once their lifespan is over. When you add this to the fact that a well-kept roof can last between 50 and 70 years or even longer, you can have peace of mind that your metal roof installation plays a role to a positive materials’ life cycle.