Are you worried about the durability of solar panels in a hurricane? Have you put off investing in a solar energy solution? We are here to tell you that there is a lot less to be concerned about than you might think.
As solar panels are developed and designed, they undergo extensive testing. We have now been able to collect data on solar panels in a hurricane over the years.
We have learned from our experiences with Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irma that solar panels can be a practical, reliable system to generate electricity for your home or business, even if the electric grid is down.
Real World Performance
The high winds and flooding that accompany hurricanes are responsible for most of the damage. The wind is not able to blow in one direction. As the hurricane moves away, the wind shifts direction.
Wind can cause damage in many ways. One example is that a lot of solar panel installations are placed on roofs. This causes an issue with lift, which is caused by wind blowing between panels and roof.
Vendors make sure that solar systems can withstand uplift forces by attaching panels to roof beams using large lag bolts. If the roof is properly constructed and maintained, solar panel systems will not cause damage to your roof from uplift or other wind forces.
The panels are certified by solar panel manufacturers to withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour. This is equivalent to Category 4 hurricanes which average speeds between 130 and 156 mph. Real-world results show that almost all of the solar panels in areas that were hit by Superstorm Sandy (2012) and Hurricane Michael (2016) survived with only a few panels being damaged beyond repair. Other losses resulted from the total destruction of a roof or structure.
If the homeowner owned an individual inverter the power to their home was restored immediately after the owner connected the inverter. One municipality used solar-powered traffic signals to control major streets until the power was restored.
Continual Measures to Increase Durability and Quality Assurance
Some states have established standards for solar installations. Florida cities have requirements that they can withstand winds up to 160 mph. Florida requires solar panels that can withstand winds of 110 mph.
The Red Solar Initiative is managed by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. It aims to lower the cost of solar power for everyone in the US. The Office supports efforts to increase the durability of solar panels. Red Solar finances the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) participation in the International PV Quality Assurance Taskforce (PVQAT), which aims to establish design standards.
You can see that even though there are no standards, many solar vendors work hard to create panel systems that can withstand higher winds and other damages than those in Florida and Florida. PVQAT is a group that develops solar energy technology standards. It also establishes a rating system of photovoltaic (solar panels) modules based upon the climate, application, quality assurance guidelines, and PV system certification.
Don’t let hurricane-force winds stop you from utilizing reliable, sustainable solar energy. The panels have survived not only factory testing, but also the most severe storms that the US has ever seen over the past five year. Solar panels in a hurricane that have survived in their functional order are nothing to be concerned about.
Contact Red Solar
Red Solar has the mindset of renewable energy being the future. We want everyone to travel through this transition. During the Red Solar energy evaluation, we analyze all energy commons in your home for results. Our experts will guide you through the process for better understanding and reassurance. Contact us via phone, email or book your free solar analysis, roofing quote, and a windows and doors quote by clicking here!