Can Solar Panels Survive a Hurricane?
Are Solar Panels Hurricane Proof?
Solar panels are a clean and affordable source of electricity and a great way to reduce your electricity bills and increase your home’s value, all while helping the environment. However, if you live in Florida and you’re considering installing solar panels, you might be asking yourself, are solar panels hurricane proof?
Florida experiences more hurricanes than any other state. That’s not news to a Floridian, however, will your solar panels survive a hurricane? Here’s how I am going to answer that question:
Yes! The solar panels we use and install at Expert Solar are hurricane proof. Our solar panels are designed and tested to withstand a category 4 hurricane, which means winds up to 160 MPH. Knowing that Florida is prone to hurricanes and as one of Tampa Bay’s most trusted solar installers, we apply superb craftsmanship when installing solar panel rigs and the panels themselves to ensure they can withstand all kinds of weather, from strong winds and heavy thunderstorms and even hurricanes.
With that said, we can’t speak for every solar installer. Generally speaking, solar panels are built to last and withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including high winds. The capacity of a solar panel to resist a hurricane, on the other hand, is dependent on various elements, including the severity of the storm, the orientation and mounting of the panels, and the quality of the installation.
Solar panels are often tested and approved to withstand wind speeds of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kilometers per hour), the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane. However, if a hurricane is more powerful than this, the panels may be damaged. Furthermore, if the panels are not firmly fastened, they may be more vulnerable to damage during a storm.
Solar panels must be installed by a competent professional who understands the specific needs for your location and can correctly secure the panels to your roof or other mounting structure to withstand a hurricane. It is also prudent to select high-quality solar panels that have been tested and approved to endure a variety of weather conditions.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
While we’re on the subject of “Are solar panels hurricane proof?“, I thought it would be good to also answer how long they last.
While the solar panels we use at Expert Solar have a 30-year warranty, I will answer the question in a more general sense to cover all kinds of panels.
The longevity of a solar panel is determined by a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used in its production, the design and manufacturing process, and the operating circumstances. However, most solar panels are built to survive for at least 25 to 30 years.
The actual lifespan of a solar panel can vary based on a number of factors, including the climate and weather conditions where the panel is installed, the quantity of direct sunshine it receives, and the level of maintenance and upkeep it receives over time. Some panels may survive even more than 30 years if well-maintained and operated under ideal conditions.
While a solar panel may continue to produce electricity beyond its intended lifespan, its efficiency may decrease over time, resulting in less energy produced than when it was first installed. This can be due to causes such as panel component wear and tear, solar cell degradation, or other concerns that can occur over time.
To get the most out of your solar panels, get them installed by a skilled professional and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and cleaning practices. Regular inspections and maintenance can also assist to identify and address any faults that may be compromising the functioning of the panels before they become more problematic.
If you have more questions about solar panels or would like to know how much it would cost to install them on your home, we have expert solar consultants who are standing by to help answer all your questions and who can provide free estimates and solar designs to see if solar is right for your home. Click here to schedule a call with one of our solar experts today!
Article by
Ricardo Del Sol
Editor, Expert Solar
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