Solar Panels vs Hurricanes

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, such as SWFL,  you might be wondering if solar panels are an ideal investment even though we face the potential to have hurricane-force winds and other natural disasters. With hurricanes generating wind speeds in excess of 140-150 miles per hour (Hurricane Ian’s top recorded speed), toppling trees, tossing cars, and sending debris flying at dangerous speeds, it’s natural to worry about the potential damage to your solar investment.

While these concerns are certainly valid and should absolutely be considered, the good news is that Solar panels and the mounting hardware are designed to withstand hurricane level winds. In hurricane-prone areas, solar installers take extra precautions to ensure the safety and durability of your PV Solar system. This includes, using the highest rated and most reliable mounting hardware brands (IronRidge, and S-5!) as well as the use of Pliobond to reinforce mounting hardware and eliminate the worry regarding to leaks.

The Engineering Plans are an important aspect of any solar installation, and should be something you as a homeowner should want to see prior to permitting and installation. Most notably, you want to look out for the “Module Mechanical Specifications” informing of the “Design Wind Speed.” 170mph wind ratings is what you should be looking for.

Solar Panel Durability

Solar panels are engineered to survive hurricanes and other severe weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle the force of a hurricane. Solar panel casings are also designed to be extremely waterproof, even under intense rain and wind conditions.

When installed on your roof, solar panels are secured with long, strong lag bolts that attach the racking directly to your rafters (Shingle/Tile Roof), ensuring a robust connection between your roof and the solar power system. On Metal roofs we use clamps that are designed to withstand the same wind rating. The benefit of this is that there are no roof penetrations for the mounting hardware.

Real World Example:

Hurricane Ian has been said to be one of the worst Hurricanes SWFL has ever encountered, leaving devastation in it’s path. Despite the harsh conditions and duration of the storm, Babcock Ranch in eastern Florida, known as “America’s first solar-powered town,” powered by over 700,000 solar panels, suffered no loss of power and minimal damage despite the storm uprooting trees and tearing shingles from roofs.

Babcock Ranch Solar Field

Conclusion

Solar panels are a robust and reliable source of energy, capable of withstanding even the most severe weather conditions, including hurricanes. It’s also fair to say that PV Solar with Battery Backup Storage can immensely benefit a home in the face of a severe storm and outage, bringing a sense of security and comfort in times of worry. By taking proper precautions and working with experienced solar installers, you can ensure that your solar power system remains safe and functional during extreme weather events. 

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