Living in Florida, every feature of your home needs to be prepared for the next hurricane. Florida is known for both its beautiful sunny days and powerful tropical storms. Your roof and windows should be able to withstand the next big storm. This naturally also includes your solar panels, which will be up on your roof in those high-speed winds.
How can you get your solar panels hurricane-ready? There are three methods to improve hurricane readiness, and you should implement all three for the best protection. Remember, secure solar panels can provide power even before the grid power comes back online if they survive the storm.
Understanding Hurricane Risks to Solar Panels
Solar panels face a certain amount of risk in each hurricane. There is a potential for damage from high-speed winds, flying debris, and even water infiltration. You will need to protect both your panels and the outdoor electrical components, as well. Fortunately, there are three ways to ensure your solar panels are safe from the yearly hurricanes that blow across the state.
Method 1: Proper Installation and Mounting
First and foremost, make sure your solar panels are mounted securely and properly installed. Professional installation is vital, and Florida licensed solar panel installers will know the steps necessary to create hurricane-proof mounting systems for your panels.
- Invest in hurricane-rated rack systems that hold your panels fast to the roof and to the rack itself. Explore the types of hurricane-resistant mounts available and their wind-tunnel-tested ratings.
- Have your roof integrity confirmed. A sturdy roof structure with proper water flow management is essential as the foundation of your hurricane-ready solar installation.
- Ensure your panels are properly spaced and arranged on the riack. Consider how to best channel wind flow with uplift reduction techniques to keep your panels safe.
- Don’t just meet the Florida Building Code requirements. Look for ways to exceed the minimum standards in security and safety.
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of both the solar panels and the mounting system.
Method 2: Selecting Hurricane-Resistant Solar Panels
In addition to secure installation, you can increase your solar’s hurricane-readiness by choosing panels designed to weather intense storms.
- Impact-resistant panels can come with tempered glass covers and added frame durability to keep them safe from flying debris, hail, and roof shingles.
- Look for panels with a high wind resistance rating. 140 mph is a good rating for hurricane speed winds.
- Check for water-resistant features to resist driving rain. Water-tight connectors and sealed junction boxes are a must.
- Explore the potential of flexible vs rigid panels for hurricane prone areas and which is best for your roof and mounting system design.
- You can often investigate performance in high-wind conditions from the results of wind tunnel testing.
- A good warranty can go a long way. Look for warranties that include hurricane coverage.
- Estimate the cost-benefit analysis of upgrading to hurricane-resistant panels vs a more vulnerable system.
Method 3: Implementing a Comprehensive Storm Preparedness Plan
Last but not least, always make sure to have a comprehensive hurricane plan. This is true for your entire house including the safety of your family. When you install solar panels, add panel safety to your pre-storm checklist.
- First, develop a pre-storm checklist including system shutdown procedures, debris clearance, window protection, and solar panel system monitoring.
- Monitor your systems from a remote connection and install and use an emergency disconnect system, just in case.
- Update your insurance to cover the solar panels and keep a copy of your insurance documents in your emergency supplies.
- Install backup power solutions by integrating battery storage, generator compatibility, or both.
- Always perform a post-storm inspection and implement your power restart procedures.
- Lastly, be prepared to coordinate with local utilities for grid reconnection, if necessary.
Getting Your Solar Ready for Hurricane Season
Solar panels can serve you well when the power is out after a storm. But first, they have to make it through the storm. Floridians should always prioritize durability to weather the legendary storms that blow through each year. Solar Optimum can help—contact us today to get a free quote on a solar panel system.
