Hurricanes can create winds exceeding 160 miles per hour, causing widespread destruction, uprooting trees, tossing vehicles, and propelling debris at dangerous speeds. With all this potential damage, it’s natural to wonder how well your solar panels will handle a hurricane.
You’ll be relieved to learn that solar panels fare surprisingly well during hurricanes. They are intentionally designed to withstand harsh weather, including the powerful winds of a category-four hurricane. Additionally, if you live in a hurricane-prone area like Florida or Texas, expert solar installers take extra steps to ensure your solar panels can withstand even the harshest winds and other risky conditions. Read on to learn how much your solar panels can withstand during severe weather events.
How To Prepare Solar Panels for Hurricanes
When facing a hurricane, the most pressing concern is the potential damage from debris hitting your solar panels. However, there are practical steps you can take to protect your solar panels before the hurricane arrives:
Review your home insurance coverage
Most homeowners’ insurance policies consider solar panels a structural component of the home. However, reviewing and possibly adjusting your coverage limits to reflect the increased value they bring to your property is advised.
Take photos of your panels before the storm
To be well prepared, take photos of your solar system before the storm like you would with any other valuable item. These pictures can serve as a handy inventory for your insurance company if your solar system happens to be damaged.
Remove any loose objects in your yard
While solar panels can handle winds of up to 180 miles per hour, they’re not immune to damage. Unfortunately, falling debris can damage solar panels, which can be more prevalent during a hurricane.
Hurricane winds can send yard furniture flying, potentially hitting your solar panels. Before the storm arrives, collect and store all outdoor items inside your garage or basement.
Make warranty & insurance claims right away
Make sure you’re familiar with the warranty details for your solar panels so that you can easily reach out to the company for repairs/replacements if needed.
If your solar panels get damaged during a hurricane (or any other situation), start by filing an insurance claim promptly to begin the repair process. Never attempt to approach or fix them yourself because the high voltages they carry can be extremely dangerous. While many systems have an automatic shutoff for damage or voltage spikes, it’s best to contact your utility company immediately.
In the unlikely event of damage, your solar panels can usually be repaired or replaced quickly.
Invest in Quality Solar Panels at Solar Optimum
Power outages can last for days, especially if caused by a natural disaster such as a wildfire or hurricane. That is why you need a quality solar panel system to withstand natural disasters.
Are you ready to install solar panels and enjoy the benefits of solar energy? Talk to Solar Optimum. We have helped thousands of families make the switch to high-quality solar and gain energy independence. Contact us today for a free quote!
