How Do Solar Panels Stand Up to Hurricanes

How Do Solar Panels Stand Up to Hurricanes?


Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have predicted that this year’s hurricane season is to bring above average activity. This makes for the seventh consecutive year with higher than normal hurricane development during the Atlantic hurricane season. And with hurricanes being such an unpredictable force of nature, it makes total sense to want to do everything possible to prepare yourself, and your home, for an extreme weather event.

Solar panels are becoming extremely popular along coastal regions, as they are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and a great way to utilize the abundance of sunshine in the area. If you’re considering going solar, or have already made the switch, you may be wondering how well solar panels stand up to hurricanes. From wind ratings to storing power, this article reveals the answer to the question, “How Do Solar Panels Stand Up to Hurricanes?”

Table of Contents

– How Do Solar Panels Stand Up to Hurricanes?

  – Wind Rating

  – Water Resistance

  – Debris and Impact

– Will I Lose Power?

– Preparing your Solar Panels to Stand Up to Hurricanes

How Do Solar Panels Stand Up to Hurricanes?

Solar panels are one of the most reliable and resilient sources of energy on the market today. This is ideal for coastal regions who frequently experience unpredictable weather conditions, and are subject to the risk of hurricane damage. In fact, certain places in Florida and Texas that are most prone to hurricanes require solar installations to withstand its devastating effects.

When it comes to the durability and effectiveness of solar panels during severe weather, however, there are quite a few factors to consider. So, how do solar panels stand up to hurricanes? Let’s discuss how they measure up when it comes to strong winds, water resistance, debris and impact, as well as what to expect when there’s a power outage.

Wind Rating

Strong winds during hurricane season in Florida

How do solar panels stand up to hurricanes? The great news here is that regardless of the brand, shape or style of solar panel, they are engineered to withstand high winds to a certain degree. In general, most solar panels can withstand winds of around 140mph-160mph. This means that solar panels are able to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, having sustained winds ranging from 130-156mph.

The way they are installed plays a huge role, as well. This is why choosing a reputable installation company, like Elite Exteriors, is so important. A proven way to install solar panels to combat high wind speeds include mounting panels in place using heavy bolts that are then screwed directly into roof beams. This massively reduces the risk of panels tearing parts of your roof off your home.

The only stipulation here is the health of your roof. If your roof is old, it would be wise to have it replaced before adding solar panels. A weakened, older roof may not be strong enough to handle the hefty mounting techniques required to stabilize a solar panel for extremely high winds. Plus, if you replace your roof as part of your install, you can include the cost in your federal tax credit!

Water Resistance

Waterproof solar panels

Another great thing about solar panels is that they’re waterproof! They are built to withstand many thunderstorms over their lifetime. In fact, heavy rains can actually be a benefit to solar panels, as they give your panels a good cleaning. Over time, dirt, grime, pollen, and dust, among other things, can collect on your solar panels. Without rain, your solar panels would be less effective, and require a good cleaning. Heavy rain actually allows them to operate at maximum efficiency!

Not only that, your solar panels are still working even when it’s raining! Solar panels convert both direct and indirect sunlight into energy. Even though they are more effective when the sun is shining, they can still produce anywhere from 10% to 25% of their maximum capacity on cloudy and rainy days. So, how do solar panels stand up to hurricanes and the strong rains that come with them? Splendidly!

Debris and Impact

Debris caused from hurricane damage in Florida

While it’s always best to expect the unexpected, the unfortunate thing about hurricanes is how truly unpredictable they can be. Of course we can account for wind speed and trajectory, but there is no telling what those heavy winds can pick up and turn into a projectile. Winds flying at 160mph are much different than a tree limb flying at that same speed, which could potentially cause some serious damage.

With that being said, most solar panel manufacturers will intensively test their products to certify that they can withstand hail up to one inch in diameter falling at 50 miles an hour. So, even though there is a chance debris can damage your solar panels during a hurricane, they are built to withstand extremely heavy impact, giving your panels, and your rooftop, a serious fighting chance.

Will I Lose Power?

Power outages are common during strong storms and hurricanes

When it comes to uncovering how solar panels stand up to hurricanes, it’s important to think about their ability to generate energy, even when there’s no power or electricity. Most people believe that when the sun is shining, if they have solar panels then they will have power, even during a power outage. This isn’t necessarily always the case.

If your solar panels are off the grid, they should work during a power outage. Most panels, however, are on the grid. In most cases this is beneficial, and you may recall from our recent blog, “Are Solar Panels Really Worth It? [Pros and Cons of Going Solar in 2023],” when we discussed net metering. This is the process where solar panels send excess energy that’s produced to the grid in return for bill credits, and if you need more electricity than your solar panels are able to create, then your energy will come from the grid.

However, in the event of a power outage, your solar array will more than likely disconnect in order to protect those working on electrical lines. But there is something you can do! A solar battery system ties directly into your solar energy system, storing the excess energy your panels produce. This is ideal for homeowners during a power outage, as you can still keep your key components running like your refrigerator, security system, computer, etc. This is a great alternative to the noisy generator, as well.

And here’s some food for thought! After Hurricane Ian stormed through Florida’s Gulf Coast, over 2.6 million people were left without power. Most of the Naples/Fort Meyers area was left in the dark, except for the city of Babcock Ranch, as this community is 100% powered by solar. According to this article by PV Magazine, because of their utilization of solar panels and sustainable energy, they had water, electricity and internet throughout the duration of this devastating storm.

Preparing your Solar Panels to Stand Up to Hurricanes

A home with solar panels preparing for a storm

How do solar panels stand up to hurricanes? We at Elite Exteriors believe that solar panels are durable, long-lasting, resilient, and able to withstand strong weather conditions such as hail and heavy winds and rain. With that being said, when it comes to solar panels and hurricanes, a little preparation goes a long way, and increases your chances of successfully riding out the storm. Here are a few things to do before severe weather strikes:

  • Have a plan: Just because your solar panels can withstand the storm, doesn’t mean you should stay at home. It’s important to adhere to any evacuation mandates, and have a plan in case it becomes necessary to leave.
  • Check your battery back up system: If you want to keep the lights on if the grid goes down, you’ll want to have a battery backup system installed.
  • Check your warranty: Go over your solar panel warranty and see if it covers damage caused by hurricanes. You may want to insure anything that’s not covered before the beginning of hurricane season.
  • Review your insurance policy: Speak with your insurance provider and ask about the limits of coverage for wind and storm damage, and make sure it covers the costs of replacing your panels and other components.
  • Take photos: Be sure to take photos of your solar panels before and after the storm. This is a great way to capture the condition of your panels in case damage does occur, and may also expedite the insurance claims process!
  • Clean your space: This is a wonderful way to set yourself up for success when it comes to any storm. Clear away anything from your yard or home that could potentially become a projectile in the case of strong winds (i.e. tree limbs, furniture, yard tools, etc.)

So, how do solar panels stand up to hurricanes? We believe that solar panels stand up extremely well during storms and hurricanes, and are a great investment for any home or business. Solar panels are some of the strongest, most durable, resilient and severe weather resistant technologies out there. And there are ways to ensure your solar panel success with a little planning and preparation.

Installing a home solar energy system is a great way to be sure that you won’t be left in the dark, and that your solar panels can still produce power on their own, even during severe weather and outages. And just like any home improvement project, you get out of it what you put into it. Investing in quality from the start is a great way to rest assured that you get the best out of your solar panels when you need them the most.

Aside from choosing quality solar panels and materials, it’s extremely important to hire an experienced, vetted and knowledgeable installation company to help you through this process. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for all of your solar panel and roofing needs. Give us a call at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or click here to connect and start your solar panel saga, today!

AI Chatbot Avatar

Visualizing what your home will look like with these new additions is a great way to be sure about your choices, and fall in love with your new roof!

Personal. Easy. No Risks.

Schedule NO-COST initial consultation and Get a 100% discount for a 3D model of your home!

Schedule your NO-COST initial consultation, and receive a FREE HOVER 3D model of your house!

HOVER allows you to see what different roofing styles, colors, textures and materials will look like on your home.

Benefits of using our state-of-the-art HOVER feature:

  • See your roofing inspiration come to life;
  • “Try on” your new roof before making such an important purchase;
  • Peace of mind and confidence in customer selection;
  • Opens up more options with a variety of roofing styles and colors;
  • See what your home would look like with solar panels;
  • And MORE!

Schedule NO-COST initial consultation and Get a 100% discount for a 3D model of your home!

Visualizing what your home will look like with these new additions is a great way to be sure about your choices, and fall in love with your new roof!

Personal. Easy. No Risks.

Free Buyer’s Guide: The Process of Purchasing a Roof

This guide has everything you need to know including how to choose the right roofing materials, hire the best contractor, how much a new roof will cost, and more!