Are you hesitant to invest in solar energy because of concerns about solar panels’ durability during extreme weather? We are here to tell you that you don’t have to worry as much as you think.
As solar panels are developed, they undergo a lot of testing. Over the last few years, we’ve collected data on their ability to withstand hurricanes.
Solar panels can be a practical and rugged system to generate electricity when the grid goes down.
Real-World Performance Testing
Hurricanes are primarily damaged by the strong winds that accompany them. The wind does not blow in one direction. As the eye of the storm passes, it will change direction.
Wind can damage your roof in different ways. The wind can cause damage in different ways.
Vendors make sure that systems are built to resist uplift forces. They attach panels to roof beams using large lag bolts. Solar panels are unlikely to tear your home’s roof due to wind or uplift forces if the roof is properly constructed and maintained.
Solar manufacturers test their panels to ensure they can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph, or the equivalent of Category 4 hurricanes, with wind speeds ranging from 130 to 156 miles per hour. Reports indicate that in real-world conditions, nearly all panels in the areas affected by Superstorm Sandy 2012, hurricane Michael 2016, and Hurricane Irma 2017 survived high winds. Other losses are due to roofs or structures being destroyed.
When the homeowner has an inverter, the power is restored to the house as soon as they plug in it. At least one municipality used solar-powered traffic signals to control major thoroughfares while the power was restored to the city.
Continuing measures to improve durability and quality assurance
Some states and local municipalities have set standards for solar installations. Florida’s majority of cities require them to withstand wind speeds at least as high as 160 mph. Houston, TX, demands that solar panels withstand winds of 110 mph.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is the driving force behind the SunShot Initiative. This initiative aims to lower the cost of solar power for everyone in the US. The Office supports efforts to improve the durability of solar panels. SunShot funds National Renewable Energy Laboratory to participate in International PV Quality Assurance (PVQAT), which develops design standards.
You can see that even without standards, solar vendors are still working to create panel systems with higher wind resistance and greater damage tolerance than Florida and Texas standards. The PVQAT is focused on developing solar technology standards, establishing a rating for photovoltaic modules (solar panels) based on climate and application, and guidelines on factory inspection, quality assurance, and PV system certification.
Durable Module Materials Consortium is a consortium of national research laboratories and universities that work to improve the materials and designs for solar energy systems. This group is a part of the Energy Materials Network (EMN), a Department of Energy initiative that aims to reduce the time-to-market for clean energy materials.
Don’t let hurricane-force winds stop you from using reliable, sustainable solar energy. Solar panels passed factory tests and survived some of the most severe storms the US has experienced in the last five years. Solar energy systems that have survived extreme weather conditions in good working order are a great option for your area.