The thought of installing solar panels might come with some hesitation, especially for homeowners in Florida, Texas, and other hurricane-prone states. And let’s be honest, no one wants to spend thousands on a solar system just to see it ripped apart by a storm!
But do solar panels really stand no chance, or are we underestimating just how resilient they are in such extreme conditions?
In this article, we look further into how solar panels fare against hurricanes and what you can do to protect your system before and after the storm.
Can Solar Panels Withstand Hurricanes?
Yes, solar panels can withstand hurricanes. In fact, recent hurricanes have passed through solar-equipped areas where the panels held their ground and remained fully functional after the storm. Here are a few examples:
- Hurricane Ian (2022): Florida’s Babcock Ranch, known as “America’s first solar-powered town,” endured this Category 4 hurricane. Homes remained powered, and daily life continued with only minor landscaping damage.
- Hurricane Florence (2018): North Carolina’s solar farms remained largely intact despite the Category 1 storm. Duke Energy, the state’s largest utility, found only 12 damaged panels out of an entire 60-megawatt solar farm in Monroe – that’s less than 1% of the total.
- Hurricane Maria (2017): A 645 kW rooftop solar array on the VA Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, survived completely intact, even while being 100 feet high and exposed to sustained 180 mph winds.
You can scour the internet and find plenty more examples to add to the list. The bottom line is your solar panels can survive extreme conditions. So, instead of losing sleep over the possibility of them getting wrecked in a storm, rest assured that your investment is designed to hold up.
But what exactly makes solar panels hurricane-resistant? Here are three key factors.
Solar Panel Design
Solar panels may look like they’re made out of fragile glass sheets that shatter at the first gust of wind, but they’re far from that…
Most panels use tempered glass, which is about four times stronger than regular glass. The back sheet and frame, typically made of aluminum and high-durability polymer, make their composition a lot more durable.
But beyond material makeup, solar panels go through rigorous testing before reaching the market. Most are certified to handle wind speeds of up to 140 mph (equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane), although some are even rated up to 175 mph (Category 5).
Building Codes
Another layer of protection comes from strict building codes. Florida’s building code, for example, references the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-16, particularly the wind load standards, which should be applied to solar installations.
On top of that, each county also has its own wind maps, with some areas requiring solar installations to be able to withstand 195 mph winds, while others having much lower thresholds.
Professional Solar Installation
Strong solar panels and strict building codes can only go so far without proper installation.
It may seem like professional solar installers simply climb up the ladder, mount the panels, and call it a day, but there’s more that goes into the work they do. They follow local building codes to the letter, making sure to select the right mounting systems and anchoring techniques.
And speaking of anchoring, they also inspect your roof to confirm it can carry the weight of your solar panels, and more importantly, resist high wind uplift.
One more thing to keep in mind. Just because your solar panels can handle hurricanes doesn’t mean they’ll keep running during one.
Most grid-tied systems automatically shut down in extreme weather for safety reasons. But once the storm passes, as long as your panels remain undamaged, they should still be able to generate power.
Can Hurricanes Damage Solar Panels?
Solar panels are highly resistant to hurricanes – but they’re not hurricane-proof. And as much as we advocate for solar, the reality is that hurricanes can damage your solar panels.
Let’s start with the most obvious culprit – wind load. The stronger the wind, the higher the risk of your panels getting completely uprooted from your roof or ground mount.
With intense winds also come heavy branches, sheet metal, tiles, and other objects flying through the air. Yes, solar panels are rated to withstand hail and moderate impacts, but they’re simply no match for, say, a metal signpost ripped loose in a Category 4 hurricane.
A direct hit could crack or puncture a panel, though sometimes, the damage is less visible. Microcracks can form inside the panel, leading to performance issues and faster degradation over time.
Arguably, the biggest factor of all is your roof itself. A weak roof can take your entire solar system down with it. And this is why, once again, roof inspections are a critical part of the solar permitting process.
Now, while hurricanes pose risks, there are ways to minimize the damage – and we’ll get into those in a minute.
Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Solar Panel Damage From Hurricanes?
In most cases, yes, homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related solar panel damage. However, be sure to verify your coverage as soon as your system is installed.
Coverage terms can differ for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels. Check if your panels are already included in your standard policy, if you need to increase your premium, or if separate coverage is required.
Apart from that, ask what documentation is needed for a claim. Insurers typically require clear photos of damaged panels, inverters, and other system components. Take multiple shots from different angles to show the full extent of the damage.
If you have a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), your solar provider likely holds the insurance responsibility. That means you’re off the hook, although we recommend checking with your solar company so you know exactly what to expect.
And a side note just in case you’re wondering: Solar warranties won’t apply for hurricane-related damage as these only cover product defects.
Ways to Protect Your Solar Panels Before a Storm
If a hurricane is on its way, here’s how to prepare your solar system:
- Clear your yard of any items that could become projectiles in high winds, such as garden tools, patio furniture, and decorations.
- Take photos and videos of your solar panels in preparation for potential insurance claims.
- Do not cover your solar panels. You may think this adds protection, but it could end up causing damage instead. Your panels are already rated to withstand strong winds, and if the worst happens, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover it anyway.
- Check mounting brackets and wiring. Make sure they’re secure, and inspect for any loose connections. That said, if your system was installed by a certified solar installer, you shouldn’t even have to worry about this.
If you’re moving to another state, it may be worth checking this wind map from the Federal Energy Management Agency. It highlights high-risk hurricane areas, so you know what to expect before installing solar.
Dealing With Your Solar System After the Storm
More likely than not, your first instinct might be to rush to the roof and check for damage – but safety should always come first. Instead, follow these steps:
- Look for visible damage from the ground.
- Take new photos for insurance documentation.
- Check for loose panels or exposed wiring – but do not touch them.
- Call a solar professional before attempting any repairs or reactivating the system.
Final Thoughts on Hurricanes and Solar Panels
Solar panels are built to handle hurricanes, but in extreme storms, damage can still happen – that’s just the reality of nature. While you can’t control the wind, you can certainly control how well your solar system is installed – and that goes a long way in keeping your panels in place.
At Quote for Solar, we connect you with reputable, certified solar panel installers who know local laws, building codes, and your area’s climate by heart. They take all of that into account to keep your solar panels secure during storms and performing well long after.
Request a quote today, and we’ll provide you with three competitive solar estimates from our network of pre-screened solar professionals, so you can compare and choose with confidence!
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