Will Your Solar Panels Survive a Severe Storm?

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Panel Damage

Solar panels are becoming popular in Cressona, PA, for home water heating, pool heating and electricity. Their green energy helps the environment, but what happens when Mother Nature strikes back? Panel damage can take many forms, from many types of weather. Here are four of the most commonly beat-up areas:

1. Solar Cells

Individual cells and the glass protecting them may be susceptible to cracking, holes and broken connections within a panel. This type of destruction can be caused by strong hail or other impacts during a storm, such as falling tree limbs. Severe wind, heavy snow, or ice can also flex panels in damaging ways.

2. Wiring Connections

Photovoltaic panels that produce electricity are wired into your home's power system. Even if they’re inside a panel's casing, these connections can be broken or exposed by the same things that affect solar cells. Severe hail, falling tree limbs, and heavy wind, snow or ice can all cause panel damage.

3. Water Connections

If your panels are the kind that heat water for your home or swimming pool, a bad storm can damage the pipes that feed the panels. Leaking or broken lines will cause further water damage to the roof beyond what the storm is doing directly.

4. Structural Roof Damage

Your cells and panels are part of a large structure that's physically attached to your roof. Heavy wind gusts or sustained wind from a hurricane or tornado can cause this structure to pull on the roof supports with a lot of force, exposing the interior of your roof to the elements. As a result, water may damage the roof during this weather or in future storms.

While home solar panels are becoming more durable, they may not survive a severe storm in perfect condition. After a major weather event, you should have your system and roof inspected for panel damage and repaired by an experienced storm damage restoration service. Keep your panels in top shape and they'll continue to produce maximum energy for your home for many years.