What to Expect from Solar Panels During a Hurricane?
A direct hit from Hurricane Michael (2018). All solar panels remain intact.
Solar energy is growing popular in Florida because of its amazing benefits. However, many homeowners fear about their solar panels during hurricanes.
Will they keep working? How much electricity can they produce in a storm? Can solar panels get damaged? This guide answers these questions and more, but it’s important to note that solar panels are required by the federal government to withstand category 5 hurricanes (hence the image above).
We will explore how solar panels perform in bad weather. You will learn about their electricity generation during storms and how to keep power flowing smoothly. We will also examine strategies to prevent damage to your panels.
How Efficient Are Solar Panels During Hurricanes?
Solar panels continue to perform during storms, although their efficiency may be reduced. This section will explain the reduced efficiency during storms and set realistic short-term and long-term goals. Despite the short decline in power, the benefits of solar energy remain substantial and winning.
Reduced Efficiency
Rain and clouds can impair solar panel efficiency by up to 50%.
This happens because less sunlight penetrates the panels during severe weather. However, even at reduced capacity, solar panels during hurricanes can still provide some power. This means your home can continue to profit from solar energy, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
Additionally, effective planning can mitigate this decline. Using battery storage devices allows you to store excess energy produced on sunny days. This stored energy can be used during storms, assuring a steady power supply.
How to Maintain Solar Power Supply During Storms and Rain?
During a storm, you should expect lower power from your solar panels. However, the power generated, though less, might still help in lowering your dependence on the grid.
Once the storm passes and the skies clear, solar panels will recover to full performance. But during the severe weather, you can still have an uninterrupted and smooth flow of power through these techniques:
1. Battery Storage Systems
Storing solar energy in batteries can offer power during cloudy or rainy days. When the sun is shining, solar panels create more electricity than needed.
This surplus energy gets stored in batteries. During stormy or foggy days, these batteries supply power, maintaining a steady energy flow. This system keeps your home powered even when solar panels are not producing at full capacity.
They can power important appliances and lights, providing peace of mind during harsh weather conditions.
2. Net Metering (this applies to all Central Florida area solar systems)
On sunny days, net metering lets you feed additional produced energy back to the grid. This operation not only lowers your electricity bills but also guarantees a continuous supply of electricity during bad storms or dark days.
Net metering is the reason why Central Florida homeowners don’t need to worry about interrupted power supply due to hurricanes and stormy weather.
The extra energy produced by your solar panels returns to the grid when it exceeds the demand in your house. You obtain credits in return. These credits let you use low solar production to obtain power from the grid.
This technique guarantees you have electricity when most needed, lowers reliance on conventional power sources, and helps to preserve a balanced energy supply.
3. Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems integrate solar panels with traditional power sources to ensure uninterrupted power.
These systems can effortlessly switch between solar electricity, battery storage, and the grid. This adaptability provides a steady power source even during extended times of low sunlight. For instance, during a prolonged storm, the system can draw from the grid or store energy in batteries. This ensures that your home is powered without interruption.
Hybrid systems offer the best of both worlds, leveraging the benefits of solar energy while assuring stability and durability.
How Do Solar Panels Perform in Rain?
Solar panels may still generate electricity during wet weather, although at lower efficiency. Rain and clouds decrease the quantity of sunshine reaching the panels. However, current solar panels are engineered to perform efficiently, even in these situations.
Rainy Season Performance
They can create enough energy to run important equipment. Moreover, rain helps clean the panels, removing dust and debris that might limit performance.
When the sun returns, these cleaner panels can capture more sunlight, boosting their performance. This self-cleaning component of rain is an added benefit that ensures the long-term efficiency and efficacy of your solar energy system.
How to Prevent Solar Panel Damage from Storms and Heavy Rain?
Schedule regular maintenance and check them monthly to ensure your solar panels are in good condition. Look for evidence of wear and strain, such as cracks or loose connections. Addressing these concerns before a storm can prevent more damage.
Most solar companies also offer warranties that cover damage, check to see if this applies to you.
Preparation and Maintenance
Preparing your solar panels for inclement weather is vital. Start by fastening any loose panels to prevent them from being moved by heavy winds.
Regularly clear trash such as leaves and branches from surrounding your solar panels. This can help prevent potential damage during storms.
Durability and Design
Choosing high-quality, robust solar panels is crucial for withstanding adverse weather conditions. Panels engineered for endurance can prevent damage from high winds and heavy rain.
Look for panels that have been tested for impact resistance and have high wind ratings. Also, utilize hail shields to safeguard against damage from hailstones. Wind-resistant mounting solutions keep your panels secure, even in the hardest gusts.
As previously discussed, solar panels are mandated to be able to withstand category 5 hurricane winds so you shouldn’t need to worry too much in regards to the above.
Sum Up
Installing solar panels in Florida offers various benefits. Florida's bright climate makes solar panels highly efficient. Homeowners can enjoy huge savings on electricity bills. They can also benefit from higher property values and enticing incentives.
Considering these advantages, solar energy is a wise investment for Florida residents. Proper prep and maintenance can safeguard your solar panels from storm damage. Durable designs and federal protective measures also boost their resilience and guarantee their safe.