Installing solar panels on rooftops is not cheap. Therefore, during stormy weather, many homeowners worry.
According to Ben Delman, a representative of Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit organization based in the United States, solar panels today are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Ben Delman states that most solar panels are certified to endure wind speeds of up to 225 km/h. This wind speed corresponds to a Category 4 hurricane or an EF-3 tornado. In some hurricane-prone areas like Florida, there are building codes that require structures to withstand winds of up to 257 km/h.
The durability of rooftop solar panels depends on the installation factors. Construction teams typically screw metal brackets into the roof and secure the panels with clamps to hold them tightly during high winds.
The durability of rooftop solar panels depends on the installation factors. (Photo: WP).
In 2022, after a storm, analyses showed that brackets, clamps, and bolts often failed due to poor installation. Experts suggest that the key solution is careful installation and more thorough inspections of these components.
Delman notes that solar panels can withstand most storms and are usually only damaged under catastrophic conditions. “Any storm that damages solar panels also has the potential to tear the roof off your house,” he said.
Most solar panels are protected by a layer of tempered glass, which is strong enough to resist light hail. However, larger hailstones can damage internal components or crack the glass, allowing dust and moisture to seep in, resulting in lower electricity production.
To test the hail resistance of solar panels, manufacturers have conducted experiments by dropping steel balls onto them and firing iron balls at high speed against the panel surface.
Panels that remain stable after a rainstorm are certified to withstand hailstones up to 7.6 cm in size. To prevent hail damage, homeowners can purchase protective covers for their solar panels before a storm.
Delman adds that the positive aspect is that these robust solar panels can protect roofs from hail damage.
To mitigate damage from storms, many design solutions have been proposed during the installation of rooftop solar panels. However, experts warn that climate change in the future may impact solar panels.
