Can Solar Panels Withstand a Hurricane?

15 lightyears is a Central Florida solar company.  Because of this we are always asked by our clients (current and future) if solar panels can withstand extreme weather like a hurricane? The answer is YES! 

We want to make sure the solar panels being installed on your roof can withstand heavy rainstorms, high winds and hail.  To do this, we have a group of solar nerds at  15 lightyears who are constantly staying informed and up-to-date with the latest technology ensuring our clients get the best out there.

Solar Panels and Hail

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory analyzed 50,000 solar systems installed between 2009 and 2012 and found that the probability of damage from hail was below 0.05%. This is because high quality solar panel manufacturers test their products to ensure that they are capable of withstanding extreme weather cases like hail storms and hurricanes. Simply put; solar panels are well-equipped to combat impacts from the largest hailstones. 

Solar Panels and Hurricanes

If you have been in Florida all your life you are most likely familiar with hurricanes and the damage they can cause.  It may even seem there is no way solar panels could withstand the damage from a hurricane but fortunately solar panels are typically tested to ensure they can and will withstand a hurricane. Most solar panels are made to survive winds up to 2,400 pascals (nerd term) which equals 140 miles per hour. To give you some perspective, a major 4 hurricane’s typical wind speed is 130 miles per hour, hopefully making your solar panels the least of your worries during a large storm. 

Why 15 lightyears Solar?

There are a lot of factors when choosing a solar installer and we have listed 7 things to research if you’re interested. At 15 lightyears, our manufacturers test their solar panels up to the highest standards. We stand by our manufacturers and our product warranties and are sure that you will be 100% satisfied with your solar panels!