05 Aug Solar Panels and Extreme Weather
By being placed on top of your roof or elsewhere on your property, solar panels are constantly exposed to nature and extreme weather events. Understandably, this may have you asking questions about how they can function during storms and windy conditions. If you live in an area that is frequently visited by high winds, snow, and other harsh weather events, Vision Solar is here to help you understand how these conditions can affect your solar panel system’s ability to function properly.
How do solar panels hold up in windy weather?
On windy days, it’s natural to be concerned about how well the solar panels can stay attached to their mounting. Since solar panels are flat and short, wind generally blows over their smooth surface without much hindrance. Most often, wind only causes damage if it gets caught underneath the panels, specifically where the panels are mounted to the roof. The gap should be very narrow, however, so the chance of capturing enough wind in that small space is very low.
Do solar panels make noise when it’s windy?
Another concern you may hold about your solar panels is the potential for noise during windy conditions. To guard against this, solar panels are mounted on the bottom to multiple racks. This means that the panels are fixed in place, eliminating the ability to pivot and repeatedly bang against the roof. You should be able to sleep easily without having to worry about noise on windy nights.
How well do solar panels perform in the snow?
Solar panels are built from durable materials that protect it from moisture, so having snow on top of them should not be a problem. However, you may wonder if snowy days can affect their ability to capture energy from the sun. If snow is piled up on your panels, they will not be able to operate as efficiently, and it’s wise to clean them properly to restore full functionality.
However, when the snow slides off, the conditions of a winter day surprisingly boost the efficiency of solar panels. Solar panel systems generally operate better in cold temperatures. The white snow surrounding the panels also reflect sunlight very well, making it easier for it to be collected and converted to energy. So don’t be too worried when winter hits – you may actually see an uptick in performance.
Will hail affect my solar panels?
Another weather nuisance that can cause damage to your solar panel system is hail. Again, the durable materials that the panels are made from should be enough to withstand a hail storm. Solar panel manufacturers specifically test their products against hail before they hit the market. Typically, panels can take the impact of one-inch pieces of hail traveling at around 50 miles per hour. This amount of force is easily enough to break windows and dent cars, but your solar panels should remain safe.
Stand Up to Weather
Different kinds of weather affect people in different parts of the country, so it’s helpful to have solar panels that can stand up to almost anything. Solar panels are tested to still perform well in wind, snow, hail, and more, giving you peace of mind that harsh weather will not affect your effort to be more environmentally conscious. To learn more about the durability of solar panels in wind and other conditions, contact Vision Solar.