Each year, Florida homeowners brace for the potential impacts of hurricane season. Last year, Hurricane Milton rocked several parts of Florida, leaving a trail of damaged homes and infrastructure in its wake.

While some homeowners may be looking towards solar power as an energy alternative, they might wonder if it's worth the investment, particularly when it comes to their ability to battle the Florida elements. 

So, can solar panels withstand the forces of a hurricane? Before we answer that question, let’s take a deeper look at their overall durability.

How Durable Are Solar Panels? 

Solar panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions – and for years to come. Solar panels are even tested to determine how well they hold up against extreme heat, cold, hail, rain and wind, which can be particularly brutal during a Hurricane. Even areas that aren’t directly in a hurricane’s path can still receive heavy damage, just from the strong winds alone. 

Can Solar Panels Withstand Strong Winds?

Luckily, most solar panels can withstand up to 140mph winds, which is within range of a Category 4 hurricane. Their ability to tolerate the high winds is due mostly to the durable mounting systems that solar panels are placed on. The mounting systems are also reinforced with critical fastener joints, making it harder for winds to dislodge fixed panels. 

What About Flying Debris and Floods?

Fortunately, solar panels are made with impact-resistant glass, which can withstand most damage from fast-moving debris. However, depending on the size and type of debris, damage can still occur. 

Solar panels are also designed with flooding in mind. Their electrical components are protected with a sheet of polymer film. Additionally, the aluminum frame that holds the panel is sealed with water-resistant adhesive, making it difficult for water to get in.

Even though solar panels are durable against water, they are not impervious to damage. If the film is damaged, electrical shortages may occur. While solar panels closer to the ground will fare less better, ones mounted on a roof should be safer.

What Does This Mean for Florida Homeowners?

Fortunately for Florida homeowners, solar panels aren’t just designed for harsh wind, they’re specifically designed with hurricanes in mind. Many local building codes in Florida require solar panels to be hurricane-resistant. If solar panels weren’t built to survive hurricane season, they would pose serious threats to residents’ safety, since a falling panel could harm or potentially kill someone from a great height.

It’s especially important that panels are designed to withstand uplift. Uplift occurs when solar panels are lifted by wind flowing under the mounting system. In Florida, additional anchors, heavy-duty racks and hurricane clips can be used to combat uplift, securing solar panels firmly in place.

With proper installation and maintenance, it’s unlikely that this will occur, which is great for Florida homeowners looking to go solar. Not only will homeowners be able to choose a more cost-effective and eco-friendly energy source, but they can do so with peace of mind. 

Benefits of Going Solar

Solar panels offer homeowners a way to save on utility bills by converting solar energy into electricity. Solar panels are not only a financially beneficial option, but they are an environmentally friendly alternative for sourcing electricity. They are also durable, lasting between 25 to 30 years.

In addition to long-term savings, local and federal incentives can help offset the cost of initial solar panel installation. Net metering is also offered in Florida. Credits are given to homeowners in exchange for extra solar energy. These credits are then applied to the homeowner’s account, saving further on utility bills.

Need Solar Panels Installed? Solar Trek Is Here To Help!

Are you a Florida homeowner looking to install solar panels? Our dedicated team of professionals at Solar Trek is ready to help. Based in Ocala, Solar Trek has been working with communities in Florida for over 40 years. 

We not only work on residential projects, but we also install solar panels for commercial properties and equine facilities. Give us a call at 352-351-1333 to learn more about our solar energy services. For more information about our other services, including residential and commercial solar pool heating, visit our website by clicking the link here.