The use of solar power has grown exponentially since 2008. More and more homeowners are using solar power today because it’s more affordable than it’s ever been.
Are you considering installing solar panels at your home? Are you wondering which are the most durable on the market?
What do you need for solar panel protection? They’re pretty well-known for their ability to stand up to the elements.
Not sure how that’s possible? Stick around to discover how they withstand the weather and learn about their overall efficiency.
Solar Panels: How Do They Hold up to the Weather?
No sun? Hailstorm? Snow and ice? Hurricane? Solar panel durability will calm your concerns.
Where’s the Sun?
Solar panels are designed to use the sun and convert it into electricity. Do solar panels need direct sunlight in order to work?
The short answer is no.
The cells of the solar panels need the photons from daylight sun, meaning any daylight sun works, even if it’s cloudy.
Of course, direct sunlight is the best scenario for the solar panels to work at top efficiency, but unless you live in paradise, it’s not sunny 365 days a year.
An installer will advise you on the size panels needed to power your home when you live in an area that does not see an abundance of direct sunlight.
Prone to Hailstorms?
Are solar panels and hail a bad combination?
Have you had your car or siding on your home damaged in a hailstorm? If so, there’s concern about what hail can do to solar panels.
Under international standards, hail testing is mandatory and solar panels are built to withstand the impact.
They’re normally installed on the south side of the roof, so hail should not be a huge concern, as it mainly comes from the north.
Snow and Ice
Do you live in a cold climate? Do you get a lot of snow and ice? Worrying about the effects of snow and ice on your solar panels seems like a legitimate concern.
Besides damaging the panels, what happens when snow covers them and blocks the sun?
Because they’re installed on an angle and warm up quickly, the snow will slide off. As a matter of fact, more energy is produced on sunny winter days because the cells work better when they’re cold.
Got Hurricanes?
Solar panels and hurricanes may seem like a recipe for disaster. You’ve seen the damage hurricanes can cause, but if you install quality solar panels, you needn’t be concerned.
Manufacturers build them to withstand all kinds of weather. They’re tested to remain anchored in place and to hold up in hurricane-force winds.
Solar panels should remain intact unless there’s large, flying debris or a fallen tree.
Bonus: you may have power when others are without, following a hurricane.
Bring It On
If you’re considering solar panels for your home, worry no more. You’ve seen how they’re designed to stand up to the elements.
If you still have concerns, contact one of our experts. Be sure to bookmark our site for easy access to all of our great resources.