Can Heavy Winds Blow solar panels off your roof?

If you live in an area prone to heavy winds, you might be wondering if solar panels have blown off the roof of a person’s house. Solar panels are designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, but strong winds can pose a risk to your solar panels. 

The good news is that solar panels are generally tested to ensure they can survive extreme weather conditions, including high winds. Don’t forget, proper installation and mounting of solar panels make all the difference in how they hold up in windy conditions.

How High Is Too High?

No matter the brand, design, shape, or substance, all solar panels are made to some extent to survive strong winds. How much wind can solar panels withstand depends on multiple factors. Most solar panels can often endure gusts of up to 140 mph, or 2,400 pascals (the unit in which solar panel wind resistance is measured). 3 It can resist hurricanes with a Category 4 wind rating, which may reach speeds of 130 to 156 mph. 

What About Debris?

The good news is that your panels usually will not fly off your roof. However, a pebble flying at a similar speed is very different from a wind gusting at 160 mph. As a result, solar panels that are installed on high rooftops fare better than solar panels that are fixed on the ground.

The good news is that materials that can survive more harsh circumstances are being used in the design and construction of solar panels. As a result, even though the sector isn’t prepared for all weather scenarios, solar panel companies are striving to improve resilience to extreme circumstances every year.

What Should You Do Before High Winds Or A Hurricane?

Solar panels that have been built correctly can survive winds and rain equivalent to a hurricane. They will also be strong and resistant if they are installed properly by a qualified expert. Additionally, they must withstand strong winds of up to 160 mph. For context, catastrophic damage starts to happen at 130 mph.

There are 3 important things to do before a severe weather incident. Make sure to take photos, check your warranty, and review your insurance policy. 

Can Heavy Winds Blow Solar Panels Off Your Roof?

Want to know something shocking and true? Puerto Rico was severely affected by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which tore into the Caribbean at speeds of 175 miles per hour (mph). The Veterans Administration (VA) hospital in San Juan was able to keep running, allowing individuals who had been hurt to get medical attention. 

How did that happen? 

Their rooftop solar panel system, which has a capacity of 645 kW, was still fully functional. In fact, because the Caribbean is a hotspot for hurricanes and tropical storms, this solar system was designed to bend under strong winds. These solar panels were specifically designed to endure bursts of 170 mph wind for up to 3 seconds at a time.

With that said…

 After the severe weather… do not get on your roof. Leave that to the professionals. If not for your own safety at least for your insurance policy. 

How Can We Protect Solar Panels From High Winds?

Here is a list of good steps to take if you are expecting a weather event that could damage your solar panels:

1. Take Pictures
2. Power Your System Down
3. Store Movable Equipment
4. Seal all Solar System Parts
5. Secure Solar Panel Attachments
6. Inspect Your Drainage System 
7. Remove Loose Objects

Does Rain Wash Away Grime?

Are there rain benefits for solar panels by washing away grime? Some of the grime on solar panels is washed away by rain. However, rain itself carries dust particles, making solar panels dirty and leaving water streaks behind. Some water stains as well as such things as bird droppings, algae, and moss may not be easily removed by rainwater. It is important to manually clean your solar panels. 

FAQ

Can high winds knock your solar panels off your roof? 

Well, it depends on several factors, such as the strength of the winds, the quality of the installation, and the type of mounting system used for the solar panels. Most solar panels are designed and tested to withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour (mph). This means that even during a strong storm, your solar panels are unlikely to be dislodged from your roof. 

How strong of wind can solar panels handle? 

Most standard solar panels are built to withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kilometers per hour) according to industry norms. Some manufacturers even offer panels that are made to withstand winds of 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour) or more! Please remember that these are broad suggestions, as different panels may have varying wind resistance ratings.

How can we protect solar panels from high winds? 

There are many ways in which you can protect solar panels from high winds. This article provides some answers.

Building codes promote wind-resistant solar arrays 

When it comes to constructing buildings, codes often encourage the installation of wind-resistant solar panel arrays. This is to ensure both the safety and structural integrity of solar power setups in high-wind areas. The particulars of these requirements may differ according to the specific location and building codes or standards being enforced there.

Some common provisions found in building codes related to wind-resistant solar panel arrays include:

• Minimum Design Wind Speed: When installing solar panels, a minimum design wind speed is usually specified by building codes. To withstand the wind climate in your area, this value is determined and expressed in terms of miles per hour or meters per second.

• Mounting and Attachment Standards: When it comes to affixing solar panels to roofs or support structures, building codes offer guidance on suitable methods as well as specifications on the kind of fasteners, spacing, and reinforcement required for stability under high winds.

• Structural Load Capacity: When designing solar panel arrays, it’s essential to ensure they can handle uplift and lateral loads from the wind. Regulations may specify minimal support structure load capacity to meet the requirements.

• Seismic Considerations: People who live in earthquake-prone areas should know that local building codes often incorporate seismic-resistant precautions. These guidelines may impact the configuration and setup of solar panels to ensure their stability during earthquakes.