Over
and over, solar panels have proved their remarkable resilience and
durability. In 2017, for example, a hailstorm in Denver shattered car
windows and left golf ball-sized dents on the roofs of homes and
vehicles. However, only one out of the 3,000 solar panels installed at
the nearby National Renewable Energy Laboratory sustained damage. And
when Hurricane Maria surged through Puerto Rico, a rooftop solar array
in San Juan's VA Hospital continued to operate — at full capacity — even
with hurricane-force winds of 180 mph.
However, damage does
happen. Falling debris can dislodge or crack panels, for instance.
Knowing how to prepare your panels for severe weather can help minimize
the risk of damage.