Solar panels, whether perched on your rooftop or mounted in the yard, are exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The question begs to be asked; are my solar panels easy to break?
The answer is more complicated than you might think.
Engineers have designed solar panels to survive the elements and everything that they might encounter, from hail to high winds to harsh rain. The crystallin-silicon solar cells that make up the core of solar panels are durable and the exterior protects the vulnerable interior from breaking when struck by everyday debris.
Can your solar panels withstand falling limbs?
Trees are perhaps one of the most common threats to your solar panels. Falling limbs can damage solar panels while too much shade will reduce your power output.
Tree limbs can weigh hundreds of pounds and dead or dying trees shed these branches unexpectedly while even healthy trees lose limbs and twigs during thunderstorms. To protect your solar panels from tree damage, the best thing you can do is to keep your trees pruned and remove dead trees before they can break your panels or damage your home.
Are high winds a danger to your panels?
Thanks to advancements in solar panel technology, they’re quite strong and can withstand high winds. However, when strong winds send debris flying, there is a risk of something striking your panels and causing damage. You can’t avoid the weather, but keeping your yard clear of potential debris goes a long way toward protecting your panels.
What can you do?
Keep the area surrounding your panels clean of projectiles that could strike them, keep trees pruned, and perhaps host your family’s ball-related games a safe distance from the installation.
At Aurora Energy, you can depend on us to do a thorough inspection and point out any potential issues. We’ll also advise you about any trees that might need to be trimmed before your installation. Make an appointment to meet with one of our friendly consultants, and we’ll make sure you’re prepared for whatever blows your way!
