DALLAS (KDAF) — If you’ve lived in Texas for any period of time, you probably know that our severe weather can be quite a doozy. Spring weather always brings the potential for severe storms, including tornadoes and hail, that can leave your roof and solar panels damaged.
According to Google Trends, searches for “Hail Storm Texas” spike every year within the months of March through May. In the past quarter, searches for “Hail Storm Texas” have skyrocketed 2200% amid the recent hail storms that hit Texas, causing major damage. A recent report also found North Texas tops the list for most hail damage.
Among properties that are damaged in Texas, residents with solar panels hold a high risk of damage considering the location of the panels, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau of October of 2023, over a quarter million homes in Texas (280,000) have rooftop solar panels installed.
Here are five things you can do to protect solar panels during hail storm season, from energy expert and CEO of Payless Power Brandon Young:
- Select Durable Solar Panels: “Selecting solar panels for their resilience against severe weather conditions, particularly hail, is crucial for long-term energy security. It is advisable to prioritize panels known for their durability, specifically those tested against hail of up to 1 inch in diameter at velocities reaching 50 mph. This ensures a baseline of protection. Verification of hail resistance ratings through product specifications should be an additional aspect noted by the buyer of the solar panels.”
- Use Protective Covers: “Using protective covers is an additional safeguarding measure. These covers are engineered from materials such as specialized plastics or rubber, which, while preserving the panels’ exposure to sunlight, can significantly mitigate the impact of hail.”
- Install Solar Panels at an Angle: “The orientation and angle at which solar panels are installed have also had a profound impact on their susceptibility to hail damage. An angled installation can significantly reduce the potential for direct hail impacts, thereby diminishing the risk of damage. Optimal alignment involves orienting the panels towards the equator, with an inclination matching the local latitude —an effective strategy for both hail protection and energy efficiency.”
- Use Mesh Screens: “Another measure can be incorporating mesh screens over the panels. These screens are specifically designed to diffuse hailstones, reducing their potential for damage. While there may be a slight decrease in efficiency due to partial sunlight obstruction, the protective benefits are considerable.”
- Use Automated Shutters or Awnings for Added Protection: “For comprehensive protection, the installation of automated shutters or awnings is recommended. These systems can be programmed to respond to weather forecasts automatically or controlled manually, offering both a versatile and robust defense mechanism against hail.”
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