The advantages of solar energy are obvious. One of the biggest benefits is cost savings for owners and businesses.
Solar energy is becoming a booming industry. Allied Market Research estimates that the solar power market will reach over $223 billion by 2026.
As electricity costs continue to rise, more and more homeowners and contractors are considering installing solar panels. Solar panels can reduce your bills and in some cases eliminate them.
But like any other building element, solar panels are sensitive to bad weather, such as extreme heat, cold, wind, rain or hail.
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Solar panels and hail.
Consider weather conditions that may make your roof temporarily unsafe. So if you are considering installing solar panels on your home, hail is a real concern.
There is always the possibility that the solar panels will be damaged during a heavy hailstorm. Most solar panels are prepared to withstand hail up to 2 centimeters in diameter, which falls at 80 km/h. In a normal storm, it contains hail between ¼ and ½ centimeter in diameter, which falls at around 30 km/h.
The main campus of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado was hit by a severe hailstorm. The building has more than 3,000 solar panels, and only one panel broke during this storm. This same storm caused broken windows, dents in cars and significant damage to roofs in the area. The single broken solar panel appears to have been hit by several larger hailstones simultaneously.
Snow and strong wind.
Heavy snow and wind are another concern. In areas where there is the potential for heavy snowfall and wind, installers can use heavier solar panels and stronger support frames and rails.
Heavy snow on the panels may reduce sunlight for a while, but the snow should melt faster on the panels than on the surrounding roof. The inclination of the panels during their installation favors the sliding of the snow and this can disappear sooner.
Also, in regions with a lot of snow and wind, problems can be avoided if an adjustable stand is installed that allows the inclination to be adjusted.
In the most complicated areas, the use of wind and geothermal energy can be considered to generate more energy.
Extreme temperatures.
The ambient temperature does not affect the amount of energy produced by the solar panels. It is the amount of sunlight they receive that produces the energy. Solar panels are just as common in cold climates as they are in hot, sunny places.
But if there is a point where extreme temperatures will affect the solar panels. If the solar panels reach temperatures above 65°C, they can lose efficiency.
The best solar panels for extreme climates.
The International Photovoltaic Quality Assurance Working Group (PVQAT) classifies solar panels for different environments. Homeowners interested in solar panels can also obtain panels with guaranteed hail and wind certifications offered by solar panel manufacturers.
Even if you live in a harsh climate zone, you can install solar panel systems for your home without worry.
Manufacturers test their panels to withstand hurricane-force winds, hail or snow.
Most solar panels are certified to withstand extreme winds. But a correct installation and anchoring system is also essential. Hence the importance of hiring a good professional installer.
The solar panels are able to withstand bad weather, their aluminum structure and glass are designed to withstand the weather.
It is also fundamental for these particular conditions to have quality photovoltaic panels, manufactured by companies of recognized prestige, which guarantee the reliability of their panels.