How Are Solar Panels Protected from Debris and Weather?
One question we hear from customers is “will my solar panels ever break?” Solar panels are considered one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint and offset the greenhouse gas created by your home. They harness the sun’s power through photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power everything from your refrigerator to your television. Solar panels are made of silicon, glass and other protective materials that prevent breakage. Beneath the glass layer, there is a layer of insulation and a protective backing sheet that prevents moisture from collecting in your system. An anti-reflective coating allows for maximum absorption of energy from the sun.
Panels Designed to Resist Physical Damage
Your Solar System is built to last. Each component is rigorously tested to meet the highest standards in reliability and durability. Solar codes and standards are rigorous and still evolving as the industry strives for innovation to make our planet a cleaner place to live.
When you make the choice to go solar, your panels can last 20-30 years—and they don’t stop producing electricity after that. Solar experts report that panels can continue to work for many decades whether they are connected to a system or not, provided you take care of them, and they aren’t physically damaged.
Solar panels are made up of relatively fragile crystalline silicon cells. However, the frames and racking that hold them together are much more robust, so physical damage is rare. Solar panels are mounted on rooftops or in a ground-mount array and can be exposed to all weather conditions including hail, winds, snow, and storms. They also need to last for decades so can withstand long periods of time in outdoor environments.
Types of Damage to look out for:
Dirt and Debris:
If you’re thinking about purchasing solar panels for your home, it’s important to keep in mind that debris can scratch your panels and lower the amount of energy produced. Maintain the trees around your home so that branches and dirt don’t fall on your roof. Clean your solar panels with a garden hose and a soft cloth once a year for maximum efficiency.
Extreme Weather:
Your solar technician can set up your system to withstand almost any weather. But it is important that you know what kind of weather you are dealing with, and how you can prepare for it. Solar panel system damage can occur when hail falls on the panels. This happens when there is extreme weather conditions in an area, like flash flooding or powerful hailstorms.
Water Damage:
We have gone through the same high-quality manufacturing processes as our windows to ensure that the panels are sealed just like your windows to ensure a water-tight fit. It’s still important that after any potential damage to have your panels inspected to ensure that seal is still intact.
Orizon Energy is Here to Help
Most professional solar panel systems come with a 20 year warranty, at the minimum. Solar panel lifespan is often significantly greater than this, with many rooftop solar systems lasting through the warranty period and well past. Our solar plans and services are available for all sizes of projects, which includes commercial and residential energy needs. Our comprehensive 25-year service warranty is backed by our unique performance based guarantee, which means you’re covered from installation to operation. We offer several options to meet your specific needs, including daily monitoring and maintenance, repairs and comprehensive insurance cover which can save you time and money. That’s why we offer a comprehensive 25 year service warranty. Contact Orizon Energy today for more information!
If you’re ready to start your solar journey, get started here. Follow us on social media for more helpful insights.