The answer is Yes! Typically, solar panels are built to last up to 20 years. While that can be shortened due to extreme weather conditions damaging their outward-facing glass, prevention steps can help avoid severe damage.
Key Points to Know
- Solar panels are built to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- If damaged by a storm, your homeowners or business insurance will likely cover repairs, but it is critical that you do not go near the damaged panels until a licensed electrician checks them.
- For properties needing to keep the lights on if the grid goes down, a battery backup system is required.
Prevention Steps
Hail Damage Prevention
If your solar panels are in an area that experiences a lot of hail, you can take preventative steps to avoid severe damage. If one part of a solar panel is damaged, the energy output loss is considerable (almost as if you lost the entire panel). By installing more and smaller solar panels instead of fewer, larger ones, you can reduce the loss of energy output. They are more costly to install initially but cost less to replace individually.
Water Damage Prevention
Prevention requires having a licensed solar panel contractor reseal each panel as needed during timely inspections, along with any other identified maintenance needed to maintain your solar panels.
Falling Debris Damage Prevention
While micro-scratches can occur on solar panels from falling debris, prevention requires no trees are directly overhead or nearby. If not feasible, having trees regularly pruned is key and regular cleaning of solar panels with a microfiber cloth and garden hose at least once per season.
Ready to learn more about solar panels and Illinois Solar Services? Email David Knight or call 309-444-0982 today!