Keep Your Solar Panels Safe During Texas Storm Season
How to Protect Your Rooftop Solar Panels in Houston’s Stormy Weather
When you live in Texas, you know all too well how wild Texas weather can get. Between hurricanes, hailstorms, and powerful winds, protecting your rooftop solar panels is a top priority. While solar panels are built tough—some can withstand winds up to 140 mph, like a Category 4 hurricane—they’re not indestructible. To make sure your investment stays safe and sound, let’s explore some practical steps to prepare your panels for extreme weather.
Built to Last: How Durable Are Solar Panels?
Most solar panels on the market today are designed to handle a range of tough weather conditions. Here's a quick look at how they hold up:
| Weather Condition | Solar Panel Tolerance |
|---|---|
| High Winds | Up to 140 mph (Category 4 hurricane winds) |
| Hailstorms | UL 61730-rated panels withstand 1-3 inch hail at 88 mph |
| Extreme Rain | Panels are waterproof and built to drain effectively |
While these stats are impressive, unexpected events—like flying trampolines or deck chairs—can still cause trouble.
Steps to Prepare Your Solar Panels for a Storm
1. Secure Loose Outdoor Items
Before a storm rolls in, secure anything that might become a projectile. This includes patio furniture, planters, pool equipment, and trampolines. Loose items can turn into missiles when high winds hit, damaging not just your solar panels but also your roof.
Pro Tip: Plastic patio chairs are one of the most common culprits during hurricanes. Lock ‘em down or bring ‘em inside!
2. Trim Trees and Vegetation
Overgrown trees can be trouble when high winds knock branches loose. Keep trees trimmed at least 3 to 5 feet away from your solar panels to prevent damage.
3. Monitor Battery Storage Levels
If you’re using solar batteries for backup power during an outage, never let the charge hit zero. A fully drained battery could “brick,” making it inoperable until a technician restarts it. Keep your battery charge above 10-20% to keep things running smoothly.
4. Prepare for Hailstorms
Hailstorms are no stranger to Texas, so invest in panels rated UL 61730 for superior durability. For added protection, consider mesh netting or protective covers to shield your panels during a storm.
5. Know When to Call a Pro
If you suspect damage after a storm, don’t attempt to inspect or repair the system yourself. Solar panels are electrical equipment, and it’s safer to leave the job to certified technicians.
6. Secure Your Trampoline
Trampolines may be fun for the kids, but during a Texas storm, they can turn into flying saucers! High winds have been known to lift trampolines and send them crashing onto rooftops, solar panels, or even neighboring properties. To prevent this, anchor your trampoline to the ground using heavy-duty stakes or a trampoline tie-down kit. If you know a storm is coming, it’s best to disassemble and store it in a safe place, like a garage or shed.
Pro Tip: Check your tie-downs regularly, especially before storm season, to ensure everything stays locked in tight.
Solar Panels and Hurricanes: Real Results
To give you some peace of mind, let’s look at real-world examples. Sunnova Energy, a Houston-based solar provider, reported that 98% of its systems remained intact and operational after two major hurricanes hit Florida and the Southeast. Most damage occurred due to flying debris, not panel failure.
In other words, solar panels can hold their own during extreme weather when properly maintained and protected.
How Solar Buy Back Plans Help During Outages
If you’ve got a solar system paired with battery storage, you can keep your lights on during blackouts while storing energy for later use. That’s where Texas Best Solar Buy Back Plans come in. Not only do you generate clean, reliable energy, but you also maximize savings by selling excess energy back to the grid.
Stay Storm-Ready with Texas Best Solar Buy Back Plans
Protecting your solar panels doesn’t stop at storm prep. A reliable solar buy back plan ensures you get the most out of your system all year long—rain or shine. Here’s why Texans trust Texas Best Solar Buy Back Plans:
- Expert Advice Since 2003: We’ve been in the energy business for over 20 years.
- Proven Savings: Our plans help you save big on your electricity bills.
- Partnership with PowerMax Energy: A trusted partner that delivers dependable service and peace of mind.
Conclusion: Let Us Help You Weather the Storm
Texas weather may be unpredictable, but your solar system’s performance doesn’t have to be. At Texas Best Solar Plans, we’ve got your back—before, during, and after the storm. Whether you’re looking to protect your panels, install a backup battery, or get the best solar buy back plan, we’re here to help.
Ready to take control of your energy savings? Call us at (972) 793-8341 or visit us online at Texas Best Solar Buy Back Plans to get started today!
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