Is Your Rooftop Solar Panel Stable? 4 Warning Signs Your Setup Can’t Handle Monsoon Storm Winds
In view of the monsoon season with its winds, rain, and thunderstorms impacting homes across India, rooftop solar system owners will want to pay particular attention to their systems’ condition. Rooftop solar panels are built to deal with extreme weather; however, an improperly installed solar array, aged components, or structural issues can substantially increase the chance of experiencing damage to your solar system during a severe windstorm.
1. Loose or Corroded Mounting Hardware
The mounting structure is what secures the solar panels to your roof.
If you notice any of these items, you may have loose or corroded mounting hardware:
– Mounting bolts that are rusted
– Mounting brackets that are loose
– Mounting fasteners that are corroded
– Movement of the solar array when the wind blows
2. Unusual Panel Movement or Vibrations
A properly installed solar panel will not move during normal wind conditions. If the solar panels vibrate or rattle or shift away from one another during a storm event, this is likely the result of having loose or corroded mounting hardware.
3. Roof Damage Around the Installation
The solar array will be able to endure a strong storm only if the array and the structure are appropriately constructed.
Look for signs of damage that may be evident on the roof:
– Roof tiles that have cracked or are broken
– Evidence of water damage
– Evidence of damage to the waterproofing system
– Evidence of a failure of the structural integrity of the roof
4. Exposed or Damaged Wiring
Exposed or damaged electrical connections, as well as wiring, may be made worse due to the wind and rain conditions existing at the time of installation.
Many of the signs for exposed or damaged wiring or electrical connections are as follows:
– Electrical cables that are hanging
– Electrical conduit that is damaged
– Electrical wire connections that are loose
– Electrical cable protective coverings that have been cracked or damaged
Final Words
Modern day flat roof installations are designed to survive the most severe weather patterns the market has seen if they are installed and taken care of correctly; if there is evidence of the hardware loosening, the panel moving, any wear and tear on the roof, or exposed electrical wiring, you must not take this lightly as
FAQs
Will Monsoon/Wind cause damage to my Solar Panels?
If the mounting system/structure is weak/performs poorly, then yes, particularly in strong winds and/or during severe weather.
Will my solar panels / module move in wind?
Not if the installation is properly installed. If the solar panels / modules move excessively due to wind, it may mean the mounting structure is unstable.
Is rust on the mounting hardware a safety issue?
Yes, rust will weaken the installation over time and should be dealt with as soon as it is noticed.
Can my roof condition affect the safety of my solar array?
Yes, because the roof supports the solar array and is a significant element of the installation’s structure.
