Mon-Fri: 8am – 8pm  |   Closed Sundays/Saturdays

What About My Roof in a Hurricane?

By Susan Elwell
• September 10, 2024

Eeeek! There’s a hurricane coming! If you have solar panels on your roof, chances are you are in better shape than your neighbor who doesn’t. Hurricanes have already raged through areas where solar panels have been installed, and the results show that solar panels can take the hit.

Take a peek at the photo of Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, FL, which was hit by Hurricane Michael in October of 2018. This hurricane was a Category 5 hurricane and the only roofs to survive were covered with solar panels! Why is that?

Solar panels are anchored directly to the structural members of the roof and once a solar system is installed, it’s meant to stay put for decades to come. The solar panels and their support equipment are subjected to heat, rain, wind, hail, and everything in between and the materials involved can withstand the test of time.

In addition to structural stability, a roof with solar panels has added protection. The panels are made to absorb sunlight which would otherwise be absorbed by the shingles on your roof. Your roof is protected from the sun’s harmful rays and that part of your roof will last longer. More $avings with solar!

How Much Sunshine Do You Need To Go Solar?

How Much Sunshine Do You Need To Go Solar?

The best position for solar panels is towards the south, but west and east-facing roofs can work too. A 30-degree angle is suitable for the best year-round solar production, but anywhere from 15 to 40 degrees can give you enough good energy production. If you have the...

Roof Rejuvenation

Roof Rejuvenation

When I moved to Florida, I bought a home with a roof about 10 years old. I have made improvements to this home, including going solar, which turns out has added the most value to my home. However, my older roof has concerned me now because it is 13 years old....

The Cost of Going Solar

The Cost of Going Solar

What will it cost to “go solar”? It’s impossible to answer that question simply with a dollar amount because every home and business has different roof characteristics and electricity needs, which must be evaluated before a dollar amount can be estimated. Here are...

2 Ways to Dramatically Lower Your Electric Bill

2 Ways to Dramatically Lower Your Electric Bill

Would you like to lower your electric bill? Well, your water heater is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home! Water heating can account for 15%-20% of your electric usage, depending on how much and how often you use it. Makes sense to turn it off...

What is the payback period for Going Solar?

What is the payback period for Going Solar?

The most common estimate of the average payback period for solar panels is six to ten years. This is a pretty wide range because there are many factors that will influence 1) the number of years it can take to pay off your panels, and 2) the monthly savings you can...