6 Steps to Prevent Hurricane Damage to Solar Installations

This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Solar installations have increased by 33% annually over the last decade. This can be attributed to federal policies such as the Solar Investment Tax Credit. The Solar Investment Credit Tax offers a tax incentive for solar units coupled with the increasing demand for clean energy.^[1] In the commercial sector, environmental, social and governance initiatives have also been motivating factors for their growth.

Many building owners and operators fail to realize that solar panels aren’t “set it and forget it” equipment. They require routine maintenance and special care if a disaster strikes. If your business is in a hurricane-prone region, it’s critical to have a plan to de-energize your solar panels ahead of an oncoming storm to prevent loss and damage.

Hurricanes come with high winds and flooding, among other risks. Your solar panels can be damaged before, during and even after a hurricane.

Your maintenance staff should be trained by the manufacturer or third party in storing and de-energizing solar panels in the event of a hurricane. Create a written plan, including assigning responsibility for specific tasks.

Follow these steps to mitigate damage to your solar installation prior to a hurricane.

If the equipment was exposed to flood waters, they could be compromised and contaminated. As a result, flooded electrical equipment must be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, dried out and tested before use. If not, your installation runs a higher risk of serious damage or total loss.

Also, solar modules can produce power from sunlight even when they are disconnected, and modules sitting in water can pose an electrocution risk.

Always follow manufacturer requirements when recovering your equipment.

• Windings and dry type transformers should be dried at a temperature that does not surpass the insulation rating of the system before attempting usage. Again, check the manufacturer’s label for specific information about your equipment.
• Oil-filled transformers should be inspected. Draw oil samples from the tank’s top and bottom for analysis. Look for moisture droplets or a cloudy appearance. A lab should perform a test for dissolved water content. Depending on the results, a specialist may need to dehydrate the oil charge.
• Circuit boards can be very sensitive. If they were not energized while immersed in water and do not contain water-sensitive parts, they may be recovered. Clean in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.
• Other components may need to be rinsed with fresh, clean water after coming into contact with flood water. Planning and preparing can mitigate damage to your solar installation and expediate restoration in the event of a hurricane. Working with an expert can help identify weak points and other risks in your installation – and can ultimately save your investment from ruin.

Contact IAT for more information on preparing your solar installation for a hurricane.

By Katie Bloomquist

[1] Solar Energy Industries Association, “Solar Industry Research Data,” accessed July 7, 2022.