Hurricane Milton Has Impacted Homes with Solar Panels: Everything You Need to Know

Hurricane Milton Has Impacted Homes with Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

Hurricane Milton recently tore through Florida's western coast, making landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa. The storm brought winds exceeding 120 mph and caused significant damage across the region. Despite the intensity, many homeowners with solar panels and battery backups experienced minimal interruptions to their power supply. Let's explore how solar installations performed during the storm and why Horizon Energy Solutions is your trusted partner for solar and roofing services post-hurricane.

Hurricane Milton's Impact on Solar Installations

When Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday night, it put local homes—particularly their roofs and solar panels—to the test. While the storm caused widespread damage, many solar installations showed impressive resilience.

Solar Panels: Built to Withstand Storms

Modern solar panels are designed to endure extreme weather conditions, with most installations in Florida rated for winds up to 150 mph1. This resilience is crucial in hurricane-prone areas like Sarasota and Punta Gorda, where wind speeds can reach dangerous levels. Key Statistic: The state of Florida requires rooftop solar panels to withstand wind speeds of at least 150 mph – equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane

How Solar Batteries Prevented Power Outages

One of the biggest advantages of having solar panels is pairing them with battery storage. During Hurricane Milton, while more than 2.6 million homes experienced power outages, many homeowners with solar batteries maintained their electricity supply with the use of back up battery systems.

‍Real-World Example: The Babcock Ranch community in Fort Myers, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022, saw no damage to its solar panels, and the entire community had power during the grid failure

Post-Hurricane Solar Panel Care

If your solar installation was exposed to Hurricane Milton, it's important to assess any potential damage:

1. Visual Inspection: Check for visible damage like cracks, loose panels, or exposed wiring.
2. Professional Assessment: Contact a solar professional for a thorough inspection and system test.
3. Debris Removal: Clear any debris that may have accumulated on the panels, but prioritize safety and consider professional help for this task.

Why Choose Horizon Energy Solutions for Post-Hurricane Services

At Horizon Energy Solutions, we specialize in both solar installations and roof replacements, making us the ideal partner for handling post-hurricane repairs. Our services include:

• Comprehensive damage assessments for solar panels and roofs
• Safe removal and reinstallation of panels for roof repairs
• Expert advice on upgrading your system with a solar battery for future resilience

Don't wait until the next storm hits—contact us today for a free consultation for back up battery or solar solutions and let us help you restore your home and power. Our team understands the unique challenges posed by Florida's hurricane season and can help ensure your solar investment is protected and optimized for the future.

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Sources:

1 GoSolarTrek. (2024). Can Solar Panels Survive a Hurricane? Solar Tech Resilience

2. CNN. (2024). Maps and charts: Hurricane Milton's impact across Florida

4. Associated Press. (2024). More than 2.6 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding

5. Raze Solar. (2024). Benefits Of Solar Batteries During Hurricane Season