Prepping Your Solar System for Hurricane Season

There are plenty of things you can do to prepare your home for hurricane season. If you have solar panels, you may wonder if you need to do anything specific to protect this investment. 

Read on to learn how to prepare your solar array during hurricane season and other extreme weather conditions.

What to Do With Solar Panels During a Hurricane

At Pink Energy, our installation standards are designed to make sure that you don’t need to take further steps to prepare your solar panels for hurricane season. Solar panels are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hurricanes. They are also bolted onto roof trusses for extra safety and security, so that wind cannot easily lift them off your roof. You don’t need to cover them with anything, and, in fact, doing so may cause damage to your roof and solar array.

Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season

While you don’t need to prep your solar panels for hurricane season, it’s a smart idea to do some general preparation before a storm strikes. Here are a few tips to make sure your home is ready for hurricane season:

1. Make Sure Your Home Insurance Includes Flood Coverage

Given our proximity to the coast, it’s important for Virginia Beach homeowners to check their home insurance coverage before the start of hurricane season. Since flood coverage is typically not included in standard home insurance policies, it’s a good idea to add it, especially if you live in an area that typically experiences storm surges.

2. Trim Trees

Flying tree limbs and branches cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses during hurricane season. Before the season starts, trim any damaged or loose branches from trees close to your home. This will help prevent hurricane winds from blowing off already damaged branches.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Clearing your gutters is an easy way to reduce the risk of water damage during a hurricane. Before a storm, clean your gutters and downspouts and repair any that are broken to ensure water can flow freely.

4. Document Your Home Before the Storm

Before a hurricane strikes, take photos and videos with your smartphone to document the condition of your home and possessions. In the unfortunate event that you need to submit an insurance claim, this will help the process move more quickly and allow you to get more accurate compensation.

5. Anchor Large Outdoor Objects

You should bring in portable outdoor objects like patio furniture and grills, but for objects that can’t be moved indoors, make sure they’re secured. These items may include gas grills, propane tanks and more. You can use rope, bungee cords or even sandbags to secure these items.

Choose Pink Energy for Solar Panels in VA Beach

If you’re ready to make your home more energy independent and potentially save on your electric bills, make Pink Energy your first choice. Get started by requesting your free quote today.