Photovoltaic panel anti-blizzard design

Can a solar PV system be made more resilient to severe weather events?

On-site solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be made more resilient to severe weather events by leveraging lessons learned from field examinations of weather-damaged PV systems and from engineering guidance resources. Total array loss from Hurricane Maria. Photo from Gerald Robinson, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. August 2020 Derecho event.

Can severe weather damage a solar PV system?

Severe weather events strong enough to cause damage to a solar PV system occur in nearly every region of the country. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces a National Risk Index (NRI) which details 18 weather and environmental parameters at a county level. Use the NRI tool to look up weather risks at your site.

Should a solar PV roof be fully ballasted?

Due to the turbulence generated by wind flowing over parapets and around roof penthouses, solar PV roof systems should not be fully ballasted. Use mechanical attachments at strategic locations to prevent catastrophic loss. Racking designs with vertical frame members need bracing to prevent lateral movement. PV array with a braced design.

Are PV systems reliable?

PV technologies are highly reliable. Analysis of performance data from 100,000 PV systems concluded that over 80% of systems performed within 10% of predicted production. The estimated initial costs of 13 storm hardening measures are listed in Table 1.