Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Commercial Solar Energy Systems

View Our Tips on How to Protect Your Solar Panels from Storm Damage this Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30

Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1^st – November 30^th, with the peak of the season in August and September. This is the sixth year in a row that a tropical depression has formed before the official start of hurricane season, kicking off what experts predict will be an active season.

Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2020, with the likely absence of El Niño as a primary factor. Tropical and subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are also warmer than usual, a factor supporting an active hurricane season ahead. The Weather Company calls for 18 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.

Commercial solar system owners should prepare now no matter the forecast. Add to that the start of the rainy season, which is underway now through October, there is no time like the present to prepare your solar array to protect it from storm damage.

What to Do Before a Hurricane

• Check Inverter(s) Status and Communication Status to ensure pre-storm operation.
• Inspect Inverter Enclosures and All Outdoor Electrical Gear for proper seal and cabinet closure.
• Measure Torque of All Electrical Connections, Re-torque As Needed
• Inspect All Conduits for Proper Connections To Supports, Couplings, and Fittings, and Duct Seal at potential water entry points
• Inspect All Visible Wire Connections To Ensure All Are Properly Secured
• Spot Check All Racking and Attachment Systems for Loose Or Missing Parts, using torque verification markings from the original installation
• Inspect PV Modules for Physical Damage and Document Conditions
• Inspect Warning Signs and Labels for first responder warnings and information.
• *In the Event That Your System Is in The Path Of A Major Storm; Schedule An Authorized AGT Technician To Systematically Power The System Down (AC/DC Disconnects & Communication)

What to Do After a Hurricane

• Schedule an AGT Technician to Systematically Power System On (AC/DC Disconnects & Communication)
• Confirm No Water Leakage to Any Component Parts
• Check Operating Voltage (AC and DC Voltage) and Current
• Measure Torque of All Electrical Connections, Re-torque As Needed
• Check Inverter Status, Inspect Inverter Cabinet For Damage And Proper Securement:
• Check Inverter Fans for Dirt/Dust Build-up, Clean And Verify Fans Are Operating Properly
• Check Filters and Clean As Needed
• Inspect All Conduits for Proper Connections To Supports, Couplings, and Fittings, and Duct Seal soundness at cable entry points
• Inspect All Visible Wire Connections to Ensure All Are Properly Secured
• Inspect All Warning Signs and Labels and Add or Replace as Needed
• Spot Check All Racking and Attachment Systems for Loose or Missing Parts. Repair or Replace as Needed:
• Consider Aerial Thermal Scan of the array for microfractures and hotspots from excessive panel stress or impact.
• Visually Inspect 5% of All PV Modules for Physical Damage and Document Conditions
• Remove and Dispose of Any Debris Covering the Modules That May Cause Shading or Damage

Why Work With Advanced Green Technologies During Hurricane Season in Florida

1. Advanced Team: We have seven offices in Florida and more than 575 employees to help with repairs following a storm.
2. Emergency Generators: Emergency generators are located at all branch locations to keep operations going post-storm.
3. Offsite Email: Our offsite communication system has been enhanced and ensures we will always be accessible following a storm.
4. Fuel & Supplies: We have a special reserve of fuel and supplies for our entire fleet to ensure quick mobilization for emergency repairs.
5. South Florida Disaster Resiliency Coalition: We partner with emergency management and private-public entities across the tri-county area to enhance and build a hurricane resilient community.

Schedule Your Hurricane Season Solar Inspections and Maintenance Today

We know that preparing your solar array for a hurricane can be overwhelming. One way to reduce the stress of hurricane planning is to take action now by performing preventive maintenance inspections and repairs on your solar panels, racking system, and electrical components before and after a major storm hits.  Advanced Green Technologies is here to help. Call us today at (888) 735-2641 or click here to have your roof inspected and documented so you are prepared to take on this hurricane season