How do solar panels work during a hurricane?

Hurricanes are real — but so is solar resilience

Living in Florida means prepping for storms is part of life. But if you’re thinking about going solar (or already have), you’ve probably wondered:

Will my panels survive a hurricane? And can I still get power during an outage?

Let’s break it down.

Are solar panels built for hurricanes?

Yes — if installed by a licensed, code-compliant contractor (like Nova Structa). Florida has some of the strictest wind codes in the country, and solar equipment must meet or exceed them.

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Modern solar systems are engineered to handle:

• Wind speeds up to 175+ mph
• Impact-resistant racking systems
• Roof attachments bolted to structural beams
• Surge protection to shield sensitive equipment

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What happens to power during a storm?

Here’s what most homeowners don’t know:

Without a battery, your system shuts off during an outage.

Why? Safety. If utility workers are fixing downed lines, your solar system can’t push electricity onto the grid. That would be dangerous.

How to keep power ON during an outage

To stay powered during a storm, you need battery storage like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery.

These systems:

• Automatically disconnect from the grid during an outage
• Keep your critical appliances running (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, A/C)
• Recharge from your panels when the sun returns
• Work even when FPL is down for days

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Real hurricane performance

“Our lights stayed on while the entire block was dark. The Powerwall kept everything running for 2 days — we didn’t skip a beat."

— Jenn & Luis, Daytona Beach

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Pro tips for solar + storm season

• Ask about hurricane-rated mounting hardware
• Make sure your roof is inspected before install
• Use a battery backup system if grid independence matters to you
• Check your app for storm mode settings (for Tesla + Enphase systems)

Bottom line

Yes — solar panels work in hurricane zones.

They’re built for Florida’s climate, and when paired with battery storage, they can keep your home running when everyone else is in the dark.

Want a storm-ready solar system?

Nova Structa installs solar systems design for Florida, with hurricane-rated gear, roof warranties, and real battery backup.

Stop by the showroom to see how it all works — no pressure, just clarity.