In recent years, Pakistan has experienced extreme weather conditions — heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms have become increasingly common due to climate change. These unpredictable storms have damaged thousands of solar panels installed on rooftops and open fields across the country.
Solar systems are a valuable investment for most households and businesses. They help reduce electricity bills and provide clean, renewable energy for years. However, a single hailstorm or thunderstorm can damage or destroy your solar setup within minutes. Protecting these systems is essential to ensure long-term performance and safety.
Protection from Thunderstorms:
When setting up a solar system, the strength and quality of the supporting frame are critical. Always install your solar panels on a solid, heavy-duty base made from high-quality iron or steel. Using 14 or 16-gauge metal is ideal because it offers better stability and durability.
Avoid cutting costs by choosing weak materials — even a small saving today can lead to big losses later. A properly fixed and weighted structure prevents your panels from shaking, bending, or flying off during high winds.
Another key factor is panel spacing. Always leave enough space between solar panels to allow smooth airflow. Proper ventilation reduces wind resistance and helps the structure remain stable during storms. Reinforcing the frame with additional crossbars can further increase protection.
Though high-quality materials may increase installation costs slightly, they make your solar system much stronger and safer against storm damage.
Protection from Hailstorms:
Hailstorms can cause severe damage to the glass surface of solar panels. Even small pieces of hail traveling at high speed can crack or shatter the panels, leading to expensive replacements.
To prevent this, use a foldable mesh or net covering above your panels. A green foldable net cloth — similar to those used in parking areas or shade spaces — works perfectly. It’s light, rust-free, and easy to open or close when needed.
Whenever there’s a weather warning for hail, simply pull the net across the panels to act as a protective shield. This layer absorbs the impact of hailstones, preventing them from directly striking the glass. After the storm, remove the cover to allow full sunlight again.
This simple, low-cost solution can save you from major losses and extend the lifespan of your solar setup.
Extra Tips for Long-Term Solar Safety
Regular Inspection: After heavy winds or storms, check all bolts and joints for looseness. Tighten them to maintain frame stability.
More about this topic and many other updates related to WAPDA and weather, gepcowapdabill.pk. Reduce Panel Angle: Slightly lowering the tilt of panels can help reduce wind resistance in areas prone to high-speed winds.
Surge Protection: Thunderstorms often cause power surges that can harm your inverter or batteries. Always use a reliable surge protector.
Avoid Weak Roofs: Ensure your rooftop is strong enough to hold the solar structure, especially if you live in an area with frequent storms.
Solar energy is a smart and sustainable choice, but it needs protection from natural forces. A little attention to structure strength, spacing, and weather safety measures can make a huge difference. |