Have you ever wondered how solar project equipment stays operational despite the weather?
Solar panels are well equipped to withstand the elements, from brutal cold and snowstorms in winter to heavy rain and hail in summer.
Here are a few ways utilities ensure the durability of solar panels for the lifespan of a project.
Durability of panels
Solar panels contain just a few components, including the solar cells that generate electricity and tempered glass that protects the cells from the outside.
Through the tempered glass, rated to withstand quarter-sized hail, you can see the many solar cells. The cells are made of semiconductor material, silicon, phosphorus or other elements. This material generates electricity from a tiny layer inside the solar panel.
Solar panels have no moving parts and are tested during manufacturing to make sure they pass the test in the real world.
Safety features
In addition to being resilient enough for Midwestern weather, most solar projects also have safety mechanisms.
For panels on single-axis trackers that allow the panels to move with the sun each day, there are automatic stow settings in place for severe weather conditions.
In cases of extreme wind, these systems automatically stow the panels in a horizontal setting. When hail, heavy rain or debris have the potential to damage the glass, panels are automatically stored in a vertical setting to limit direct contact to the glass as much as possible.
Some tracking systems have a wind break setting that trips when pressure builds up too much. This allows the panels to sway with the wind, which is safer than fighting against it.
Alliant Energy’s solar development
With roughly 2.5 million solar panels across our 12 Wisconsin projects, it wouldn't be cost-effective to purchase panels that require replacing every five, 10 or even 15 years. We expect our solar panels, designed to be durable with numerous safety features, to last between 25 and 30 years. By utilizing zero-fuel-cost energy sources, we expect our Wisconsin customers to avoid nearly $1.6 billion in costs over the next 30 years. With the above safety precautions in place, we ensure we get the most out of our investments in solar energy.Learn more about our plans for solar and clean energy in our Clean Energy Blueprint.