Solar panels help generate electricity without being dependent on the grid for both homes and business owners. But one question may arise; are solar panels waterproof? This is quite a discussion for most people interested in having one installed. If you’re one of them, then read along to learn more about solar panel and their waterproof efficiency.
What are Solar Panels
Solar Panels, in essence, are installations or devices that convert light to electricity; they are less commonly known as “photovoltaics” by scientists.[1] Their “solar” prefix comes from their primary source of power: the light that our sun provides.
These work because of the electric field generated by the photovoltaic cells: these cells are doped with silicon on the top layer creating a negative charge; meanwhile, the bottom layer is doped with boron, creating a positive charge.
These negative-positive charge attraction between layers generates an electric field, which can then generate electricity by sunlight; as the sun’s photons knock an electron free, it gets pushed through this electric field towards conductive plates and ends up flowing through the wires that flow electron is the source of electricity we know today.[2]
Solar cells Panels in the past were less efficient and cost more; at 2% efficiency, priced at $1,785 per watt. Nowadays, it is common to see solar power reaching upwards of 25% accuracy and costing much less than before[
Different Types of Solar Panels Commonly Used in Orlando
Currently, there are 4 types of Solar Panels in the market based on the panel material:
1. Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels contain many wafers made of a single pure silicon, and are capable of generating upwards of 300w of power; this makes this type of solar panel one of the most efficient (at 20%), longest lasting, and space-saving options, at the expense of being the costliest type of panel to install due to its wasteful manufacturing.
2. Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, are composed of different silicon crystals formed into a square mold. However, due to these changes, the maximum efficiency that Polycrystalline solar can provide is around 15-17% and can produce power between 240-300W.
3. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels improve upon the Monocrystalline solar cells panels, as it adds a passivation layer, which reflects light back to cells, allowing for an increased amount of solar radiation absorbed, allowing the cells to capture light from higher wavelengths by reflecting it back to the cells, and improves the overall flow of electricity in the system. These qualities make PERC the most efficient solar panel (around 5% more than monocrystalline panels).
4. Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are the lightest of the rest due to their fine layers that are thin enough to be flexible; this means they are easy to install and requires no frames to support them. However, these panels are the least efficient, with efficiencies ranging from 6-15%.
Are Solar Panels Waterproof?
Yes! Solar Panels are waterproof, and they work even on rainy days. This is because most solar cells panels are designed to be installed outdoors; it is an absolute requirement for them to handle rain. And since the sunlight still penetrates clouds, your solar panel will still collect sunlight and will be able to convert that sunlight to electricity (albeit at a lower rate).
Things to Consider in Purchasing Solar Panels in Orlando
Even though panels solar are indeed waterproof, there are still a couple of solar cells panels waterproofing to keep in mind based on your priorities:
1. An IP65 solar panel can handle 4.35 lbs/sq. inch (or 30kPa) of pressure from 3.3 gallons (or 12.5 liters) of water per minute for a total of 15 minutes at a distance of 9 and a half feet (or 3m) from a quarter of an inch-sized nozzle (or 6.3mm). Overall, this solar panel is well-suited for areas that receive rain and snow.
2. An IP66 solar panel is stronger than the IP65 solar panel; these can withstand a half-inch nozzle (or 12.5mm) spraying 26 and a half gallons (or 100 liters) of water with a pressure of 14 and a half lbs/sq.inch (or 100kPa) for 3 minutes. Such solar cells panels are recommended for areas that receive slightly stronger rains.
3. An IP67 solar panel is considered one of the higher-end types, able to survive and generate power even while submerged underwater, from 6 inches to 3 and a half feet in depth (or 15 to 100cm). Such Solar Panels may be recommended for businesses or for areas that experience frequent flooding.
4. Meanwhile, an IP68 solar panel can survive on deeper waters than IP67, exceeding past 3 and a quarter feet in depth (or 1 meter). How deep it would go would depend on the manufacturer. This type of solar panel is best for areas that experience severe and deep flooding [5].
Benefits of Having a Solar Panel on Rain and Winter Seasons
A solar panel is great to have in rainy and snowy seasons for a few reasons; one is that, even in these seasons, the sunlight still penetrates the clouds and, thus, can still provide power as it hits your waterproof solar panel. Another is that the solar panel makes up for its low electric output made on sunny days; since the solar energy acquired by your solar panel may not always be used entirely, the excess electricity is fed back to the grid or to a battery. Should the excess electricity be fed back to the grid, your utility company may honor that excess electricity or provide credits (depending on the utility company). Should the excess electricity be stored in a battery, you can use that excess energy on days with little sunlight (or in this case, rainy or snowy days). [6]
Another benefit from these seasons is that the solar panels also get cleaned; rain and melting snow can remove debris such as dust that is in your panels. As this dust blocks some of the photovoltaic cells, the solar panel’s efficiency and power output get reduced. And so, the removal of these dust and particles should improve the solar panel’s output and efficiency[7].
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rain water damage solar panels?
Improper waterproofing of solar panels might allow rain to enter and harm specific parts of it. Rain can also flood the solar panels waterproof, which means that less sunlight will reach the components that interact with the solar energy. On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about this problem because here at Everything Solar, we assure you that our solar panels are installed and waterproofed properly, and we offer a warranty for every solar installation.
Are solar panels still waterproof when there are hurricanes?
Solar panels are designed to survive tough weather conditions; aside from the waterproofing metrics mentioned previously, solar panels are also tested to determine whether they can hold up in severe weather such as hurricanes. This was previously proven by Babcock Ranch, a community that endured Hurricane Ian despite living on mostly solar energy[8].
Is it true that solar panels are dangerous when flooded?
Solar panels gather power even when flooding, regardless of whether there’s power or not. This accumulated power can become a hazard for those who are forced to stay on the roofs of their homes during flooding; as such, one can safely follow the shutdown instructions for their panel, or if they’re not sure how, contact a fully qualified electrician to do so[9].
How can I protect my solar panel from water damage?
Despite water resistance ratings, a solar panel can still get damaged from excess moisture in different ways; as such, you or a professional can inspect these few places:
Back sheet
These are found in almost all solar panels and can be located at the back of the panel; their primary use is to prevent water from entering; however, on entry-level solar panels, these Back sheets may be poorly installed, as such, one can inspect if the back sheet is installed correctly.
Junction Box
This box can be found when one installs multiple solar panels; these boxes collect all the power generated from the panels; and, thus, are also designed to prevent water from entering through a sealant. One should inspect if the sealant is applied properly so as to prevent water ingress.
These are located outside the solar panels, and a frayed, loose, or improperly installed connector can be damaged by water and by excess particles and dust [13] .
In Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels aren’t as fragile as most people think; due to recent technologies and advancements, they have become more reliable and durable for domestic and commercial properties. They are made to withstand everything from everyday occurrences like rain, to harsher conditions like hurricanes or heavy snowfall. Because of these advancements, solar panels are quickly gaining appeal to home and business owners alike.