Solar Panel Protection

Landpaddler

 Last fall we took a two week trip from Utah to Wisconsin and Minnesota. On our way over in Rapid City we ran into a hailstorm and it ruined solar panel. The rest of the trip was difficult because we are always trying to manage power. Insurance covered it and we had our local tag dealer put on a bigger panel but we also decided to start carrying protection for the solar panels. It consists of a heavy duty 4 x 6 tarp, four suction cups and two pool noodles.  You slide the noodles under the tarp after you put it on

Sharon_is_SAM

Really good idea.  Some areas of the country are more prone to large hail.  I always thought we can use our large tent rug over our TaB.  A serious hail storm would probably just shred our sun shelters.

ragtag2

@Landpaddler, thanks for raising awareness to hailstorm damage prevention in up -coming endeavours.

How big were the stones? Just wondering when I should start getting really concerned…

Looking at your photos I wonder if it makes a difference which direction/way the pool noodles are placed?

Love the geckos!

Landpaddler

@ragtag2, seems like the bigger pieces were around the size of a quarter. I been going from side to side with the pool noodles. I’m still experimenting. I think the heavy duty tarp alone will make some difference, but it would be nice to slow it down a little bit before impact. 

DCN082162

Clever idea, do you have links to the parts?

Landpaddler

@DCN082162 I don’t have the links, but they’re pretty easy to find on Amazon. I think the tarp was 18 mil,

GulfCoast

It looks like the tarp is resting on the surface of the solar panel in places. Will it be adequate to absorb the impact of hailstones and prevent damage to the panels? 

Landpaddler

@GulfCoast i’m not sure, I am considering a third noodle.

MountainMadness

For those without a solar panel and looking to install a new one I ordered CIGS panels from Mia Sole.  4x80w panels fit on the roof.  They are impact resistant, as the cells aren't prone to cracking like flexible mono panels.  There are test videos of CIGS panels being driven on, shot through, scratched and they don't loose any real world performance.  Not cheap, but peace of mind if in a hail storm.