Renewable energies have become incredibly popular . . .
But not just solar energy for people’s homes.
American farms and ranches have also benefited from renewables.
In fact, from 2012 – 2017, the number of renewable energy systems on farms doubled.
Farmers and ranchers are converting to solar and wind energies, realizing their advantages for food production and energy efficiency.
In particular, farming and ranching businesses have been adopting solar energy in droves.
Why?
Because solar installations have become increasingly affordable in recent years.
And, with solar power, you have the opportunity to:
- Significantly reduce your operational costs
- Boost your profits
- Get a return on your investment
- Break your dependency on the power grid
- Send excess power back to your utility company for credits
- Receive tax credits
However, one concern for farmers who must deal with extreme weather – which we see in the Southeast – is whether solar panels and water can co-exist.
More specifically, can solar panels can survive floods?
Solar companies are examining this issue – they’re working on the best installation plans and safety practices to navigate weather-related challenges.
Let’s take a look.
Risk Mitigation Practices for Solar Panels and Water
Solar providers’ top priority is mitigating the risk of damage during flooding and building resilience.
Floods will take down an electrical grid, but solar provides some unique ways of skirting these issues.
What is solar’s superpower?
The placement of a solar system.
It may sound a little underwhelming at first.
But solar systems have mounting and racking options that hold advantages over standard power grid choices.
Building for Efficiency and Resilience
Small farms and agricultural businesses with barns and outbuildings have a unique benefit.
They can install solar panels on rooftops.
This practice keeps panels out of harm’s way and protects against flooding.
As long as severe floods don’t reach rooftops or damage wiring systems, your solar panels will continue to power your home and operations.
Even better, if you lose power in a storm, with battery backup and an inverter, you continue to produce energy from your solar panels.
Keep in mind that electrical wiring on a solar system may take a hit if the inverter becomes waterlogged.
However, the unique ability to install these rooftop systems to avoid flood damage gives you peace of mind.
Designing Durable Systems
So, are solar panels durable?
Actually, they’re robustly manufactured to withstand extreme conditions.
How exactly?
High-quality solar panels have protective glass casings, vacuum-sealed back panels, and durable aluminum frames to prevent water damage.
Also, mounting and racking provide flexibility, designed for efficiency and sustainability, based on your location and climate.
Anticipating Climate Change
According to Solar Power World, future solar technologies will raise panel heights.
This will benefit ground mounts that need to be raised higher off the ground.
They also aim to re-direct flood channels to protect ground mounts located in flood plains.
This new, holistic vision is needed for solar energy with sturdy storage systems to lead the energy-independence movement.
Additionally, solar developers are researching advanced weather forecasting to minimize the impact of extreme weather events on solar systems.
All this bodes well for farmers and ranchers who want to avoid costly interruptions to their operations.
Manage the Balance of Solar Panels and Water with Expert Support
Unbound Solar® has been a leader in finding solar solutions for operational needs for nearly 30 years.
Our mission is to help individuals achieve energy independence and slash your farm or ranch’s costs.
Moreover, once your system is installed, we give you free, lifetime support.
Contact us today!
We’d love to find a solar solution for you.
