Is Your Solar System Ready for Hurricane Season in Palm Beach County?

Bottom Line Up Front: As hurricane season approaches Palm Beach County, homeowners with solar systems need to ensure their installations are hurricane-ready and equipped with battery backup. With the federal solar tax credit ending December 31, 2025, now is the critical time to upgrade or install solar systems with proper hurricane preparedness features.

The 2024 hurricane season was one of the most active on record, with 18 named storms and five major hurricanes making landfall along the Gulf Coast. There were 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five of them - all making landfall in the Gulf Coast - were considered major storms of a Category 3 or above. As we prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, Palm Beach County residents need to ask themselves a crucial question: Is my solar system truly ready to weather the storm?

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters More Than Ever

Recent hurricanes tested Florida's solar power systems and proved to be a great help. During Hurricane Helene, many homes lost electricity for days. But those with solar power and battery storage kept the lights on. The same thing happened during Hurricane Milton, which caused flooding and knocked out power for many. These real-world tests demonstrate that properly prepared solar systems don't just survive hurricanes-they provide life-saving backup power when the grid fails.

Palm Beach County, along with St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties, sits in a particularly vulnerable zone. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the peak occurring around the middle of September. For the estimated 12 million people served by Florida Power & Light across these counties, having a resilient energy backup system isn't just convenient-it's essential.

Solar Panel Wind Resistance: Built to Withstand Category 4 Storms

Modern solar panels installed in Florida are engineered to survive extreme weather. In most of Southwest Florida, the ultimate design wind speed is 160 mph. In Collier County there is a large area that requires 170 mph, and Marco Island is 172 mph. To put this in perspective, these ratings exceed the wind speeds of most Category 3 hurricanes and many Category 4 storms.

Florida Building Code Requirements:

• In many parts of Florida, building codes require any solar installation to be designed to stand up to 160 MPH winds.

• Panels used in our area are typically rated at or above 4000 Pascals (83.5 pounds per square foot). That's more than 1,500 pounds of force on a panel before it is destroyed!

• The panels are also hail resistant and must pass a test of a 1" hail stone hitting the panel at 60 miles per hour.

The reality is reassuring: your solar panel array is strong enough that anything that is going to damage a panel (or the array) is going to damage the roof and/or rest of the house even more.

The Critical Role of Battery Storage During Hurricanes

While solar panels themselves are built to survive hurricanes, having battery storage transforms your system from weather-resistant to truly storm-ready. If electricity goes out thanks to a powerful storm, having storage will allow you to keep vital lighting, medical equipment, and other essentials powered up in a hurricane's aftermath.

Key Battery Benefits During Storms:

• Continuous power for essential appliances when the grid fails

• Ability to recharge during sunny periods between storm bands

• Independence from utility restoration timelines

• Critical support for medical devices and communication equipment

By charging your battery before a storm hits, you can rest assured that you'll have a supply of backup power to run essential appliances even if your city is in a blackout. This pre-storm preparation is crucial because solar electrical systems won't charge as rapidly on cloudy days, and hurricanes bring extensive cloud cover.

Coastal Climate Challenges: Salt Air and Corrosion Protection

Living in Palm Beach County's coastal environment presents unique challenges for solar installations. The coastal wind and waves can send sea spray well over 100 meters inland, so we recommend panels are corrosion resistant if they are installed within 200 metres of the of the beach.

Salt Air Protection Standards: Reputable solar panels meet the IEC 61701 certification for salt mist corrosion resistance. To receive a level 6 rating panels have to survive 112 days of testing that simulates decades of exposure to a salty environment with less than 2% decline in power output. This highest-level certification ensures your investment remains protected in Palm Beach County's marine environment.

Maintenance Requirements in Coastal Areas:

• Thoroughly check the entire installation at least twice a year. Once a quarter is even better!

• Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the panels thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual detergent or salt buildup.

• Regular inspection of mounting hardware and electrical connections for signs of corrosion

Time-Sensitive Opportunity: Federal Tax Credit Ending Soon

Here's critical news for Palm Beach County homeowners considering solar upgrades: The "Big Beautiful Bill" passed the House and heads to Trump's desk, ending the 30% residential solar credit after 2025. This means December 31, 2025, is the final deadline to secure the federal solar tax credit worth thousands of dollars.

What This Means:

• Homeowners have until December 31, 2025 to pay for or install solar panels and lock in the 30% federal tax credit-an average of $9,000 in savings.

• After January 1, 2026, the residential solar tax credit disappears entirely

• Battery storage systems also qualify for the 30% credit when installed with solar panels

• Commercial solar projects maintain different incentives through 2028

Florida's Solar Boom: Why Now Is the Right Time

Despite the looming tax credit deadline, Florida continues leading the nation in solar adoption. Through the first three quarters of 2024, Florida has installed a second-in-the-nation 3.1 gigawatts of solar capacity, nearly matching the state record-setting 3.2 gigawatts installed in the state in 2023.

Local Solar Growth: Florida Power and Light is constructing five new solar energy centers in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. This utility-scale expansion demonstrates the region's commitment to clean energy, but homeowners need personal resilience through rooftop solar and battery storage.

Regional Advantages:

• Stuart, Florida, enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar energy generation. With over 230 sunny days annually, residents and businesses can harness solar power to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower electricity bills.

• Florida's net metering policies provide full retail credit for excess energy

• Florida has a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar panel systems.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Solar Owners

Before Hurricane Season:

1. System Inspection: Have Blue Energy Electric perform a comprehensive inspection of mounting hardware, electrical connections, and panel integrity

2. Battery Upgrade: If you don't have battery storage, consider adding our SI-30 battery backup systems before the season peaks

3. Tree Trimming: Remove overhanging branches that could damage panels during high winds

4. Documentation: Photograph your system for insurance purposes and store documentation safely

Storm Approach Protocol:

1. Charge Batteries: Charge your solar and storage system before the storm hits. This step is key.

2. Secure Loose Items: Remove any objects near panels that could become projectiles

3. Monitor Weather: Track storm progress through reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center

4. Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have backup communication devices and emergency supplies

Post-Storm Assessment:

1. Visual Inspection: Check for obvious damage before attempting system restart

2. Professional Evaluation: Contact Blue Energy Electric for post-storm system assessment

3. Insurance Claims: Document any damage immediately for insurance processing

4. Grid Reconnection: Allow professional reconnection to utility grid when power is restored

Blue Energy Electric: Your Hurricane-Ready Solar Partner

Founded by industry veterans David Scherich and Michael Kerr, Blue Energy Electric has installed over 2 million watts of solar capacity across Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties. Our expertise in coastal Florida installations ensures your system is built to withstand whatever Mother Nature delivers.

Our Hurricane-Ready Services:

• Solar Photovoltaic: Hurricane-rated panels meeting Florida Building Code requirements

• Battery Backup Storage: SI-30 and other advanced battery systems for extended power independence

• Solar Panel Cleaning: Coastal-specific maintenance to remove salt deposits

• Solar Maintenance and Repair: Post-storm assessment and repair services

• Residential Solar Panels: Custom solutions designed for Palm Beach County's unique conditions

• Commercial Solar Panels: Business continuity through resilient solar design

The Economics of Hurricane-Ready Solar

Even without federal incentives, solar remains financially attractive in Florida. Marketplace Report shows solar prices hit a record low of $2.50 per watt in the second half of 2024. However, the current 30% tax credit makes 2025 the optimal time to invest.

Financial Considerations:

• Average system cost: $28,160 before incentives

• With 30% tax credit: Approximately $20,000 final cost

• Without tax credit (2026+): Full $28,160 cost

• Potential savings: $8,000+ by acting before December 31, 2025

Additionally, Florida is set to receive $350 million in federal funds for home energy rebates in 2025, which will help households improve energy efficiency.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

During extreme weather events like hurricanes, homes equipped with solar energy and battery storage can stay powered even when the grid goes down. This is a crucial advantage in regions like ours, where storms can cause widespread outages for days or even weeks.

Climate scientists predict increasingly intense hurricane seasons, making energy independence more valuable than ever. Your solar investment today provides:

• Immediate Savings: Lower electricity bills starting with installation

• Storm Resilience: Backup power during outages

• Property Value: Increased home value without property tax penalties

• Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon footprint and cleaner air

• Energy Security: Protection against rising utility rates

Taking Action Before It's Too Late

With hurricane season approaching and the federal tax credit deadline looming, time is of the essence. A more resilient grid is essential in the face of climate change, and solar power offers an effective solution.

Don't wait until the next storm approaches to discover your energy vulnerabilities. Blue Energy Electric's team of experts can assess your property, design a hurricane-ready system, and complete installation before both hurricane season peaks and the tax credit expires.

Ready to cut your energy costs and gain storm resilience? Contact Blue Energy Electric today or call 772-232-6594 to get started. Our team specializes in custom solar solutions tailored for Palm Beach County's unique coastal environment, ensuring your family stays powered through whatever storms lie ahead.

Explore our complete range of hurricane-ready solar solutions and schedule your free consultation before the December 31, 2025 deadline. Your energy independence-and your family's safety-depends on the decisions you make today.