Solar Power During Wildfire Season

Every year it seems that fire season gets more prolonged and more intense. Being based in Sonoma County, California, we’re no stranger to the destruction it can bring. While solar thrives in our sunny state, the solar industry still has to face several challenges in the area, like climate change continuing to raise temperatures, increase dry conditions, and bring forth wildfires that darken the move towards clean energy. 

If you are looking to make the switch to solar, contact us today. At Westcoast Solar Energy, we provide 100% turnkey, reliable, quality solar installations to businesses and residences throughout the Bay Area.

Solar Batteries

With blackouts becoming a possible yearly occurrence, people have been looking for ways to reduce their reliance on the energy grid. We’ve seen an increase in existing solar system owners looking into solar batteries and customer demand for solar plus storage. 

For homeowners that live in areas, like Santa Rosa, with frequent power outages, solar batteries allow a solar system to operate even when the grid is down. The main deterrent of solar batteries is the cost; however, the federal solar tax credit for new installations includes this add-on. 

Congress recently extended the solar investment tax credit to 2023. For commercial and residential solar customers, owners of new, original installations can claim up to 22% of the cost until 2022. In 2024, it is scheduled to be phased out to 10% off commercial solar energy installations without residential solar incentives. 

If you’re looking for more ways to go energy independent, check out these solar-powered devices to include in your emergency preparedness kits

Solar Energy Production During Wildfires

Wildfires are dangerous for a number of reasons. In addition to its effects on our community, wildlife, property, and more, the fires release tremendous amounts of greenhouse gases, excess carbon, and soot into the air. These particles absorb light-producing hazy orange skies and reducing the power generated by solar panels. 

While solar PV systems are capable of gathering sunlight even on the cloudiest of days, there is a reduction of light that can reach the cells when smoke is in the air. The amount of energy that the solar panels can produce while there is smoke in the air decreases, further pushing the need for home solar batteries or generators.

How To Clean Ash Off Solar Panels

If there’s ash on your car’s windshield, it has probably settled on your solar panels as well. This would block sunlight, just like dust, shade, or leaves would and reduce power production. 

Most of the time, ash on solar panels from wildfire smoke is a relatively easy fix. Instead of waiting for the rain, spray down your solar panels with a hose and if the dirt isn’t coming off, check out our solar panel cleaning tips or contact us. Cleaning helps bring the system back to peak energy production. In fact, for most systems, we recommend annual cleaning and maintenance.

Fire-Damaged Solar Panels

Solar panels are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like heat, snow, hail, heavy winds, and more. While they are tough and built to last, solar panels aren’t fireproof. If flames come close to a solar power system, the results are quite different than exposure to long-term hot, humid weather. 

Damage to solar panels might not always be obvious. While it is easy to see scorch marks, melted areas, or cracks, some damage might not be detected with the naked eye. High temperatures might cause cell-level cracks, scratches, heat spots, discoloration, embrittlement, and warped areas. 

Solar cells damaged by fires can reduce energy yield and cause safety issues over time. It is always best to get your solar PV system inspected after a fire or if you are concerned about its energy production. 

Why Go Solar?

We love talking to people about why they might want to go solar. There are plenty of reasons to install solar panels for your home or business, which includes:

• Lower energy costs
• Energy independence
• Increased property values

Another one of our top reasons we support the move to renewable energy is due to climate change being a significant force behind extreme weather and wildfires in Sonoma County. Renewable energy is the future in energy efficiency and environmental protection. 

Curious as to how we can help get you off the grid and achieve energy independence? Give us a call at (707) 664-6450.