If you’re debating getting solar panels, then you probably want to know how cost effective they are going to be. Aside from working out how much money they will save you on your energy bills, you should also consider the durability of the panels you install.

As solar panels will constantly be exposed to the elements, it is essential that they are hardwearing and won’t be damaged by the weather. When choosing your solar panels, it is important that you check for resistance to the following weather conditions.

Rain and Snow

Most solar panels won’t be affected by water from rain or light snow, but they will be blocked from accessing sunlight if there is a particularly heavy snowfall. While the majority of the UK rarely experiences lots of snow, northern areas and remote locations that can receive a heavy downfall should plan ways to safely remove any build up from the panels to maximise their sun exposure.

Read about how to look after your photovoltaic tiles.

Strong winds

With both coastal and inland areas in the UK experiencing extremely strong winds over the past couple of winters, it is essential that your solar panels are resistant to strong winds. Gales and strong winds can potentially damage and remove poorly fitted solar panels, so choose photovoltaics like Metrotile’s as these are built into the roof tile which is securely fitted to the roof. When fitted correctly, Metrotile’s roofing can withstand extreme winds and have been tested in cyclone conditions.

Fair Isle Bird Observatory

Metrotile’s photovoltaic roof tiles are regularly used in areas that are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Our photovoltaic tiles were installed at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, an island that is detached from the National Grid and experiences strong winds. The tiles were chosen because of their durability, power generation, and because they are lightweight so were easy and quick to transport.

If you’d like some more information about our photovoltaic tile, please get in touch with a member of our team by calling 01249 658514.