My home is on a golf course and golf balls hit the roof often. I noted that, in most cases, solar energy units are on the roof.
My home is on a golf course and golf balls hit the roof often. I noted that, in most cases, solar energy units are on the roof.
Do the golf balls damage your roof? If they damage your roof, then they will most likely damage the panels. But most panels are tested to withstand force and some are even tested with golf balls. I agree, you should contact the potential solar panel manufacturer to see if this would negate the warranty.
You could install a wall of netting at your property line. Also this would make your home safer.
Solar panels to heat pool water or to supply hot water for your home might make economic sense.
Solar panels to make electricity do not make sense unless 1) you live in a place with lots of sunshine like Arizona, 2) you get a subsidize or 3) your cost per KW-HR for the power company is extremely high.
your built quality of solar panel should be good it will survive.
You can put up chicken mesh protective shields. They will reduce some of the final output of the panels, but they are a method that would give them some degree of protection, and at a minimum take some significant power out of any impact that might break through.
The real question is how long do you plan to live there. The way your question is phrased it sounds like a move might be in the offing inthe near future- in which case, certainly hold off unless you plan to do a total system that makes it possible for the house to be taken off grid. In which case it could very well be a selling point.
The other option, if the course is to your north, is to mount the panels on the south wall of the building, or at ground level on the south side of the building.
This way you do not need to worry about the impacts
As Eric stated, they are usually rated to withstand abuse. However, you should inquire about warranty service, just in case. Keep in mind, though, that should in brake for any reason, the efficiency rating will plummet. Any defect in a cell renders it nearly useless
Solar panels are usually rated to withstand golf-ball-sized hail:
"Many solar-electric modules and solar hot water collectors are made with tempered glass. Under standard test conditions they will withstand hail up to one inch in diameter, traveling at 50 miles per hour."
Of course before you move forward, I’d talk to your installer about this.
(how do your windows hold up?)
According to the guy I’ve used for solar, they wouldn’t recommend it. Chances are most of the times it wouldn’t have enough impact, but when it does you’ll be out a pretty penny. The warranty would not cover it. Your home insurance MIGHT but you’ll be worried about it constantly.