Monsoon Season and Solar Panels: What You Should Know in Arizona

zjalomari
Aug 5
4 min read

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

Arizona’s monsoon season brings welcome relief from the summer heat — along with high winds, heavy rains, dust storms, and lightning. If you’ve installed, or are considering, solar panel installation in Phoenix, you might wonder: Can solar panels withstand monsoon weather?

The answer is yes — but there are a few important things every Arizona homeowner should know about how monsoon season affects solar panels and how to keep your system protected and performing.

1. Are Solar Panels Built to Withstand Monsoon Conditions?

Yes. High-quality solar panels are built and tested to endure severe weather, including:

Wind speeds up to 140+ mph
Heavy rainfall
Large hail impact
Prolonged UV and heat exposure

Top panel manufacturers meet (and often exceed) IEC durability standards, which simulate extreme weather conditions.

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we only install Tier 1 panels and racking systems that are engineered for Arizona’s climate — including monsoon extremes.

2. What Part of a Solar System Is Most Vulnerable?

While the panels themselves are highly durable, certain components must be properly installed and secured:

Racking and mounting systems: These must be anchored into your roof structure using flashing to prevent uplift during strong winds.
Conduit and wiring: Must be properly sealed and elevated to avoid water intrusion.
Roof penetrations: Should be flashed and sealed professionally to prevent leaks.

Improper installation is the biggest risk — not the weather itself. That’s why choosing a qualified Phoenix solar company is essential.

3. Will My Solar Panels Still Produce Power During Monsoons?

Solar panels continue to generate electricity on cloudy or stormy days, though output will be reduced.

Typical monsoon impacts:

Overcast skies reduce solar input by 20–80% depending on cloud thickness.
Heavy dust may accumulate on panels, lowering efficiency until cleaned or rinsed by rain.
Rainstorms often help clean off dust, briefly boosting performance afterward.

Your system is designed to perform efficiently over the course of the year — so occasional low-output days during monsoon season won’t significantly affect your overall solar savings.

4. What Happens If the Power Goes Out During a Storm?

If your solar system is grid-tied and doesn’t include a battery, it will shut down automatically during a power outage — even if the sun is shining.

This is a safety requirement that protects utility workers during repairs.

To keep your power on during outages, you’ll need solar battery storage, such as a Tesla Powerwall installation in Phoenix. A battery allows you to:

Store excess solar energy
Power your home during outages
Avoid peak electricity rates

Many Arizona homeowners are now adding batteries for backup protection during monsoon-related blackouts.

5. How to Prepare Your Solar System for Monsoon Season

While panels are low-maintenance, it’s smart to take a few precautions before storm season arrives:

Inspect your roof: Ensure there’s no preexisting damage that could lead to leaks.
Clear nearby trees or branches: Prevent debris from falling onto panels or racking.
Check your monitoring system: Verify that your system is reporting production properly.
Schedule a maintenance check: A professional inspection can identify loose wiring or mounting issues before storms hit.

Phoenix Valley Solar offers post-installation support and seasonal maintenance plans to ensure your system performs through every season.

6. Will Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

In most cases, yes. Solar panels are considered part of your home, so they're typically covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Make sure:

Your policy includes solar panel coverage
Your installer provides documentation of panel make, model, and installation date
You have adequate coverage for hail, wind, and water damage

We provide all the paperwork needed for insurance purposes after installation.

Protect Your Solar Investment with a Trusted Installer

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we design and install systems that are:

Structurally engineered for Arizona’s weather
Fully sealed and flashed to prevent roof leaks
Monitored year-round for performance
Covered by strong warranties for both product and workmanship

Our clients throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler trust us to install systems that stand up to the desert — rain or shine.

Schedule a Pre-Monsoon Solar Inspection

Already have solar? Contact us to schedule a roof and system inspection before monsoon season begins. Thinking of going solar? Book a free consultation and get a system designed for year-round durability and performance.