Palm Beach County Contractors

Panels That Stay Put

Solar panels on the roof during a hurricane - what could go wrong? Compare ballasted vs attached mounting systems and see which survives Palm Beach County's 170 mph winds.

Calculate Wind Loads Compare Systems

Attached vs Ballasted Systems

In hurricane country, how you attach solar panels matters more than the panels themselves.

Mechanically Attached

Hurricane Zone Standard

Bolted directly to roof structure
Handles 170 mph without extra roof load
No storm prep needed - panels stay
Works on any roof slope
Requires roof penetrations (proper flashing critical)

Ballasted (Weighted)

Limited in Hurricane Zones

No roof penetrations
Easy to reposition or remove
15+ psf ballast needed for 170 mph - often too heavy
Only works on flat or very low slope roofs
May require structural reinforcement

Tilt Angle Impact

See how panel tilt angle affects wind loads and energy production.

Tilt Angle Calculator

Panel Tilt Angle 15 degrees

Design Wind Speed 170 mph

Net Wind Pressure

psf

Energy Production

% optimal

Recommended
OK
for hurricane zone

Common Questions

Real answers about solar wind loads.

Rarely. Ballasted systems rely on weight to resist uplift. At 170 mph design wind speeds, the required ballast weight often exceeds what the roof structure can support. Most Palm Beach County roofs need mechanically attached solar systems that anchor directly to the structure.

Significantly. Lower tilt angles (5-10 degrees) have lower wind loads than steep tilts (25+ degrees). In hurricane zones, many designers limit tilt to 10-15 degrees to reduce loads. Flat panels flush to the roof have the lowest wind loads but produce less energy.

No - if properly designed and installed. Solar systems engineered for Palm Beach County's 170 mph wind speeds should stay in place. Systems not designed for local codes may need removal, but this is impractical and indicates improper design.

Roof penetrations from attached solar can void warranties unless the roofer approves. Some attachment systems use clamps instead of penetrations for standing seam roofs. Ballasted systems avoid penetrations but may not work in high wind zones. Always coordinate with your roofer.