What happens when a 57 foot maple tree falls on your solar array?

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Jun 26, 2010

Well, not much, apparently. Early in June 2010 a puff of wind from an odd direction was enough to topple this rather large example of its species straight over onto our roof, and from a location that is 8 feet higher than grade at the back of our home.  It happened at night, and after ascertaining the points of impact we examined the Sanyo HIP 190-BA3 PV module that received the impact of one of four main branches that clobbered the roof. Fortunately the module bent but did not break.  It remains so now, although I will probably brace it from underneath to encourage it to return to its original shape.  Meanwhile, it is still producing! 

After we limbed it a bit, you could see where it landed. Much of the tree landed on four PV modules.

About The Author - Jeremy Smithson

Started Puget Sound Solar in 2001 with 30 years of construction contracting experience, and a desire to turn Seattle on to solar energy. Achieving NABCEP certification in 2004, Jeremy believes that our customers often follow a path similar to the one he took, starting out with solar daydreaming, then progressing to education on the subject, and eventually leading to action. In addition to leading the company he also does some teaching and speaking engagements about various aspects of solar energy, and experiments relentlessly with various solar, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle projects.

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