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Solar and Midwest Storms

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Solar and Storms in the Midwest - What Missouri & Illinois Homeowners and Business Owners Need to Know

If you live or own a business in Missouri or Illinois, you already know – Midwest weather doesn’t play around. Tornadoes, snowstorms, hail, ice, and high winds are a regular part of life. And when the power goes out, it’s more than just inconvenient – it can be costly and even dangerous.

At Advanced Renewable Concepts, we’ve been hearing the same questions from homeowners and business owners across the region:

  • Will solar panels survive hail or high winds?

  • Can solar keep my fridge or heat running during an outage?

  • What happens when snow covers my solar panels?

We sat down with two of our team members, Angelo and David, to answer these questions and share real insight into how solar actually performs during extreme weather events.

Do Solar Panels Work When the Power Goes Out?

Short answer: not without a battery.

Most solar systems are grid-tied, which means they shut off when the utility grid goes down – this is required by the National Electric Code to protect linemen working to restore power. But if you pair solar with a battery backup system, you can keep essential systems like your fridge, freezer, or medical devices powered.

And for those who want full-home coverage during an extended outage? That’s where a standby generator or a larger battery array comes into play. We often install solar + battery + generator systems to ensure complete peace of mind – especially in rural or storm-prone areas of southern Illinois and central Missouri.

What Happens When It Snows?

It’s normal for solar panels to show zero production when they’re covered by snow or ice. That doesn’t mean they’re broken – they’re just temporarily blocked. Once the sun returns, panels naturally heat up and shed snow.

Even in months like January, when we’ve seen solar output dip due to snow coverage, our estimates account for this. Your solar savings are still strong across the year, with spring and summer months producing up to twice the energy as winter.

Will My Panels Survive Hail and Tornadoes?

Most modern solar panels are tested to withstand hail up to golf-ball size and are rated for high wind loads. When installed correctly, solar panels are secured to your roof with reinforced racking that’s often stronger than the roof itself.

In fact, we’ve seen storm damage hit areas around the array while the solar panels remain untouched – even protecting the shingles beneath them. And yes, tornadoes are a different story, but if your roof is ripped off, the panels are the least of your worries.

Not Every Roof is Right for Solar and That’s Okay

We’re not here to sell solar to everyone. Some homes are heavily shaded or poorly positioned, and the investment won’t make sense. Part of our job is to help you figure that out up front – honestly.

Protect What Matters in Illinois and Missouri

Storms aren’t letting up. Electricity rates are rising. Whether you’re in St. Louis, Springfield, Belleville, or Carbondale – solar with the right backup solution can offer real protection and long-term savings.

We’re an approved vendor for Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) and Illinois Shines, serving both homeowners and commercial clients. We install everything with our own in-house team – no contractors, no excuses.

Want to learn more about how to keep your home or business running when the grid goes down? 

Call us today at (888)434-3546

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