Covering a solar panel might seem like madness.
They need to be exposed and uncovered to work, otherwise, how will sunlight reach your solar cells?
And to be honest, most of the time you won’t want to put anything over your panel to disrupt energy production.
But what if you’re looking to add protection?
Then a solar panel protective cover makes complete sense, especially if you’re not using your system or there’s bad weather, like hail, on the forecast.
As these are durable weatherproof pieces of equipment, it can be hard to find a suitable cover for your solar panel.
That’s why I thought it was helpful to write this article to give you a complete look at protecting solar panels including the best solar panel protective covers available.
Do You Need to Cover Solar Panels?
It is not essential to cover solar panels even when they are not in use.
As you would expect, traditional home solar panels are designed for outdoor use, all year round. They are built with aluminum frames and tempered glass which means they’ll have no problems fending off snow, rain, wind, and even hail. And they should last for decades!
That being said, you still might want to cover your solar panels to help them last longer if you are not using them. Adding to this, flexible or portable panels might need extra protection when used on vehicles, boats, and long trips.
So while you don’t need to cover solar panels, many people do to help reduce risks of damage and degradation.
What to Look for in a Solar Panel Protective Cover?
When looking for a solar panel cover there are a number of concerns to take into account. This generally consists of what you are trying to protect your equipment from including water, dirt, rust, people, and impact.
- Waterproofing – This will keep water off your solar panels which also helps to prevent rust. You might want to guard against rain and sea water.
- Reduce Impact – Heavy impact is one of the most common damages to solar panels. Even the strongest equipment can smash with enough force. Covers can help to stop anything falling on your panel.
- People – Many people place solar panels where people can access them such as on boat decks. Using a cover can help to stop accidental damage from footsteps, drops and falls.
- Avoid Dirt – If you don’t use your panel all the time a snug cover helps to stop dirt from building up. This means less cleaning!
7 Solar Panel Protective Cover Ideas
Whatever you reason for covering your solar panels, it can be hard to find a suitable protective cover. This is because most manufacturers don’t create anything to do the job! Let’s go through the best items to use as a cover.
1. Tarpaulin
A simple tarpaulin will do a brilliant job of protecting your solar panel from the elements. It will keep them dry and help to stop the build-up of leaves and dirt. Adding to this they are easy to get hold of in various sizes whether you need 1m² or 10m2. Then you can simply secure the tarp with string or bungee cords. The main downside to this is that there will be no impact resistance from any falling objects. Plus they don’t look very appealing!
2. Canvas
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, then consider a heavy-duty canvas. It has similar qualities as a tarp but looks a lot more sophisticated. You can easily find waterproof and UV-proof canvases in a wide range of colors. Adding to this, they come with rust-proof eyelets to easily fasten down over your panels. Of course, you get waterproofing and protection from dirt. Thanks to the heavy-duty design, you get extra padding to protect from impact.
3. Plastic Covering of Methacrylate
You probably know methacrylate by a brand name like Plexiglass. It is one of the most common ways to add a protective layer to a solar panel. It allows you to cover your equipment with a layer of heat-treated plastic to protect against heavy impacts like large hailstones. The great thing is that your solar panels will still work when covered in Plexiglass! Light can still pass through the plastic to hit your solar cells. Installation can take a little while, involving cutting and drilling into place. But once complete you won’t need to touch them again. You can sleep easy knowing you’ve got an extra guarding layer.
4. Sunbrella Marine Fabric
This is a great one for those with smaller solar panels on boats. If you’re willing to do a little sewing, you can create a custom cover. Using Marine fabric is a good option for this as it is waterproof, UV resistant, and easy to clean. It is also designed to be easily cuttable and sewable. You can make it the perfect dimensions to cover your equipment when not in operation.
5. Solar Panel Bag
If you have portable solar panels then investing in a cover is very highly recommended. You can either use a soft canvas/nylon bag or a hardshell case. Your case will help to guard against scratches, drops, falls, and liquid. When moving your equipment it can easily get damaged. Solar panel bags are waterproofed and cushioned which means you can store and transport everything safely.
6. Get a Portable Solar Panel
Worried about leaving a solar panel outside? Get yourself a portable solar panel. As we just discussed you can get bags to store them and reduce the risk of damage. Adding to this, the beauty of portable solar panels is that you can bring them inside your home or vehicle when not in use. This means it will be protected from bad weather that leads to damage. They are very popular on vehicles like RVs and boats where space is limited. You can set your panel up in the sun to take advantage of peak sunlight. Then when you need it, it can be packed away to create space and avoid damage.
7. Wire Netting
Adding a layer of wire netting is a way to cover your solar panels with a protective layer without blocking sunlight out completely. It will reduce performance when casting a shadow on solar cells but can be useful to keep animals and falling objects away. For example, birds can often land on or next around rooftop panels. Using a net cover will help to stop birds from getting on or under your system.
Will a Solar Panel Work When Covered?
If you starve a solar panel of sunlight it will not work. That means completely covering a solar panel will stop it from producing electricity. Covers like tarps, canvas, and bags will stop any electricity production.
You can use covers that still allow your panels to work. Light transmissible material, like Plexiglass, adds a layer of protection while still allowing sunlight to hit the cells. Performance will still be reduced a few percent as it is one more layer for sunlight to pass through.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Covering Solar Panels
You might still be considering whether using a cover is right for you. Let’s go through the pros and cons.
Benefits of Covering Solar Panels
- Increase lifespan
- Reduce risk of impact and smashing from falling object
- Stop hail damage
- Protect from salt water
- Avoid dirt and grime build up (Less cleaning)
- Safely store and transport
Cons of Covering Solar Panels
- Won’t produce any electricity
- They are durable pieces of equipment
- Already waterproof and rustproof
- Can be an unnecessary expense
Should You Keep Solar Panels Covered When Installing Them?
You do not need to keep solar panels covered when installing them. Most panels only produce 12V and have MC4 connectors so there is no risk of electrocution.
When connecting solar panels in series, you might consider covering as the voltage will increase which might cause an electric shock. If you are not sure what you are doing then consult a professional.
The main risks will arise when working on wiring around the inverter which steps up the voltage to 120V or 240V.
Should You Cover Solar Panels When Disconnected?
It is helpful to place a cover over a solar panel when disconnecting it. This will stop it from producing any electricity and remove any electrocution risks. Once again, a single 12V solar panel will not shock you anyway as the voltage is not high enough. It is when the panels are connected in series and the voltage increases that you need to be more careful.
Final Words on Solar Panel Covers
In normal circumstances, you don’t need to cover solar panels.
Of course, there’s always an exception to the rule and it can have benefits.
You might want to increase its lifespan, reduce dirt build-up when not in use, or transport your equipment.
It is hard to find specific covers for solar panels as they are durable outdoor pieces of equipment.
This means your best bet is to use durable tarps, canvas, or Plexiglass to give you an additional guarding layer.
If you’re wondering about hail, then read my guide to Protecting Your Solar Panel Against Hail.
