After the storm: inspecting a Tampa solar array safely

The critical fact first: a solar module produces voltage whenever light hits it. Damaged wiring in a storm-hit array is live during the day, whether or not the grid is up.

Never do these

• Touch damaged panels, broken glass or exposed conductors
• Walk a wet or debris-covered roof
• Assume a grid outage means the array is de-energized

Safe ground-level checks

Use binoculars or a phone camera zoom from the yard:

1. Modules missing, shifted or lifted at a corner
2. Cracked or shattered glass
3. Conduit pulled loose from the roof or wall
4. Wiring hanging below the array
5. Damage to the inverter or disconnect enclosure
6. Debris impact marks on the roof around the array

Then

If you see any of the above, shut the system down at the AC disconnect if it is safe and dry to reach, and call your installer. If wiring is exposed or you smell burning, call the utility.

Documentation for insurance

Photograph everything before cleanup, including debris position. Note the date and time. Pull the production graph from your monitoring app — a timestamped drop to zero is strong evidence of when damage occurred. Our insurance claim guide covers how solar interacts with a Florida roof claim.

Prevention

Most Florida array damage is secondary — a tree limb or someone else's debris, not wind on the modules. Trimming overhanging limbs before the season is the highest-value thing you can do. See hurricanes and solar panels in Florida.

Talk it through with a Tampa crew

Origin is a Tampa-based solar, roofing, battery and electrical contractor (Florida license EC13012465). Start with the quick questionnaire, read the Tampa solar install page, or book a consultation — in person, virtual, or a call back.