Will Santa's Sleigh Affect Your Solar Panels This Christmas?

In this joyous festive season, the whimsical notion of Santa Claus traversing the night sky in his sleigh brings joy to the hearts of the young and the old. However, for those with solar panels adorning their rooftops, concern arises. Will Santa’s sleigh impact your solar panels?  

At Penrith Solar Centre, we want you and yours to feel confident in your solar purchase. When it comes to holiday considerations, we have factored in ALL possibilities. This extends to Santa, his sleigh, and his reindeer. 

In this article, we'll explore considerations that homeowners with solar panels might be concerned about. Such as: 

  • Will the Weight of Santa’s Sleigh Break Your Solar Panels? 

  • Will Reindeer Hooves Scratch Your Solar Panels? 

  • Won’t the Sleigh Lifting Off Cause the Panels to Come Loose? 

  • What are the Potential Risks of Santa Landing on Your Solar Panels? 

By the end of this article, you’ll be aware and prepared for anything and everything that could happen to your solar system.  

 

Will the Weight of Santa’s Sleigh Break My Panels?

Santa’s sled flying over solar panels - Source: Penrith Solar Centre

Santa's sleigh and eight tiny reindeer may land on different parts of your roof, including areas with solar panels. Because of this, you’ll want to consider the durability of your solar panels, of course, but the quality of the installation generally matters more in this instance. The quality of your installation will provide reassurance about the potential impact of Santa’s sleigh.  

Our solar panels are securely installed by our expert in-house team. Being “in-house” means that we take care of you from your initial inquiry to helping you fulfil warranty claims. For more information on in-house installation at Penrith Solar Centre, you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs Subcontractors: Which is Better? 

The solar system installations we do are not only sturdy but can also support the weight of a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. The sleigh and reindeer won't pose any risk of damage to your panels. Your roof however might be another story. What type of roofing material do you have on your home? Some are more delicate than others – Terracotta tiles for instance. 

At Penrith Solar Centre, we work with all types of roofing material types. In fact, you might want to read our article, How Does Your Roof Affect Your Installation? 

 

Reindeer on solar panels - Source: Penrith Solar Centre

Will the Reindeer’s Hooves Scratch My Panels?

The concern about reindeer hooves potentially scratching solar panels is a valid one. Reindeer hooves, like those of many animals, harden in winter. Quality solar panels, like the Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels that we install, are robust. They are constructed to withstand various impacts, including hailstorms and debris falling from trees. While reindeer hooves might not be the typical concern for homeowners, ensuring your panels are of good quality adds an extra layer of protection against any unexpected interactions. 

We want to assure you that our solar panels are built to be strong. They can withstand impacts, such as an Australian weather event. If your panels can handle that, rest assured they can handle a gentle landing from Santa's reindeer. They are, after all, tiny. 

 

Won’t the Sleigh Lifting Off Cause the Panels to Come Loose?

Santa jumping roof to roof - Source: Unknown

As Santa departs for the next house on his list, you might be asking yourself: could the motion from his sleigh cause the solar panels to come loose? Solar panels are designed to withstand high winds, even up to hurricane-strength gales up to 180 kilometres per hour. Santa's departure, though swift, won't generate enough force to dislodge your panels. There's no need to worry about waking up on Christmas morning to find your solar panels mysteriously scattered across the yard. 

But if you are concerned about your panels blowing loose, now is a good time to mention that we use Schletter mounting systems for all our installations. They are sturdy, they are secure, and they’re the best in the business which is why we trust them. 

 

Santa peeking behind Enphase battery - Source: Penrith Solar Centre

Avoiding the Potential Risks of Santa Landing on Your Solar Panels

Does Santa absolutely have to land on your solar panels? Probably not. There might be landing areas on your roof that you, working with your solar installer, left alone for different reasons. 

Because you’re a smart customer and asked the right questions about where to install solar panels on your roof, you probably worked with your installer to evaluate your energy consumption patterns. This conversation naturally led to a decision about where to install your solar panels on your roof to maximise their efficiency. Some on the north roof face, of course, but probably you’ve got most of them on your eastern and western roof faces. This leaves room on most homes for the sleigh to land on the southern-facing swatch of your roof. 

But that’s not always the best place for a sleigh, because that is (in some circumstances) a pretty great place to install solar panels. If you’re interested in learning more about this counter-intuitive approach to installing solar and why it’s a good option, check out the following article titled, Can You Install Solar Panels on a South-facing Roof in Australia? 

 

Your Panels Will Be Fine

Penrith Solar Centre Team with Santa Hats - Source: Penrith Solar Centre

It’s good to acknowledge the unpredictable nature of Santa's sleigh landing. While solar panels are designed for durability, it's wise to recognize the whimsical and unpredictable elements associated with Santa's magical journey. 

There's no need to invest in special coatings or treatments for your solar panels to protect them from the holiday festivities. Solar panels are durable and can weather various conditions – even Santa and his 8 tiny reindeer. Save your money for more meaningful investments. 

And while we're on the topic of savings, consider the long-term benefits of solar energy, not only for the environment but for your wallet too.  

Penrith Solar Centre wishes you a Merry Christmas and a night filled with joy, secure in the knowledge that your solar panels will remain intact throughout the holiday season. 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!