Post-Hurricane Performance Assessment: Z Rack Solar Installation

1. Executive Summary:

This report details the performance of a Z Rack solarphotovoltaic (PV) installation at the subject property following the impact ofHurricane Milton in October 2024. Despite severe weather conditions, includingCategory 3 hurricane-force winds and significant rainfall, the Z Rack systemdemonstrated exceptional resilience and structural integrity, remaining fullyoperational once grid power was restored.

2. Hurricane Milton Overview & Local Impact:

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm,bringing severe weather to St. Petersburg, FL.

Wind Speeds: The areaexperienced major hurricane-strength winds, with peak gusts recorded at 120 mphin parts of St. Petersburg. The Z Rack system at the subject property enduredsustained winds of approximately 102 mph with gusts up to 120 mph.

Rainfall: Catastrophic flashflooding occurred, with over 18 inches of rain reported in St. Petersburg.

General Damage: The hurricanecaused widespread damage in the region, leading to extended power outages.Tragically, two fatalities were confirmed in St. Petersburg.

Storm Path:

Figure 1: Hurricane Miltoncategory and wind path from Oct 2024. The star is Z Rack installation.

3. Z Rack System Performance:

The Z Rack solar installation exhibited no signs of damageor failure due to Hurricane Milton's impact.

Structural Integrity:

Figure 2: Photo showing roof shingle ripped off the roof due to Hurricane Milton.

In contrast, the image below clearly shows the Z Rack solar racking and modules remained secure and undamaged, even in areas where adjacent shingles were compromised.

Figure 3: Photo showing roof shingle ripped off the roof dueto Hurricane Milton but Z Rack solar rack and modules are perfectly fine.

Post-Storm Functionality:

Grid power was shut off by the city for nearly two monthsdue to widespread damage from the hurricane.

Following comprehensive inspections of both the residenceand the municipal infrastructure, power was restored.

The solar PV system, mounted with Z Rack, immediately resumed normal operation once utility power was re-established.

Figure 4: Satellite image from Jan 2025 after the system turned on and everything working.

4. Conclusion:

The Z Rack solar installation at 1726 Nevada Ave NE, St.Petersburg, FL, successfully withstood the extreme weather conditions imposedby Hurricane Milton, including sustained winds of 102 mph and gusts of 120 mph.The system's robust design and reliable mounting ensured the complete integrityof the solar modules and racking components, without any resulting damage ordisplacement. This performance underscores the durability and resilience of theZ Rack system in high-wind events.

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