Depending on the power of the explosion or solar flare an emp could damage.
Emp damage to solar panels.
Traces of electromagnetic waves are also present in solar flares.
Computers and all internet connected devices.
Another way of looking at it is to pretend that the system you are trying to protect is a complex network of components that might in simplest form look like this.
Depending on the strength of the electromagnetic pulse emp most solar panels would likely not be affected.
A solar panel itself may be inherently resistant to emp to some extent.
These massive energy releases can cause damage to gps power grids communications systems solar power systems radios and other electronic devices.
The thing to be worried about here is what s known as a nuclear electromagnetic pulse or emp for short.
If a nuclear weapon of sufficient size is detonated high in the atmosphere an emp can disrupt everything that uses electronic circuitry potentially causing irreversible damage to electronics in cars airplanes the u s.
Surprisingly enough solar panels can weather an emp fairly well.
Tvs radios and other broadcast equipment.
However the larger the solar array is the more likely that there will be damage to the supporting equipment including the wiring charge controller and inverter.
Power grid transformers and substations.
An emp will affect the different parts of the solar system differently so you should make sure to shield the parts of the system that you can.
They might have a slight reduction in output after being subject to an emp maybe about 5.
But if damage occurs it is likely due to the wires between the solar panel and most often the solar charge controller.
Your home s solar panels after an emp.
And yes they will wipe out leds as well.
Most solar panels can survive emps caused by natural phenomenon like lightning within a close range.
In the event that the cells are damaged you can easily replace them without having to take apart the whole thing.
You can expect a similar situation after a nuclear emp.
Vehicle and aircraft control systems.
Electric grid and yes your home solar system.
The solar panels themselves should be fine.
Emps can irreversibly damage anything with a circuit in it including your solar power system inverters and charge controllers.
They are a direct solid state junction and that is precisely what an emp destroys.
They do suffer some damage reducing their output by about five percent but they will still work.
Partial protection is better than no protection.
What could an emp damage.
Telephones land lines and mobile phones.
If lightning strikes within about 500 feet your panels will be fine although the wiring and circuitry connected to them will often be destroyed.
An emp will destroy solar panels faster than a three year old with a framing hammer.