Installation of Solar Panels in a Hurricane-prone area

Hi Steve:
Weird, we're just across the water in Corozal. We've got 50 weeks to go so we're doing all the background planning we can do. On our last trip down we rented a two-bedroom guesthouse with all the amenities (air, fans, fridge, tv's, etc.) We racked up around 56 Kwh per week for the three of us. I can't see us using double that amount but that's what we're sizing for at this point in time. I figure at $0.21 USD per KWH it won't be as long a payback as you might think. Stay in touch!
Do you frequent the Belize forums? http://www.belizeforum.com/
Cheers,
Doug

Hi Doug.  My wife and i have been living just north of Ronkey River in southern Belize for 18months now.  We have a Solar Power system which apart from one lightning strike has behaved immaculately.
To respond to your questions, firstly we used the mountings which were supplied with the panels.  basically this is an aluminium frame which screws into the roof. The legs which support the frame allow for limited elevation of the frame to allow the pv panels to be at the correct angle to maximise energy absorbtion. We have had some high winds in squalls over the past 18months but thankfully no hurricanes. Frankly, we are not going to risk life and limb climbing around on the roof putting plywood sheets in place for protection.  We are right on the beach, so flying debris is probably less of a risk than say further inland.  The panels are insured in any case.  if there is a hurricane, WE LEAVE!  With personal possessions, dogs, food cash and clothing.  We do of course have an emergency plan for evacuation.  The problem with making protection for panels (and everything else, eg windows, doors water supply etc) is that you may have several false alarms where the hurricane passes close but does not hit you.  In this case you will have to put on your protective panels and 8hours later take them off again.  last year we had several near misses. Constant on off on off would have driven us mad.  Best to K.I.S.S. Listen to Love FM and the NEMO releases and do as they say.
Your planned power consumption sounds about right.  We are averaging 56KW per week, but we do not have air conditioning as we get all the cooling we need from the almost constant on shore wind (which is free).  Take care positioning your house btw as it will make a big difference to how cool it gets inside.
The comment made by one of your responders concerning solar hot water is right.  Solar hot water is wonderful.  We have 24/7 hot (well nearly boiling actually) water.  It cost BZ$ 3000.00 and from now on its free!.
Right now we are looking at installing a couple of small wind generators just to top up our battery bank when we get low.  This is usually Nov-Jan.
If you need more info let me know or e mail me direct.
Good luck Chris