A hurricane whipped through St Maarten on Monday, October 13th, leaving some residents unprepared. Initially, weather reports offered a tropical storm warning, which was then upgraded to a hurricane watch along with a tropical storm warning.

Hurricane Gonzalo certainly was the result. Homes and boats were destroyed, and utilities such as water and power were affected.

Despite the destruction, the Island’s Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa's solar-powered roof remained strong. The 900 kW Trina solar-module, hybrid system was ballasted and anchored (a heat-welded, anchored system, so as to fully adhere to the TPO roof). The system is designed to provide energy for 317 guestrooms, restaurants, restrooms, laundry facilities, and the spa.

Despite some windows breaking, doors being affected, and even some water damage, the solar array stood up well to the hurricane winds. 

“A Category 1 Hurricane hit St Maarten/Westin head last Monday, and the array held up great with no issues,” explained Keith Freeman of One World Energy. “We only had eight broken modules from flying roof vents/satellites, etc. Sollega holds fast.”

Sollega
www.sollega.com