Lexan Hurricane Panels: What They Are, What They Cost, and When to Use Them

“Lexan” is a brand name for polycarbonate sheeting made by SABIC, but it has become a generic shorthand for flat clear polycarbonate hurricane panels the way “Kleenex” stands in for facial tissue. When a homeowner in NC or SC asks about Lexan hurricane panels, they are almost always asking about flat clear polycarbonate storm protection — not specifically the SABIC brand. This guide uses the term the way most coastal homeowners do, and explains exactly what you are buying, what it costs, and when it makes sense.

Rated vs. Non-Rated Lexan: The Critical Distinction

This is the single most important thing to understand before purchasing polycarbonate hurricane panels. There are two fundamentally different products sold under the “Lexan panel” umbrella:

Rated impact polycarbonate panels — tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 (large missile impact) and ASTM E330 (wind pressure). These pass the same tests as aluminum storm panels and qualify for building permits, wind mitigation inspections, and insurance premium credits. AHS installs Bertha HV clear polycarbonate panels in this category. Approximately $22/sq ft installed.

Non-rated flat Lexan — flat monolithic polycarbonate sheet that has not been tested as a hurricane protection system. This material is commonly available at hardware stores and through online suppliers. It provides some protection against wind-driven rain and minor impacts, but it does not meet building code requirements for hurricane protection, will not pass a permit inspection, and will not qualify your home for wind mitigation discounts. AHS also installs this product, but only for appropriate use cases (see below). Approximately $28/sq ft installed due to the higher material cost of thick monolithic sheet.

When Non-Rated Flat Lexan Is the Right Choice

Flat Lexan panels serve a specific niche: homes that already have impact-resistant windows. If your windows are impact-rated (laminated glass), they already provide the hurricane protection required by code. Adding flat Lexan panels over them provides an additional layer against storm debris, reduces wind-driven rain infiltration at the frame, and maintains natural light. For this application, rated panels are not necessary — the window itself is already the code-compliant barrier.

This is a common choice for high-end coastal homes where the windows were replaced with impact glass during renovation but the owners want an additional lightweight protective layer without the aesthetic of aluminum panels.

Installation: How Lexan Panels Are Mounted

Clear polycarbonate panels are installed the same way aluminum storm panels are — using tracks mounted above and below the opening, or direct-fastened to the wall using panel clips. The panels slide into the tracks before a storm and are removed and stored afterward. Unlike permanent shutter systems, there is no hardware visible on the home when panels are not deployed.

Storage requires more care than aluminum panels. Polycarbonate scratches more easily, so panels should be stored in protective sleeves or with foam between them. They should not be stored leaning against abrasive surfaces.

Where Lexan Panels Excel in Coastal NC and SC

Lexan panels are particularly popular in communities where homeowners value coastal views and natural light during storm events. In communities like Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and Bald Head Island — where homes have been extensively renovated with high-end finishes — the ability to maintain light and visibility during a storm event is valued. The premium over aluminum panels is modest in the context of the overall home investment.

In the Myrtle Beach market, where a large proportion of homeowners are second-home owners from inland states, Lexan panels are popular for the same reason retractable screens are popular: they provide a better quality of experience during storm events for homeowners who choose to shelter in place.

Pricing Summary

• Bertha HV rated clear polycarbonate panels: ~$22/sq ft installed
• Flat monolithic Lexan (non-rated): ~$28/sq ft installed
• Bertha HV aluminum panels (for comparison): ~$18/sq ft installed

All prices are installed and include the track hardware, fasteners, and permit where required. Prices are subject to final measurement.

See our storm panels page for more information on all panel options, or our hurricane shutter materials guide for a broader comparison of all shutter materials.