We’ve all heard stories of solar farms and home solar panels being smashed by hailstorms. It’s particularly tough for those folks in areas where they have to deal with hail the size of golf balls or even grapefruits – and facing this more than once a year. But does this mean solar panels are doomed to fail under hail? Does it make them a bad investment as they’ll just get damaged and become unusable? In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion about solar panels and hail, and show you why solar remains a smart investment. We’ll also highlight the types of damage hail can cause and what they mean, and provide practical tips to protect your panels from harm.
Can Solar Panels Withstand Hail?
Despite news of hail damage, solar panels can indeed withstand hail. In fact, a shingle roof may fail way before your solar panels do.
When we look at their construction, the top layer of most panels is tempered glass, a material known for its high impact resistance. The thickness of this glass varies, and naturally, the thicker the glass, the more protection it provides.
But more importantly, solar panels undergo the rigorous hail impact test, a process that simulates real-world conditions during a hailstorm.
Here’s what it typically looks like: Ice balls of about 1 inch in diameter and above (the hail size considered damaging) are launched at the solar panel at speeds between 25 to 72 miles per hour, mimicking the fall speed of severe hail.
Panels are hit in multiple spots to simulate realistic scenarios, and they must remain intact without cracks or broken glass to pass and earn certification.
This procedure is only one of the many tests outlined in the UL 61730 and IEC 61730 standards to ensure the durability and safety of solar panels.
What Signs of Solar Panel Hail Damage Should I Look Out for?
Like our cars and household appliances, which undergo testing for durability but aren’t immune to wear and tear, solar panels can also sustain damage, especially in regions prone to frequent hailstorms.
According to the hail climatology map below, regions in the central U.S., such as Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and parts of the east, experience hail larger than 1 inch – larger than what most panels are rated to withstand – at least 3 times a year.
If your panels have been impacted by hail, the most obvious signs of damage include dents and spiderweb cracks, although you might get away with only a few small scratches or cracks if the hail wasn’t as severe. Regardless, these greatly reduce your panel’s ability to absorb sunlight and can allow moisture and debris to penetrate. Ironically, the worst type of damage is the “invisible” microcracks. These tiny fractures form when hail hits with enough force to damage the PV cells beneath the glass, but without breaking the glass itself. The problem? Since you can’t see them, you might assume your solar panels are working fine, when in reality, hotspots could already be developing, raising the temperature of your panel’s internal components and increasing the risk of a solar panel fire.
How Can I Protect My Solar Panels from Hail Damage?
Here are a few practical steps you can take to protect your solar panels from hail damage.
Pay Attention to the Angle of Installation
If you’re in a hail-prone area, work with your installer to adjust the tilt angle where possible. Panels mounted at a slight angle are better at deflecting hailstones, as opposed to flat installations that take the full brunt of the impact.
For flat or low-pitch roofs, consider using racking systems that allow you to tilt your panels as this will help reduce the surface area exposed to hail. Just make sure the tilt doesn’t compromise energy generation or the system’s stability.
Choose High-Quality Solar Panels
When selecting solar panels, opt for those rated for hail resistance under UL 61730 or IEC 61730 standards. At Avail Solar, we exclusively install time-tested brands like the REC Alpha Pure, Hyundai Dual Black Max, and QCells QTRON BLK.
To confirm a panel meets these ratings, look for the certification label or mark on the back of the solar panel or the product data sheet provided by the manufacturer.
Use Hail Netting
Hail netting is a lightweight, flexible mesh designed to stretch over your panels like a protective shield and absorb the impact from hailstones. It is customizable, relatively affordable, and effective when secured properly.
Because of its material, hail nets may block some sunlight and reduce your solar panel’s production. However, it’s a price worth paying compared to dealing with a damaged and totally unusable solar panel.
Use Roll-Up Shutters
Like hail netting, roll-up shutters are a practical anti-hail solution that’s really worth the added cost if you’re in an area prone to massive hails.
These shutters look like those typical garage doors, although much smaller and oriented parallel to your solar panels.
You can conveniently control them from inside your home, closing them before a hailstorm and then opening them again once it’s safe so your panels can continue generating power.
However, this option is quite bulky and can take up space around your panels. Additionally, you will have to install them for each individual panel, which can be costly and impractical for much larger solar systems.
Continue Monitoring Solar Panel Performance
If you’ve visually inspected your panels and found no obvious damage, it’s still important to monitor your system’s performance.
A drop in performance could indicate hidden damage, like microcracks, which can cause your panels to overheat and potentially catch fire.
If you had your system installed by a professional solar company, you should be able to take advantage of their after-sales support, which often includes system monitoring, troubleshooting, and expert advice on the best course of action to take.
Should I Still Install Solar Panels Despite Hailstorms in My Area?
Yes, you should still install solar panels, and here’s why…
Firstly, you can opt for those anti-hail damage solutions we discussed earlier, such as the hail netting and roll-up shutters, to protect your solar panels. It’s a small price to pay for safeguarding an investment that saves you hundreds of dollars in utility bills.
Secondly, you may be able to count on your home insurance for your damaged solar panels. In fact, many policies cover hail damage – but you’ll need to check with your insurer to confirm the coverage and determine whether you need to adjust your policy or add a rider.
Lastly, the trend of solar panel adoption continues to grow, even in regions that experience frequent hailstorms. Take Texas, for example, which ranks second in total solar system installations, despite the challenges of regular hail.
That said, it’s clear that hail is not holding people back from reaping the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy.
Protect Your Solar Investment with Great After-Sales Support
At Avail Solar, our support extends beyond the installation of your solar system. We provide our valued customers with timely maintenance, cleaning services, and troubleshooting services – especially after hailstorms – to keep your system running at optimal levels.
Get in touch today to request a quote or discuss how we can help you achieve your solar energy goals!