Solar panel hail damage remains a valid concern for residential and commercial solar systems. Even though modern photovoltaic modules are remarkably durable, severe hailstorms can still pose a threat. Undetected cracks or impact damage may reduce efficiency, lead to costly repairs, or even void warranties—often without obvious signs at first glance.
In this guide, we'll explore how to protect your solar panels from storm damage, recognize the signs of impact, and take the right steps if damage occurs.
Can Solar Panels Withstand Hail?
Yes, most solar panels can withstand hail. However, the extent of their resilience depends on factors like panel quality, hail size, and impact velocity.
Industry Standards for Hail Resistance
Solar panels undergo rigorous testing before reaching the market. The IEC 61215 standard requires panels to withstand the impact of a 25 mm hailstone traveling at 23 m/s (51 mph) without sustaining significant damage.
Additionally, some panels carry UL 61730 certification, which includes mechanical load and impact testing. When shopping for durable solar panels, look for these certifications as indicators of quality construction and hail resistance.
Typical Hail Sizes Panels Can Survive
Most residential solar panels can withstand:
- Small hail (under 1 inch): Minimal to no risk of damage
- Medium hail (1-1.75 inches): Generally safe with quality panels
- Large hail (1.75+ inches): Increased risk, especially at high velocities
Real-World Performance
In 2017, a severe hailstorm struck the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) facility in Colorado, with hailstones up to 2.75 inches in diameter. While some panels sustained damage, many survived intact—demonstrating that quality panels can endure extreme conditions.
However, even hail-resistant solar panels aren't invincible. Larger storms with unusual hail sizes or velocities can cause cracks, chips, or complete breakage. For this reason, protection strategies are essential.
How to Prevent Solar Panel Hail Damage: 5 Effective Methods
Preventing solar panel hail damage starts with smart planning and proactive measures. Here are five effective ways to safeguard your solar system from storm damage:
#1. Choose Hail-Resistant Solar Panels
The best defense against hail begins at the purchase stage. When buying solar panels, prioritize models with tempered glass surfaces and robust frame construction. Monocrystalline panels from reputable brands, such as Canadian Solar, typically offer superior durability compared to budget alternatives.
Look for panels rated to withstand hailstones larger than the IEC standard minimum. Some manufacturers specify their products can handle impacts from 35mm hailstones or larger. Additionally, choosing panels with thicker glass (e.g. 3.2mm) provides added protection against impact damage.
These are all the reasons why investing in quality panels from established solar equipment manufacturers may cost more upfront. However, the long-term savings from avoided repairs and replacements make it worthwhile.
#2. Install Protective Covers or Shields
For areas prone to severe hailstorms, consider installing protective covers or shields over your solar array. These accessories include:
- Methacrylate covers: Transparent shields that deflect hail while allowing sunlight through
- Wire mesh guards: Protective barriers that reduce impact force
- Automated protective systems: Motorized covers that deploy when sensors detect incoming storms
While these solutions add to solar system cost, they can prevent catastrophic damage during particularly violent storms. This is especially valuable for expensive commercial installations or regions with frequent severe weather.
#3. Optimize Panel Angle and Positioning
The angle at which hail strikes your panels affects the severity of damage. Installing solar panels at steeper angles allows hailstones to glance off rather than impact directly, reducing the force absorbed by the glass surface.
If you live in a hail-prone region, discuss optimal solar panel positioning with your installer. While maximizing energy production typically drives angle decisions, a slightly steeper pitch can provide meaningful hail protection for solar panels without significantly compromising output. Ground-mounted systems offer more flexibility in this regard than rooftop installations.
#4. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Proper maintenance keeps your panels in optimal condition to withstand weather events. Over time, minor wear and environmental exposure can weaken panel surfaces, making them more vulnerable to hail damage.
Schedule annual professional inspections to identify potential weak points before they become problems. Regular cleaning also helps, as debris accumulation can create stress points that crack more easily under impact.
Keep an eye on your panel frames and mounting hardware as well. Loose components can shift during storms, increasing the risk of damage from both hail and wind.
#5. Monitor Weather Alerts
Staying informed about incoming severe weather gives you time to prepare. Set up weather alert notifications for your area and track storm forecasts during hail season (typically spring and summer in most regions).
If you have removable protective covers, deploy them when significant storms approach. For permanently installed systems, ensure any loose items near your array are secured to prevent secondary impact damage. Some advanced solar systems, for example, include weather monitoring integration, allowing automated responses to incoming storms.
Signs of Solar Panel Hail Damage
Some signs of solar panel hail damage are obvious, while others require closer examination. Therefore, it's essential to inspect your panels for damage after a hailstorm passes. Here's what to look for:
#1. Visible Cracks or Shattered Glass
The most apparent sign of solar panel storm damage is cracked or shattered glass on the panel surface. These fractures may appear as:
- Spider web patterns radiating from impact points
- Linear cracks running across the panel face
- Completely shattered sections with missing glass pieces
Even small visible cracks compromise panel integrity and can allow moisture infiltration, leading to further degradation over time.
#2. Dents or Deformation in Frames
Hail impacts can dent aluminum frames and warp mounting structures. While frame damage may not immediately affect electrical performance, it can create stress points that worsen over time, allow water to pool on panel surfaces, and compromise the seal between the frame and glass.
Inspect the entire perimeter of each panel, paying close attention to corners where impacts often concentrate.
#3. Microcracks and Cell Damage
Not all hail damage is visible to the naked eye. Microcracks—tiny fractures in the silicon cells beneath the glass—can occur without any surface damage appearing. These cracks reduce energy production efficiency over time, spread and worsen with temperature cycling, and may only become apparent through specialized testing.
If you suspect hidden damage, consider professional thermal imaging or electroluminescence testing to identify compromised cells.
#4. Decreased Energy Output
A sudden drop in your system's energy production often indicates damage. Compare your inverter readings to historical performance data. Warning signs include a 10% or greater production decrease without a weather-related explanation, inconsistent output between similar panels in your array, and error messages from your inverter or monitoring system.
Regular monitoring makes it easier to spot performance changes that might indicate hail damage.
What to Do If Your Solar Panels Get Damaged by Hail
If your solar panels get damaged by hail, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your investment. Let’s examine a systematic approach to handling solar power hail damage in more detail.
#1. Safety First
Before doing anything else, prioritize your safety. Never touch broken panels or exposed wiring—damaged photovoltaic equipment can still generate electricity and pose serious shock or fire hazards. If you notice shattered glass, sparking, or unusual smells coming from your array, keep your distance and contact a professional immediately.
If your system has an accessible disconnect switch, turn it off to reduce electrical risks. However, don't attempt this if doing so requires contact with damaged components.
#2. Document the Damage
Once it's safe to approach your system, thoroughly document all visible damage for insurance purposes. Take clear photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing both close-up details of affected panels and wide shots showing the overall extent of damage.
Note the date and time of the storm, and if possible, document the hail size that fell in your area. Local news reports or weather service data can support your claim. Keep records of your system's pre-storm performance data as well—this helps establish the impact on energy production.
#3. Check System Performance
Review your inverter display and monitoring app for error codes or production drops. Many modern solar kits and monitoring systems provide detailed diagnostics that can help identify which panels are affected.
Compare current output to historical averages for similar weather conditions. If you notice significant discrepancies, note these figures—they'll be valuable when filing insurance claims or consulting with repair technicians.
#4. Contact Your Installer or Insurance Company
Reach out to a professional installer to schedule a damage assessment. Experienced technicians can identify issues that aren't visible during a visual inspection and provide accurate repair estimates.
Simultaneously, contact your homeowners' insurance provider to initiate a claim. Most policies cover hail damage to solar equipment, though coverage details vary. Provide your insurer with all documentation, including photos, performance data, and professional assessment reports.
Review your solar panel warranty as well. Many manufacturers offer coverage for weather-related damage, which may reduce your out-of-pocket repair costs.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Solar Panels
Deciding between solar panel repair and replacement depends on several factors, including damage severity, panel age, and cost considerations.
Repair makes sense when:
- Damage is limited to one or two panels in a larger array
- Only frames or mounting hardware are affected
- Panels are relatively new and still under warranty
- Repair costs are significantly less than replacement costs
On the other hand, replacement is the better choice when:
- Multiple damaged solar panels with extensive cracking or shattered glass
- Microcracks have severely compromised cell integrity
- Panels are near the end of their expected lifespan
- Newer, more efficient technology offers better long-term value
- Repair costs approach or exceed replacement costs
Consider the economics of your decision carefully. If your damaged panels are 15+ years old, replacing them with modern, higher-efficiency models may generate better returns than repairing outdated technology. Newer panels often produce more power per square foot, potentially offsetting replacement costs through increased energy production.
Consult with your installer to get accurate quotes for both options before making a final decision.
Shop Quality Solar Equipment at Portable Sun
Ready to protect your home with durable, hail-resistant solar equipment? Browse Portable Sun’s extensive collection of solar panels, inverters, batteries, and complete solar kits.
Final Thoughts
While solar panel hail damage is a legitimate concern, modern panels are engineered to withstand severe weather events. By choosing quality, hail-resistant equipment, implementing protective measures, and maintaining your system properly, you can reduce your risk of storm-related damage.
If damage does occur, remember to prioritize safety, document everything thoroughly, and work with professionals to assess your options. Whether you repair or replace affected panels, your solar investment can continue delivering clean, renewable energy for decades to come.
Solar Panel Hail Damage FAQ
#1. Can hail actually break a solar panel?
Yes, hail can break solar panels, though it's relatively uncommon. Most quality panels withstand hailstones up to 1-1.75 inches in diameter. Severe storms with larger hailstones or extreme velocities can crack glass and damage cells, but such events are rare.
#2. Which solar panels are hail-resistant?
Panels with IEC 61215 and UL 61730 certifications offer verified hail resistance. Monocrystalline panels with tempered glass from reputable manufacturers typically provide superior durability. Look for specifications indicating resistance to 35mm+ hailstones for maximum protection.
#3. Does homeowners' insurance cover solar panel hail damage?
Most homeowners' insurance policies cover solar panel hail damage as part of dwelling or personal property coverage. However, coverage limits and deductibles vary. Contact your insurer to confirm your specific policy terms before a storm occurs.
#4. Can microcracks from hail reduce my solar panel's efficiency?
Yes, microcracks can reduce solar panel efficiency over time. Even invisible cell damage disrupts electrical pathways, decreasing power output. These cracks often worsen with temperature cycling, making early detection through professional testing important for maintaining system performance.
#5. Should I shut off my solar system after a hailstorm?
Yes, if you notice visible damage, exposed wiring, or inverter error messages. Turning the system off reduces electrical and fire risks until a professional inspection confirms it’s safe to operate.
#6. Can cracked panels still produce electricity?
Yes, cracked panels can still generate power, but efficiency is reduced. Cracks allow moisture in, which accelerates degradation and increases the risk of long-term failure.
Disclaimer: The content on Portable Sun is for informational purposes only. Electrical work can be dangerous—always consult a qualified professional. We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses from installation or use. Always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when handling electrical components.