You undoubtedly already know this, but solar power is a fantastic investment for both your wallet and the environment. Not only do solar panels provide clean, renewable energy, they also offer long-term savings on electricity bills that for everybody else are absolutely skyrocketing. The even better news is that modern solar panels are designed to be incredibly durable, often lasting 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
But as we begin to emerge from another wet and wild winter, it’s a good time to address a common concern: can hail damage solar panels?
Understanding solar panels and hail damage
Did you know that most parts of Australia experience 1-3 ‘hail days’ per year? And that in more storm-prone areas, including Queensland, that number can rise to as many as 5-10 annual hail days? Now, while the panels on your roof are designed to deal with extreme weather, including strong winds and heavy rain, huge chunks of ice falling at high speed can be a different story.
1. Can hail damage solar panels?
The answer is simple: Yes.
But the good news here is that hail damage is still quite rare. That’s because your solar panel engineers designed these products to cope with all sorts of weather – including normal hail. And the best solar panel brands out there were every tested to withstand hailstones up to about 3cm in size, falling at terminal velocity.
Beyond that, though, your panels could certainly sustain some hail damage.
2. Solar panel hail damage: What to look for
After a hailstorm, it’s a good idea to check your panels out for visible damage. You’ll be looking for:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Any signs of impact.
Remember, even minor damage can affect the efficiency of the panels over time, so those hail stones might have damaged something internally that you cannot see. Monitor your system’s output over time to check for inconsistencies that might suggest damage.
3. Are solar panels hail proof?
While no solar panel is ‘hail proof’, some have a higher hail rating than others. Check out the technical specifications provided by your manufacturer, as well as:
- IEC 61215 certification, including testing for mechanical loads
- Third-party, independent hail testing your manufacturer may have commissioned
- Warranty and durability statements
- Customer reviews
- The use of tempered (impact resistant) glass.
4. Hail damaged solar panels: What to do next
If you’re pretty sure your panels have sustained hail damage, head to your inverter and see if you also notice a performance decline or error messages.
5. Insurance for solar panel hail damage
It’s possible your insurance policy covers hail damage to solar panels, so check out the details specific to your policy.
6. Preventative measures against hail damage
Ok, so you can’t control the weather, but you can take steps to protect your solar panels from it. Look into protective covers or netting, and schedule regular professional solar maintenance and inspections too so that potential vulnerabilities can be addressed before they become serious issues.
7. Professional help & repairs
If you’ve discovered hail damage on your solar panels, check in with experienced and licensed professionals for solar repairs – so you protect your expensive investment and ensure not a single ray of energy-producing sun is missed!
Solar panels hail damage – What’s next?
Solar panels may be durable – but when those hail stones are as big as baseballs, already understanding the potential risks and having taken preventative measures is your best bet. If you’re still worried or need swift and affordable help, the best news you’ve read so far today is that the friendly team at Solar Repair Service is just around the corner.
We repair all leading brands and types of solar panels, solar systems, and solar inverters all across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and beyond – so reach out today and we’ll be right there!
