How to Protect Solar Panels From Hail
If solar panels are hit with enough force on impact, they can be damaged. See pictures of panel damage below. However, solar panels are durable and can withstand significant impact. The real protection is in a homeowners warranty with the solar company. The bright side is that most solar providers are warrantying equipment for 25 years and panel manufacturers are testing their equipment to meet standards for weather requirements. Nevertheless, weather producing hail that is golf ball size or larger can damage panels.
It is a good idea to check solar panels after a hail storm. As weather becomes more unpredictable we have seen sporadic hail throughout the areas we service in 2022. (Add link to hail news by state?) One may wonder if their solar panels are still operating after they have been damaged. It depends on the panel and the damage. The tier one panels used by the reputable companies we offer to customers have many smaller squares within the entire panel that acts as an individual solar panel. This allows the panel to still operate even if it has some damaged.
To reiterate, a warranty is the most protective piece against solar panel damage. It is important to read and fully understand what is protected prior to ever signing a contract.
(Talk about a story with each picture—> home in AZ hit with a massive hail storm.)
In the past few months around Arizona, we've seen some really bad hail storms.
Solar Panel Durability
A short video about solar panel durability shows solar panels being put to the test with hail. What if you live on a golf course and a golf ball or foreign object were to hit the panels? The video shows what damage a rubber ball and a stainless steel ball can cause to the panels as well.
Today we'll be busting the myth that if your
solar panels look fine after a hail storm then you've got nothing to worry about.
recently, we had hail at 125 millimeters in diameter.
Solar panels are tested against 25 mm hail at terminal velocity. This is because the
majority of moderate to high-quality solar panels are made from tempered glass - the same material used on the windshield of your car.
We have yet to see any panels that can withstand hailstones larger than 25 mm in diameter. While some panels aren't damaged to the naked eye they can actually have significant internal damage.
Experienced electricians can test the internal damage of a panel with a thermal imaging camera. This is why it's important that everyone who experiences hail larger than 25mm in diameter, should get them examined by a licensed electrician.
Even if they appear fine at first glance.
It is important to make sure your solar array is assessed by a licensed and reliable
contractor after a serious hail storm. Do not attempt to inspect the panels yourself as
there could be hazardous exposed voltages present.
Simply perform the emergency shutdown procedure listed on the front of your inverter and then call your insurance provider or a licensed solar Electrician to come and do a checkup. If you need a checkup, contact us.