Solar panels are engineered to endure tough weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain, but what about hail? While the likelihood of hail causing significant damage is relatively low, it’s not zero. Panels are designed to resist impacts from light to moderate hailstones, though severe hail storms are rare. The robustness of solar panels against hail varies depending on the intensity of the storm and the panel’s quality. Understanding these factors can help homeowners assess their solar panel system’s resilience and make informed decisions about protection and maintenance. Despite the minimal risk, it’s always good to be prepared for extreme weather events.
What Is Hail?
Hail is solid ice that falls from the sky, similar to rain or snow. It forms when moisture is rapidly pushed upwards in storm clouds due to strong updrafts. These updrafts create a mix of hot and cold temperatures, causing tiny water droplets to freeze into solid, round hailstones. Heavy thunderstorms often produce larger hailstones because of the intense atmospheric conditions. Understanding how hail forms and the factors that influence its size can help you better prepare your property and solar panels for potential damage. Stay informed about weather conditions to protect your investments effectively.
When it comes to hail, the real concern isn’t just the size or weight of the stones. The speed at which hailstones travel is crucial. Hail can move at speeds ranging from 10 mph to 75 mph. Larger hailstones tend to travel faster, increasing their potential to damage solar panels. Understanding this can help you gauge the risk and take preventive measures for your solar investment. Prepare for potential hail damage by staying informed and taking action to protect your panels.
Why Do Solar Panels Face Issues From Hail?
Hail Can Harm Solar-Related Equipment
High-quality solar panels feature a robust layer of tempered glass designed to handle significant impacts. This glass is engineered to resist moderate hail and is rated for outdoor durability. With its strong safety rating, tempered glass ensures solar panels remain effective and secure over many years. Later, we’ll discuss how these panels are rigorously tested for impact resistance. By understanding these features, you can better appreciate the resilience of your solar investment and take appropriate actions for long-term protection.
Reports on hail damage to solar panels vary widely. Some homeowners find no visible damage, while others see small cracks and scratches. Even if the external surface shows minimal damage, internal solar cells and components might still be affected. Hailstones can impact these internal parts, potentially reducing the panel’s efficiency. Understanding these risks helps you take proactive steps to protect your solar investment. Regular inspections after severe weather can ensure any hidden damage is addressed promptly. Stay informed and safeguard your solar panels to maintain optimal performance.
Hail Can Impair The Efficiency Of Solar Panels
What happens if cracks appear on your solar panels after a hailstorm? While damaged panels will still function, their performance may drop. Surface cracks can lead to reduced solar production, efficiency, and voltage. For instance, if 15% of the cells are damaged, expect a 15% decrease in peak voltage. You can assess this by measuring the voltage of the affected panel. Regular testing and prompt action can help you address performance issues and maintain optimal energy output. Stay proactive to ensure your solar investment continues to operate efficiently.
Catching cracks early is essential to prevent damage to your solar panel’s internal components and performance. Cracks can let water, moisture, or debris enter the panel, leading to potential malfunctions or premature failure. They may also create hot spots, which could cause fires or severe internal damage. Regularly inspecting your panels helps you address these issues before they become serious. Proactive maintenance can protect your investment and ensure your solar panels operate efficiently for years. Stay alert to avoid costly repairs and maintain optimal performance.
Not all external cracks lead to performance issues. Sometimes, damage is merely cosmetic or limited to the surface. While surface cracks may look concerning, they don’t always affect the panel’s functionality. Regular inspections are key to distinguishing between cosmetic and functional damage. By understanding the nature of the cracks, you can better assess whether action is needed. Stay informed to ensure your solar panels maintain their efficiency and longevity.
Restrictions On Warranties For Solar Panels Damaged By Hail
Hail poses a challenge for photovoltaic (PV) modules, as most warranties exclude hail damage. Even when solar warranties cover environmental factors, hail coverage is rare and often limited. This means that hail-related damage may not be fully covered under standard warranty terms. Understanding your warranty’s specifics is crucial to avoid unexpected repair costs. Check your warranty details to know what is covered and take proactive steps to protect your solar investment from potential hail damage.
If you live in an area prone to hail, it’s crucial to verify whether your solar panel warranty covers hail damage and understand the extent of this coverage. If your warranty does not include hail damage, you should check your homeowner’s insurance policy for potential coverage options. Ensuring you have adequate protection can help mitigate repair costs and safeguard your solar investment. Stay informed and proactive to effectively manage any risks associated with hail.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover solar arrays installed on rooftops. However, it’s crucial to confirm if hail damage is included in your coverage. Check the dwelling section of your policy to see if hail is listed as a “covered peril.” This section details the types of damage covered by your insurance. By thoroughly reviewing your policy, you can ensure that hail-related damage to your solar panels is protected. Being proactive in this step can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and maintain your solar investment.
Ensure you are comfortable with the coverage limits for repairing or replacing solar panels due to hail damage. If the coverage limit is insufficient, you may need to raise it, which can increase your costs. Insurance rates vary, so check with your insurer for specific costs. If your current policy doesn’t cover hail damage, consider extending it or purchasing a separate policy. Both options typically involve additional costs beyond your existing homeowner’s insurance rate. Taking these steps ensures adequate protection for your solar investment against hail damage.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover rooftop solar panels. However, if your panels are ground-mounted or installed on a carport, you may need an add-on or separate policy. This is because these installations are not directly attached to your home. If your solar panels are under a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you typically don’t own them and may not need to worry about hail damage. Still, review your lease or PPA terms to confirm hail coverage and understand who is responsible for repairs. Ensuring clarity in these areas can help you manage risks effectively.
How To Keep Hail From Damaging Your Solar Panels
Look for the Solar Panel Rating Ul or IEC 61730
Solar panels undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle outdoor conditions and severe weather. Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) conducts hail impact tests under the UL 61730 rating, while the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) performs similar tests under IEC 61730. The primary difference is their jurisdiction. Solar panels with UL 61730 or IEC 61730 certifications are designed to withstand most hail storms in the U.S. These panels can endure hailstones ranging from one inch to three inches in diameter, traveling at speeds between 16.8 mph and 88.3 mph. This certification helps ensure your solar panels are resilient against hail damage.
When choosing high-quality solar panels that can withstand hail, look for UL 61730 or IEC 61730 certifications. These standards ensure the panels have been tested for hail impact and can handle hailstones from one inch to three inches, traveling at speeds between 16.8 mph and 88.3 mph. Having this certification provides reassurance during hail storms. These tests are thorough, time-consuming, and costly, reflecting their importance. Leading manufacturers invest in these certifications to ensure top-tier performance. Therefore, panels with these certifications are a reliable choice for resilience against hail damage.
Put On A Makeshift Shield
Temporary solar panel covers offer effective protection against hail damage. There are two main types: hard shell and padded covers. Hard shell covers require special mounting to stay in place and are excellent for resisting hail. An advantage of hard shell covers is that they do not absorb rain or moisture. Since hail storms often bring rain, a hard shell cover provides robust protection against both hail and water damage. Choosing the right cover helps safeguard your solar investment and ensures long-term durability.
Padded covers offer a softer, more flexible option than hard shell covers and can dampen the sound of hailstones. However, while your panels are covered, they won’t generate solar power. Therefore, it’s important not to keep them covered for extended periods. Remove the covers as soon as the hail storm passes and the sky clears.
You don’t need to cover your panels for every thunderstorm or light hailstorm. Most high-quality panels are tested to withstand light to moderate hail. Occasional exposure to light hail is unlikely to cause damage. If you live in an area with heavy hail, larger than two inches, covering your panels before a storm is a proactive measure for protection.
Inspect Solar Panels After A Hail Storm
After a heavy hail storm, inspect your solar panels for damage. This is also a good time to remove debris like small branches or leaves. Examine the panel surface for cracks and check the frame for dents.
You don’t need to inspect your system after every light or moderate hail storm. Nonetheless, should you notice diminished power output or functional issues after light hail, meticulously examine the panels for any cracks or discrepancies on the surface. On the other hand, following severe hail, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough inspection of the panels to confirm their continued good condition. By adopting these vigilant steps, you can preserve both the efficiency and longevity of your solar investment.
If you find cracks, dents, or broken parts on your solar panels, take clear pictures of the damage. These photos will support your insurance or warranty claim and serve as evidence of hail damage. Resist the urge to open the panel or apply adhesives, as these actions could void your warranty. Instead, leave the panel as it is and await guidance from your insurance company or warranty provider. They will typically handle repairs or replacements for the damaged panel. Documenting and reporting the damage properly ensures a smoother claims process and protects your warranty.
I Reside In A Region Where Hail Storms Are Common Should My Roof Be Covered In Solar Panels?
Absolutely! Installing solar panels on your home is a great idea, even in hail-prone areas. Before installation, make sure to confirm that your homeowner’s insurance or solar panel warranty includes coverage for hail damage. For areas expecting heavy hail storms with stones two inches or larger, consider investing in temporary covers. These covers will protect your panels during extreme storms and help safeguard your investment. Being proactive about insurance and protection measures ensures that your solar panels remain functional and well-protected.
Reputable solar panel manufacturers design products to withstand significant hail and light to moderate impacts. For peace of mind, choose top brands known for their durability. When choosing solar panels, carefully review the specifications, paying particular attention to hail damage resistance and weather ratings. This ensures you invest in high-quality panels that offer robust protection against severe weather conditions. By opting for well-tested brands and understanding their ratings, you can confidently safeguard your solar investment against potential damage.
Conclusion:
Solar panels can handle severe weather, including high winds and heavy rain, but hail presents unique challenges. Although hail rarely causes significant damage, it’s not impossible. Manufacturers design panels to endure impacts from light to moderate hailstones, but severe storms necessitate extra precautions. Assessing your panel’s quality and understanding potential hail impact can help you make informed decisions about protection and maintenance. Despite the low risk, preparing for extreme weather events is wise. Ensure your insurance or warranty covers hail damage and consider temporary covers for added protection during severe storms. Stay proactive to safeguard your solar investment.
FAQ: Protecting Solar Panels From Hail
- Can hail damage solar panels?
Yes, hail can damage solar panels, especially if the hailstones are large and travel at high speeds. While solar panels are designed to withstand moderate hail impacts, severe storms can still pose a risk. It’s important to check for any damage after a hailstorm to ensure your panels remain functional and efficient. - How can I tell if my solar panels have been damaged by hail?
Inspect your solar panels for visible signs of damage such as cracks, dents, or scratches. Examine both the surface and the frame of the panels thoroughly. Reduced power output or operational issues may often signal internal damage. Consequently, after a severe hailstorm, it’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive inspection once the storm has subsided. - Are there specific solar panel certifications for hail resistance?
Yes, look for solar panels with UL 61730 or IEC 61730 certifications. These standards confirm that the panels have undergone testing for hail impact and can withstand hailstones ranging from one inch to three inches in diameter, traveling at speeds between 16.8 mph and 88.3 mph. - Does hail damage to solar panels get covered by homes insurance?
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover solar panels installed on rooftops, but it’s crucial to verify if hail damage is included. Check the dwelling section of your policy to confirm coverage for hail as a “covered peril.” If not covered, you may need to adjust your policy or purchase additional coverage. - What should I do if I find damage to my solar panels after a hailstorm?
Take clear pictures of the damage to support your insurance or warranty claim. Avoid opening the panel or applying adhesives, as this could void your warranty. Instead, leave the panel as it is and contact your insurance company or warranty provider for further instructions.
