Does hail damage solar panels? The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some say don’t worry about it, solar panels can take a beating without damage. But then others will tell you that even after years of continuous exposure to hail, storm damage and other forms of natural weather voodoo, your home’s photovoltaic panels could still incur some damage if left unchecked.
Solar panels are made of tempered glass, so they are designed to withstand hail without shattering. However, hail can still damage solar panels in several ways.
The first is by causing the glass to crack.
This can happen if the hail is large enough or if it hits the panel at just the right angle.
Cracks in the glass will reduce the amount of sunlight that the panel can capture, which will reduce its power output.
The second way that hail can damage solar panels is by knocking off the protective coating.
This coating helps to keep the panel clean and prevent weathering, but hail can damage it.
If this happens, the panel will be less efficient at capturing sunlight and will require more frequent cleaning.
Finally, hail can also damage the frame of a solar panel, making it more likely to break in future storms.
Thankfully, most hail damage is cosmetic and does not affect the long-term performance of a solar panel.
However, it is always best to have hail damage repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
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What Is Hail Damage?
Hail damage is the destruction of roofing tiles and other roofing materials by hailstone or large hail chunks, or roof penetration.
You must carefully watch for and identify the signs of hailing to protect yourself and your house.
Hailstone damage is the destruction of roofing materials by a hailstone.
When hailstone has damaged your roof, the hail is pushing through the roof and into the walls, ceiling, and even the electrical connections.
The damaging force of the hailstone is enough to deform roofing materials and cause structural damage, but the weather front is just the start of the hail damage journey.
Over time, the normal wear and tear of roofing, as well as the weather, can also cause small holes and chips in the roofing.
When these occur, water can seep in through the roof and collect in your attic or study.
The holes and chips are called hail punctures.
When Does Hail Damage Happen?
Hail mainly happens during two seasons in the United States: the summer months (June through September) and the winter months (October through May).
Hail season is from May through August in the south and from October through December in the north.
Hail storms can be powerful and last for hours.
During a hailstorm, it’s crucial to have a safe and secure place to hang your hat.
A sturdy structure with good air circulation is ideal.
If you’re on the top floor of a house or a spacious building, you can sometimes escape the hailstorm’s impact by taking refuge in a second-story window.
It may sound like a good idea but do it carefully.
A hairpin-shaped piece of iron pipe chalked “No Trespassing” can easily puncture a window sash.
If you’re in a house or an apartment, make sure there is some sort of sheltering structure nearby.
How to Tell if Hail Has Damaged Your Solar Panels?
You can tell if your solar panels are damaged by simply looking at them.
Most commonly, damage to the panels will be found on the top and bottom, where the panels are attached to the roof.
A large hailstone can easily penetrate the panels, causing significant damage.
You should also pay special attention to the panels’ insides.
A hailstone that pierces the ground can easily penetrate the earth’s crust, causing buried piping and other infrastructure to suffer damage.
If you notice any damage to the insides of your panels, it’s worth getting them checked out by a hail repair professional.
How to Protect Solar Panels from Hail?
- Install hail guards. Hail guards are special covers that you can put over your solar panels to protect them from hail damage.
- Move your solar panels to a sheltered location. If you live in an area where hail is common, consider moving your solar panels to a location that is sheltered from the elements, such as a garage or shed.
- Cover your solar panels with a tarp when hail is expected. If you know that hail is coming, you can cover your solar panels with a tarp to protect them. Be sure to secure the tarp so that it does not blow away in the wind.
Installing Hail Guards and Nets
One way to protect solar panels from hail is to install hail guards.
Hail guards are made of impact-resistant material and can help dissipate the force of hail hitting the solar panel.
They can be installed on the roof or mounted on the ground around the solar panel.
Another way to protect solar panels from hail is to install a hail net.
Hail nets are made of UV-resistant material and can help deflect hail away from the solar panel.
They can be installed on the roof or mounted on the ground around the solar panel.
Finally, you can also protect solar panels from hail by installing impact-resistant glass.
Impact-resistant glass is designed to resist shattering and can help protect the solar panel from hail damage.
It can be installed on the roof or mounted on the ground around the solar panel.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your solar panels from hail damage.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your solar panels are protected from hail damage.
Final Thoughts
Yes, hail can damage solar panels. Hail damages your roof and your solar panels at the same time.
Solar panels are made of glass, and hail can break the glass. The hail can also damage the underlying silicon wafers.
When hail hits a solar panel, it can create tiny cracks in the glass. These cracks can reduce the amount of light that hits the solar panel, which reduces its power output.
In addition, hail can break off pieces of the solar panel’s frame, making it more difficult for the panel to stay mounted on the roof.
While warranties do not cover most hail damage, some manufacturers offer hail protection plans for an additional cost.
It’s not just a rainy day scenario where you just sit back and wait for your roof to give out.
To protect yourself and your home, have a plan for dealing with hail damage.
If you do, you can reduce the chances of experiencing this kind of weather event in the first place.
