In short, yes: hail can and does harm solar panels, but that damage is covered by home insurance policies. That said, the likelihood of hail actually damaging your solar panels are extremely slim. In May of 2017, an extreme hail storm tore through the Front Range.
While solar panels may not be bulletproof, they can withstand even the harshest of hailstorms. Solar panels are made to be resistant to hail. Despite the fact that hail is known for ruining cars, windows, gardens, and roofs, you need not worry about your solar panels getting hail damage.
The single broken panel appeared to have been hit simultaneously with several large hailstones in a very concentrated location, leading to micro-cracking of the surface glass. The conclusion: hail may be an impressive physical force, but solar panels are well-equipped to withstand impacts even from large hailstones.
Solar panels get severely damaged by hail stones that commonly strike their surface. Regardless of how durable your panels are, hailstones can destroy them, and it’s likely to ruin the entire solar system setup. This is a severe issue for those who reside in regions where hail storms are prevalent.
You should be wondering “Can solar panels resist hail damage?”
One way to consider this is when solar panels are not installed to withstand hail, they can be damaged and stop functioning. Solar panels are subjected to hail tests and have been certified to resist hails up to 25 mm (one inch) in diameter striking at a speed of 23 meters per second (approximately 50 miles per hour).
Solar panels are really durable and can withstand a lot. In fact, most high quality can withstand a hail of up to golf ball size (one inch in diameter) with no problem. However, during an intense hailstorm, the hailstones may cause some damage to your solar panels, depending on how often it hails in.
How do you protect solar panels from hail?
Keep your solar panels clean. You can hire professionals to remove dust and dirt from your panels a couple of times a year. Get protective covers, let hail slide off of the panels, and stay up to date with weather predictions are a few additional items to take a look at.
Conduct some research first before you invest in a solar power system. Ensure that your solar system setup is appropriately installed. Did you know that hail storms aren’t the only reasons solar panels get damaged? Always keep yourself updated with weather warnings, and purchase a solar panel hail protector as well are a couple extra things to think about.
How to protect your solar panels from hail damage?
You can use any of these methods to keep your panels safe during hail and other storms: Regular Cleanings. Learning About Your Panel. Getting A Solar Panel Cover. Maintaining Your Solar Panels.
How to protect solar panels from hailstones?
Hailstones hit the solar panels with minimum damage and slip away from the surface. You can do a coating of methyl methacrylate on the solar panel’s surface as it gives extra strength and repels the water splashes. Another way of performing the procedure is to search for methacrylate sheets in the market.
How many solar panels were damaged by hailstorms in Denver?
A particularly severe hailstorm in Denver caused significant damage across the city, shattering car windows and leaving golf ball- sized dents on roofs and vehicles. However, out of the 3,000 solar panels on the NREL Denver campus, only one solar panel was broken.
What are the chances of hailstorms during rainy season?
In the rainy season, there are chances of hailstorm based on the history of your area. Unexpected hailstorms result in significant damage to expensive property like car windows, house windows, and other equipment. Hailstorms are one of the main concerns for people who buy solar panels for their houses or the industry.