Does Hail Damage Solar Panels?
Usually not. Solar panels are built to endure a variety of harsh weather conditions, including hail. Historically, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have survived the majority of hail events. However, in areas experiencing very large hail (greater than 1 ¾” or 44 mm in diameter), hail has caused substantial damage to PV modules.
What Size Hail Can Solar Panels Withstand?
Most solar panels are designed to withstand hailstones up to 1″ in diameter, at 50mph. Higher-quality panels are often constructed to endure larger hailstones, offering better protection in severe weather conditions. Some manufacturers even list the size hail it is rated for on their datasheets.
To ensure maximum durability, look for panels certified under the UL 61730 standard. This certification includes two rigorous impact tests:
- Historical Impact Test:
- A two-inch solid steel sphere is dropped from a height of 51 inches onto the surface of the PV module. This simulates the energy equivalent of a hailstone measuring 1 3/8 inches in diameter falling at terminal velocity.
- True Hail Impact Test:
- In this test, a perfectly formed spherical ice chunk is fired from a pneumatic cannon at 10 to 13 critical locations on the PV module. Typically, 25-millimeter (approximately one-inch) ice balls are shot at the module at about 52 miles per hour.
I’m Glad They Test For Hail. How Do They Hold Up In The Real-World?
When I was installing solar in Colorado, we frequently saw significant shingle and roof damage from hail, but rarely any broken solar panels. We often received calls to remove solar panels so that hail-damaged roofs could be replaced. Once the roofs were repaired, we would reinstall the undamaged solar panels.
The resilience of solar panels against hail is exemplified by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. NREL has a massive solar testing facility with over 3,000 solar panels. In 2017, a severe hailstorm hit the Denver area, producing hailstones up to 2.75 inches in diameter. Despite the damage to cars and windows, only one of NREL’s 3,168 solar panels sustained damage.
Since starting Virtue Solar in Virginia, I have been fortunate not to see any hail damage to solar panels.
We Get Lots of Hail– Should I Be Worried?
Most areas in the U.S. rarely experience hail larger than 1″. However, in regions prone to severe storms with large hail, investing in higher-quality, UL 61730 certified panels can offer additional peace of mind and protection.
Insurance Should Cover Hail Damage
If you are unfortunate enough to experience a severe hailstorm that damages your solar panels, the good news is that such damage is typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. It’s always a good idea to review your insurance policy to confirm coverage specifics ahead of time.
