Does Hail Damage Solar Panels

In may of 2017 a particularly intense hail storm tore through the front range.

Does hail damage solar panels.

While hail certainly could damage some types of solar panels the likelihood is very small and occurrences are extremely rare. Many solar electric modules and solar hot water collectors are made. However the chances of hail actually damaging panels is slim to none. Most panels are tested according to the moderate hail damage test comprising 25mm hailstones that weigh 7 53 grams.

However out of 3 000 solar modules on nrel s denver campus only one panel was broken. 4 and the nrel has assured us in a recent report that solar modules will last for decades. One minute the sun is shining bright across the lone star state then suddenly debris the size of golfballs rattles down and wreaks havoc that s often expensive and stressful to repair. Solar panels are rated using two class systems.

Solar panels and hail damage can happen in the blink of an eye. There s a severe hail damage resistance test which tests panels for cricket ball sized hailstones. In short yes hail can damage solar panels and most home insurance policies cover that damage.