{"id":2881,"date":"2022-10-21T07:29:42","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T07:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=2881"},"modified":"2022-12-01T00:39:40","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T00:39:40","slug":"hail-damage-solar-sanels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/hail-damage-solar-sanels\/","title":{"rendered":"Hail Damage Solar Panels- Can Hail Damage Your Solar Panels?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Living in Colorado or a similar hail storm-prone area is blissful for the better part of the year. Such zones will experience about 300 days a year of consistent sunlight, making them ideal for tapping solar energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, the remaining days feature severe hail conditions. Such extreme weather conditions are an environmental menace as they destroy anything that comes their way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can hail damage solar panels? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, do solar panels insurance policies cover hail damage? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll find out more about these queries below. <\/p>\n\n\n

Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Hurricane<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A hailstorm<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Severe hailstorms can destroy solar panels, although the severity of the damage is minimal. Besides, some homeowners insurance<\/a> policies cover damage to solar modules by hail stones. Thus, you need to consult your insurance company to see if they are ready to cover damage from hail. <\/p>\n\n\n

The Durability of Solar Panels in Hail Storms and Hurricanes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Solar Panels in a Hurricane<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\"Hurricane<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hurricane Katrina <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On average, most solar cells can withstand winds of 140mph. However, some states, such as Florida, require solar installations to weather winds up to 160mph. Such areas receive stronger winds than the others and thus need more resilient solar panel systems. <\/p>\n\n\n

Solar Panel Hail Damage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A shattered photovoltaic panel after hail<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, solar power hail damage is uncommon, especially if the solar cells have undergone extensive testing on hail resilience. A standard hail impact testing procedure involves hurling ping-pong or larger ice balls at 70mph at the panels. The panels that pass this test can withstand massive hail storms without destruction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, the chances of hail tearing down a solar system are minimal in any setting.<\/p>\n\n\n

Why is Hail a Problem for Solar Panels?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A heavy hail storm breaks solar panels.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, a Light hailstorm is innocuous to solar panels. However, what are some effects of bigger-sized hail on solar cells?<\/p>\n\n\n

Solar Equipment Damage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Quality solar panels have a tempered glass layer that acts as the actual hail guard. Thus, they’re safe from hail damage. However, the material primarily works for moderate hail. Hence, in instances of baseball-sized hail, your solar equipment will suffer some damage, albeit moderately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, although your panels won’t suffer severe hail damage, the cracks on their surface are weak points. They may thus increase in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n

Hail Reduces Solar Panel Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Earlier, we said that the chances of hail damaging your panels are minimal. Moderate hail will cause small cracks on your panels and probably remain operational. Nonetheless, the efficiency of the panels will undoubtedly dip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not address the minimal solar array damage, the problem will increase and lead to the ultimate malfunctioning of the panel.<\/p>\n\n\n

Hail and Solar Warranty Limitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Most solar panel manufacturers do not cover hail damage. Also, when solar companies give ‘environmental factors’ warranties, they seldom cover severe hail storm damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, it’s imperative to check if your module manufacturer covers hail damage, primarily if you reside in hail-prone areas. If they don’t, then you have to contact your insurance agent for homeowner’s insurance coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n

Hail and Additional Insurance Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\"Solar<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Solar panels hail damage can increase insurance costs<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average homeowners’ insurance policies cover solar panels as they are considered part of the house. Nevertheless, consult your insurance provider if their coverage includes damage by hail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may find out that while the insurer covers the panels, the level of coverage is minimal. In such a case, you’ll have to pay more for a more comprehensive cover. It will balloon your insurance costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, in most cases, the homeowners’ insurance covers the panels installed on the house’s roof. Hence, if you have ground-mounted panels<\/a>, you’ll need an additional policy. <\/p>\n\n\n

Hail Damage Solar Panels-How To Detect Damage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Hail damage on solar systems can go unnoticed. However, the damage can continue if left undetected, and you’ll incur replacement costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, here are two ways to detect natural disaster damage on PV modules. <\/p>\n\n\n

a.) Inspect the solar damage. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

After a torrential downpour and heavy snowfall, you must inspect your panels for any damage. Check out for the presence of dark spots and areas with broken glass or cracks. If you notice any, those are telling signs of panel damage.  <\/p>\n\n\n

b.) Monitor the Solar Panel effectiveness <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\"Solar<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Solar panel damage affects the efficiency<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say you cannot detect any significant physical damage, but you suspect the solar panel systems could be damaged. In such a case, track its performance, preferably via a mobile app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you note a significant dip in performance, especially after a heavy downpour, the panel has had severe hail damage. <\/p>\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Solar Panels From Hail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

1. Purchase Panels with a high rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\"High-quality<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

High-quality solar panels<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Panels with a UL 61730 or IEC 61730 can withstand natural hail and extreme weather conditions. These PV panels have the resilience to withstand 1-3 inch hailstones. Hence, they’re viable in states such as Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas and synonymous with 2-inch hailstorms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, specific solar panel models are renowned for their high quality and have passed the certification for hail testing. They include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n