All About Solar Panel Hail Damage You Need to Know
Solar panels installed in your garden or on your rooftop are often far more durable than you might expect. They are built to stand strong through heavy rain and powerful winds—but hailstorms can be a surprising threat.
The sharp impact of hailstones against glass and the cracks they may leave behind are enough to cause real concern. Can your solar panels withstand such force, or will solar panel hail damage compromise their safety and performance? What measures can you take to protect them?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from understanding the damage caused by hail, to exploring current protection solutions, and learning effective steps for future prevention.
Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?
Let's begin by exploring whether hail can actually harm solar panels.
Years of real-world user experience, supported by manufacturer testing, show that modern solar panels are built to withstand common extreme weather conditions—including strong winds, heavy rain, and even moderate snow and hail.
But is that level of protection truly enough?
In reality, when severe hailstorms strike, solar panels may reach their limits. Large, fast-moving hailstones can cause surface damage such as widespread cracking, shattered glass, or visible fractures.
So the more accurate answer to “Can hail damage solar panels” is yes.
Signs of Hail Damage on Solar Panels
Now that you understand the answer to “Can solar panels get damaged by hail?” It's important to note that predicting exactly how severe a hailstorm must be to cause damage is nearly impossible.
For this reason, it's highly recommended to inspect your solar panels after every hail event, no matter how mild it may seem.
If you notice any of the following signs, it may indicate that your panels have suffered real damage:
1. Visible Cracks and Chips
This is the most obvious and common form of damage—noticeable cracks or broken areas on the surface of the solar panel glass.
Even if your system appears to be functioning normally at first, these cracks should never be ignored. Over time, debris and moisture can enter through damaged areas, eventually leading to performance issues or permanent failure.
2. Discoloration
Beyond obvious cracks or chips, discoloration can indicate less obvious hail damage. In Australian conditions, look for dark specks, cloudy patches, or uneven yellowing caused by micro-cracks or moisture entering the laminate after a storm. Even if the glass appears intact, these marks can signal internal cell damage and gradual output loss, so a professional inspection is recommended.
3. Unstable or Reduced Power Output
A sudden drop in energy production or inconsistent performance after a hailstorm often points to early internal damage within the panels.
Tip: Be aware that some solar panel warranties do not cover hail damage. Always review your warranty terms and local insurance policies in advance to avoid unexpected costs.
What to Do After Solar Hail Damage Occurs
After a hailstorm, you may inspect your system and discover that your solar panels have been damaged. What should you do next?
This guide recommends taking the following immediate steps:
1. Shut Down the System
For the safety of your home's electrical system, turn off your solar power system as soon as possible.
2. Contact a Certified Professional
Avoid attempting repairs on your own. Always rely on licensed solar technicians to assess and fix the damage.
If you already notice cracks or broken areas during inspection, do not touch the panels directly, as damaged glass and electrical components can pose safety risks.
3. Apply Temporary Protection
Cover the damaged panels with a protective sheet or tarp to prevent further exposure to rain, debris, or additional impact until professionals arrive.
In many cases, small cracks can be repaired. However, if your panels show severe surface shattering or a significant drop in energy output, replacement is often the better option. The EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is an excellent modern alternative.
You may also wonder what a 400W solar panel runs in daily life—from small appliances to essential backup devices.
How to Prevent Future Solar Panel Hail Damage
Have you fully understood the answer to “Will hail damage solar panels?”
Once a hailstorm warning appears in the forecast, taking preventive action in advance can significantly reduce potential losses.
Here are several practical and proven protection tips:
1. Choose Products That Meet IEC 61730, or IP68 Standards
Hail impact testing is required under Australian and international PV standards. IEC 61215 panels must withstand ice balls 25 mm in diameter at 23 m/s (Class MH) or up to 75 mm for severe tests (Class SH). Some panels are tested to higher levels, similar to the Swiss VKF HW4 standard, for enhanced durability in regions prone to severe storms.
Meanwhile, an IP68 rating ensures strong protection against dust and water intrusion.
When purchasing solar equipment, always confirm that it meets these certifications.
2. Prepare Protective Covers in Advance
When hail is expected, cover your solar panels as soon as possible.
Hard-shell covers offer the most reliable protection, as they can absorb strong impacts and fully shield the panels—though they tend to be heavy and less convenient to handle.
Soft protective covers are lighter and easier to use. They work well for moderate hailstorms by reducing impact damage, but they provide less protection against large, intense hailstones compared to rigid covers.
Tip: Keep in mind that covering your panels blocks sunlight completely, meaning no power generation during that time. Be sure to remove the covers promptly after the storm passes.
If you're concerned about extended bad weather disrupting your home's power supply, consider preparing a portable power station in advance—fully charged or paired with solar input as backup.
A strong example is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station, which supports multiple charging methods, works seamlessly with solar panels, and can power nearly all household appliances.
3. Install a Metal Protective Mesh
Carefully measure your panel dimensions and install a metal mesh shield above them.
The mesh openings should be small enough to block large hailstones while still allowing sufficient sunlight to pass through. Too large, and hail can break through; too small, and solar efficiency may be reduced.
4. Apply a Polymethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic) Protective Coating
Polymethyl methacrylate is a transparent spray-on protective layer that can help absorb impact while maintaining light transmission.
Be mindful of proper application amounts, and never spray it on metal components, as this could cause corrosion or other damage.
5. Inspect Your Solar Panels Regularly
Routine maintenance is key to long-term performance.
After every hailstorm, inspect the panel surfaces for cracks, dents, or discoloration, and monitor power output for unusual drops. If damage is found, take photos promptly and check whether it qualifies for warranty coverage or insurance claims.
Bonus: Prepare for Broader Storm Risks
So, does hail damage solar panels? Yes—and sometimes the consequences go beyond the panels themselves.
Severe hailstorms, snowstorms, or major wind events can disrupt entire power systems, potentially leaving your home without electricity for hours or even days.
That's why staying informed with weather alerts and keeping a backup generator or portable power solution ready is a smart part of any home energy plan.
Conclusion
All the essential information about solar panel hail damage is compiled here: Will hail actually cause damage? What warning signs should raise your concern? What should you do immediately if damage occurs? And what steps can you take to prevent future harm?
Modern solar panels are very resilient, and hail of typical size or other extreme weather rarely causes serious damage. However, in the case of exceptionally large hailstones moving at high speeds, specific protective measures become necessary.
With the guidance provided here, you can safeguard your home's solar system and maintain normal power usage even when risks are present.
FAQs
What Happens When Solar Panels Are Damaged by Hail?
In the most severe cases, solar panels may stop working entirely. However, continued operation does not necessarily mean they haven't been damaged.
If your solar panel's surface shows cracks or discoloration, it may still generate electricity for the time being, but you could experience reduced efficiency, unstable performance, or other operational issues. The longer the damage goes unaddressed, the more severe and permanent the eventual failure may become.
What Size Hail Will Damage a Solar Panel?
Modern solar panels are generally tested to withstand typical hail sizes, such as 25 mm ice balls under IEC 61215 certification. In Australia, hailstones exceeding 35–55 mm—about golf ball to tennis ball size—can damage surface glass and photovoltaic cells during severe storms. Such hail may cause cracks, chips, or punctures, reducing panel efficiency and lifespan. Because extreme hail events occur in regions like Queensland and New South Wales, taking protective measures in advance is recommended.
How to Know if Solar Panels Are Damaged?
Inspect the Surface: Look for cracks, chips, discoloration, or corrosion. Even small signs of damage warrant attention.
Check for Dirt or Debris Accumulation: Hail can create small indentations where dirt and moisture collect, which may further affect panel performance.
Monitor Power Output: Compare current energy production to normal levels. Severe drops in efficiency, erratic output, or large deviations from expected performance are strong indicators that the panels may be damaged.