Dealing with Solar Panel Hail Damage: What to Do and How to Prevent It
If you’ve got solar panels on your roof in Australia, you’ve probably wondered how well they hold up when the weather turns wild, especially during hail season. With more than 3.9 million solar systems installed across the country, it’s something a lot of homeowners think about.
Luckily, there are smart ways to protect your panels and keep them running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the risks of solar panel hail damage, how to spot it, what to do if it happens, and how to stay ahead of future storms. Let’s get into it.
Risk of Hail Damage to Solar Panels
Hailstorms are fairly common across Australia, especially in states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. In some of these areas, hailstones can range anywhere from 25mm up to more than 75mm in diameter. That’s a big concern when it comes to rooftop solar. So, can hail damage solar panels? The short answer is yes, especially when storms bring hail larger than what panels are designed to handle.
Under Australian standards, solar panels must pass tests showing they can withstand hailstones up to 35mm in size (about the size of a golf ball), based on certifications like IEC 61215. That may offer decent protection during most storms, but extreme weather is another story. For instance, a 2022 hailstorm near Gympie in Queensland caused over AUD 25 million in damage to a solar farm.
Most panels are made with toughened glass, usually around 3 to 4mm thick, which helps resist moderate hail impact. But when large hailstones strike at speeds of up to 142 km/h, they can crack or shatter the surface. This is a real risk in regions like the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, where hailstorms hit more frequently. And with climate change driving up the number and intensity of these storms, the chances of microcracks, reduced efficiency, or full panel failure are on the rise.
Signs Your Solar Panels May Have Hail Damage
Does hail damage solar panels in a way that affects how they work? It can sometimes without any visible cracks. After a hailstorm, it’s worth checking for warning signs that might point to hidden damage affecting your system’s performance. Here are key signs to look for:
Inverter Alerts: Check your inverter’s display for error codes such as “ground fault” or “earth fault,” which may indicate hail-related damage. A lack of power generation or red lights on the inverter screen can also signal an issue.
Visual Damage: Inspect panels from the ground for visible cracks, dents, or shattered glass. Severe damage often appears as a spiderweb pattern on tempered glass.
Microcracks: Smaller, less obvious cracks may not be immediately visible but can cause “hot spots,” reducing efficiency and increasing fire risk over time. Professional inspections using infrared (IR) or electroluminescence (EL) imaging can detect these.
Performance Drop: Monitor your system’s energy output via an app or monitoring software. If you notice a big drop in performance on sunny days, especially compared to past data, it could be a sign of hidden damage.
If you suspect damage to your solar panels, never climb onto the roof without authorization—damaged equipment may pose an electric shock risk, and shattered glass can also create safety hazards. In such cases, you should contact a licensed solar technician for a professional and comprehensive inspection and assessment.
If you rely on solar energy as a backup power source during outages, in addition to using a solar panel calculator to determine the power supply capacity of the panels in advance, it is highly recommended to pair the array with a portable power station. Such devices can efficiently store surplus electricity generated by solar energy, ensuring continuous power supply to critical household equipment even when the panels are under inspection or repair, thus preventing any interruption to your power usage.
What to Do After a Hailstorm?
If your area experiences a hailstorm, take these steps to address potential solar panel hail damage:
Check Your Inverter: Examine your inverter for error codes or unusual activity. Faults or no power generation could indicate damage to panels or wiring.
Conduct a Safe Visual Inspection: Look for obvious signs of damage like cracked or shattered panels. Avoid touching panels, as damaged systems can pose electrical risks even when disconnected.
Contact a Professional: Engage a Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited solar installer for a detailed inspection. They can use tools like thermal cameras or EL imaging to detect microcracks or internal damage not visible to the naked eye.
Review Insurance Coverage: Most home and contents insurance policies in Australia cover solar panel hail damage, but you must explicitly include your solar system in the policy. Contact your insurer to confirm coverage and initiate a claim if necessary. Provide photos and a professional inspection report to support your claim.
Arrange Repairs or Replacements: If damage is confirmed, a licensed technician can replace affected panels. In some cases, replacing the entire system may be more cost-effective, especially if insurance covers it. For instance, after the 2020 Queensland hailstorm, some homeowners upgraded their systems under insurance claims.
Document Everything: Keep records of inspections, repair quotes, and communication with your insurer to streamline the claims process.
Prompt action can prevent minor damage from escalating into costly repairs or safety hazards like fires caused by hot spots or water ingress.
After documenting the damage, it is crucial to ensure that the backup power system is up and running—and a portable power station stands as an ideal choice for a household backup power system.
Take the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station as an example—devices like this can provide stable support for a household’s core electricity needs during unexpected shutdowns or repairs of the solar system, whether it’s keeping the refrigerator running, ensuring lighting, or powering computers and communication devices. Its large-capacity energy storage and multi-port output capabilities prevent daily life from grinding to a halt due to power outages.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
How to Protect Solar Panels from Future Hail Damage?
Now that you know hail can damage solar panels, the next step is figuring out how to keep them safe. While you can’t control the weather, there are a few smart ways to protect your system from future hail damage.
Choose Resilient Panels
Opt for panels certified to UL 61730 or IEC 61730, which can withstand hailstones up to 75mm at 142 km/h. Check for an IP68 rating to ensure waterproofing, reducing secondary damage from cracks.
Adjust Panel Tilt
Higher tilt angles (e.g., 45°–60°) reduce the impact of perpendicular hail strikes, increasing panel survival rates. Balance this with energy generation needs and wind load considerations.
Install Protective Covers
Use hard or soft covers during forecasted hailstorms. Hard shells offer superior protection but block sunlight, requiring removal post-storm. Soft covers or spray-on methacrylate provide lighter protection while allowing some light transmission.
Use Tracking Systems with Hail Stow
For larger installations, invest in tracking systems with “hail stow” functionality, which tilts panels to a near-vertical position during storms. Systems like those used in the 2020 Canberra storm can mitigate damage from 75mm hailstones.
Regular Maintenance
Schedule annual inspections by professionals to catch early signs of damage, ensuring long-term efficiency and safety.
Insurance Coverage
Ensure your home insurance policy explicitly covers solar panels to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Add Flexible Components Where Needed
For added resilience and portability, consider pairing your setup with durable components like the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel. Designed to be impact-resistant and easy to reposition or store before extreme weather events, it offers a flexible backup option for residential users in high-risk regions.
EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel
Conclusion
Solar panel hail damage is a rare but real risk in Australia, particularly in storm-prone areas like Queensland and the Sunshine Coast. By understanding the signs of damage, acting quickly after a hailstorm, and taking preventative measures, you can protect your solar investment and maintain its efficiency. Regular inspections, resilient panel choices, and proper insurance coverage are key to minimizing the impact of severe weather. Stay proactive, and your solar system can continue powering your home with clean energy for years to come.
FAQs
Will hail damage solar panels?
Yes, particularly in severe storms with hailstones larger than 35mm. While Australian standards require panels to withstand 35mm hailstones, larger stones can cause cracks, microcracks, or shattered glass, reducing efficiency or causing safety risks.
How often should I inspect my solar panels for damage?
Inspect your solar panels annually, ideally by a CEC-accredited professional, to ensure optimal performance. After any significant hailstorm, schedule an immediate inspection to check for visible or invisible damage like microcracks, which can affect efficiency over time.