Solar Panel Protection Guide: How To Keep Panels Safe From Hail
With frequent hailstorms in Illinois during crop-growing seasons (about 4 out of every 10 days), you might be wondering if investing in solar panels is really worth it. Or, if you’ve already made an investment, you’re probably wondering how to protect solar panels from hail, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events, or at least reduce the risk of broken panels from unpredictable “acts of nature.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Tips to Follow Before Purchasing Solar Panels
1. Choose Solar Panels with UL61730 or IP68 Ratings
When it comes to finding the right panel, doing some upfront research is key. This extra effort can make a difference in the long run.
We highly recommend ones that have been certified with ratings such as UL61730 or IP68. These ratings are a testament to better solar panel hail protection.
For instance, a panel stamped with UL61730 has been subjected to rigorous testing in a series of solar panel hail damage tests, where it’s pummeled with ice balls that can be as large as three inches in diameter and fired at speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour. The end result is (almost) hail-proof solar panels built to endure and continue functioning in the face of weather. But we say ‘almost’ because hail events are now getting more frequent and intense.
A panel with an IP68 rating is basically guaranteed to withstand the elements. It’s both waterproof and dustproof. That’s a deal because if hail does end up cracking the surface, the last thing you want is water seeping in and causing more problems.
2. Go for Panels with ≥3.2 mm Tempered Glass
The thickness and type of glass on panels make a difference than you might expect. You should opt for protecting solar panels with tempered glass that’s at least 3.2 mm thick. For added security, a 4.0 mm glass coating is an option.
Tempered glass is significantly more durable than heat-treated glass, which is often thinner. It’s also designed to withstand impact, so it’s less likely to crack if something like hail hits the panel.
Source: Coulee
4. Pick a Reliable Solar Panel Provider with Strong Customer Support
The company you pick to install your PV modules is just as important as the solar panels themselves. You want a company that doesn’t just sell you the panels, but also stands by you in times of nature’s madness with good customer service.
Some of the companies there use tough materials protecting solar panels from hail, like tempered glass and strong aluminum frames. And these are the kinds that are highly worth the investment because they have higher chances of withstanding harsh weather conditions, such as hail and strong winds.
You can also rely on them for expert advice and checks to make sure everything is right, get things fixed quickly if something goes wrong, and give you the confidence that your investment will last a long time, even after it’s all set up.
5. Find the Best Location to Place Your Solar Panels for Minimal Hail Impact
The way you position your panels plays a role in solar panel protection from hail. If they’re lying flat, they’re more vulnerable to a hit.
On the other hand, panels that are tilted at an angle tend to do a better job of deflecting hail. When panels are set at an incline, they’re less likely to crack from hailstones falling straight down.
Some newer systems are even designed with a “hail-stow mode” feature that allows the panels to automatically adjust their position when a storm is expected, thus shifting the panels to an upright stance.
For portable panels, the safest bet is simple — bring them inside to prevent solar panel damage from hail.
Placement also matters. If you place them near something that can block winds, such as a wall or a row of trees, it helps reduce the risk of damage from storms, as long as the panels aren’t shaded.
This kind of planning from the beginning can make a difference in how your solar system lasts and how well it holds up to rough weather.
6. Double-Check Your Coverage with Your Insurance Provider
Don’t assume you’re all set with your setup yet. Your insurance coverage is worth another look. Many manufacturer warranties leave out damage from the weather. So if a hail storm cracks your panels, the warranty won’t help.
Repairs usually come under your homeowners’ insurance, which is why it’s a good idea to get in touch with your insurance company. Just give them a call to confirm if your solar panels are actually included in your policy.
Also, check the fine print. Insurance companies often have requirements or limitations, especially when it comes to financed systems.
Pro tip: Hidden problems, such as microcracks, can emerge years after a storm. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak up if you notice anything off and hang onto those solar panels and hail storms performance records. They can be of help later on.
After the Purchase
1. Stay on Top of Regular Monitoring and Inspection
Our advice is to keep an eye on things. Regular checks can help catch any issues before they become problems. Make it a habit to monitor and inspect things regularly.
It doesn’t take much for things to go wrong. All it takes is one storm. And that tiny chip can become a big problem.
Some kinds of solar panel hail damage, like cracks, aren’t always easy to spot right away. Over time, these small problems can add up and slowly reduce how well the whole system works.
It’s pretty important to stay on top of how your system’s performing. Just taking a few photos of the panels can help if you ever need to file an insurance claim. They give you a record of what the panels looked like, before and after a big storm.
2. Consider Using Protective Covers
Solar panels are built to withstand the weather. Get hit by a bad hailstorm and they’re likely to show some battle scars.
One way to give your panels a bit of protection from hail is to cover them up. These covers are like a barrier that hail can’t penetrate, which is a bonus.
But here’s the thing: each type of solar panel hail damage cover has its downsides. Some might not be as durable as you’d like, while others could affect how well your panels absorb sunlight. It’s a trade-off, really.
- A hard shell cover is probably the best option for protecting solar panels against hail. They’re tough enough to withstand the largest hailstones. One thing to consider, though, they’re pretty opaque, which means they’ll keep sunlight out. So it makes sense to take them off once the storm has cleared.
- Soft, padded covers offer an approach. They can still absorb the shock of hailstones, but when it comes to the really big ones, they just aren’t as tough as those with hard shells.
Safety Tip: Be careful after a storm; it’s just not safe to try to climb up and mess with covers on your own. It’s probably best to call someone who knows what they’re doing to take care of it for you.
3. Apply a Methacrylate Spray for Added Solar Panel Protection
A simple coat of methacrylate spray can work wonders for your panels. It forms a layer that helps shield them from hail damage, while still allowing sunlight to pass through. Plus, it’s a pretty budget-friendly solar panel protection hack.
However, using this stuff can be a bit tricky. If you put too much on it, it can prevent sunlight from getting through, which really cuts down on how it works (generating power). And if it gets on any of the metal bits, it can mess up the workings of the whole thing.
So it’s an idea to follow the instructions to the letter, or ideally get someone who knows what they’re doing to put it on for you, or else you’ll get into another set of trouble.
4. Install Wire Mesh as an Extra Layer of Solar Panel Protection
Lastly, consider installing a wire mesh. It’s a way to have a layer of solar panel storm protection.
This mesh acts as a barrier, deflecting hailstones while still allowing sunlight to pass through your solar system, which can help it keep on generating power. One of the advantages of this method is that it’s more budget-friendly than some types of covers.
When installing the mesh, ensure it’s secured properly and that the holes are the correct size. Enough to let sunlight in, but small enough to keep hail out.
It’s also an idea to have a handle on the installation to avoid any sloppy work that could leave your panels vulnerable to damage.
Final Advice on Solar Panel Protection for Homeowners
While you can’t stop a hailstorm from coming, you can take steps to protect your solar panels from damage — and it starts even before installation.
Choosing panels that pass hail tests and carry proper certifications (like UL61730 or IP68) gives you the peace of mind that they’re built to last. Pair that with the right provider. Great after-sales service should be a dealbreaker: they can help inspect your panels after a storm and even recommend the best placement to minimize risks.
Once your system is up and running, regular monitoring and inspections go a long way. And don’t forget — take photos of your panels on a consistent basis. They’ll come in handy if you ever need to file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance in case hail damage does happen.
Is your solar energy system prepared to withstand extreme weather conditions? Don’t wait until it hits. Get your free solar quote today!
FAQ
Can hail break solar panels?
Fortunately, most solar panels are built to withstand a certain amount of hail impact. They're typically made with materials that have protective coatings to keep them safe from damage. But that's not to say ‘hail can't cause any problems’ at all.
If the hailstones are big enough, they might be able to crack the panel’s surface. It's pretty rare, though. We're talking about some hail here, like golf balls or even baseballs. Your average hailstorm probably won't be strong enough to do any harm.
The speed at which hail hits is a deal as well. If it’s coming in at 80 MPH, it's strong enough to crack panels. Even if the glass doesn't shatter, the force of the impact can still cause tiny cracks to form inside the cells. As a result, slowly eats away at your solar panel’s performance over time.
Can solar panels withstand hurricanes?
The good news is that most solar panels are designed to be pretty rugged, and they can usually withstand the winds and heavy rainfall that come with a hurricane. But it's not a matter of slapping some panels on your roof and hoping for the best.
There are some factors to consider, like the quality of the panels themselves, the way they're installed, and the overall condition of your roof. If everything is up to code and properly secured, your solar panels should be able to withstand the storm.
How to protect RV solar panels from hail
Hail can be a problem for RV panels. If you're planning to park your RV in an area about to hail, our suggestion is to take some precautions to protect your solar panels from damage.
One way to do this is to invest in a cover or shield that fits over the panels when you're not using them. You can also look into installing a hail guard, which is a mesh screen that lets sunlight through but keeps hailstones out.
Another option is to park your RV in a spot that provides some protection, like under a tree or a gazebo. This won't provide protection, but it can certainly help reduce the risk of damage.
