How Do Solar Panels Stand up to Hail?

When it comes to adding solar panels to your home, one of the biggest concerns for most homeowners is how the solar panels will stand up to the weather in their local area. This is especially true for those who live in areas that are prone to hail. It would seem like putting glass on your roof in a hail prone area would be asking for some serious damage, but the good news is that the opposite is actually true!

Solar Panel Structure

Solar panels are made of tempered glass which is about four times stronger than regular glass and it doesn't shatter the way regular glass does. Solar panels that are sold in the U.S. must also meet the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards Underwriters Laboratory requirements. These requirements state that the solar panels being installed are proven to withstand hailstones of up to 1" diameter at 52 MPH impact which will be covered under warranty.

Will the Panels Stand up to Hail in My Area?

The solar panels that will be installed on your home are guaranteed to withstand hailstones of up to 1" diameter, but in reality, they can bounce off hailstones of up to 3.25" (between teacup and grapefruit-size according to NOAA) diameter without a scratch. Of the 1,100 systems, I have installed none have ever been damaged by hail smaller than 3.25" diameter. A couple of storms with 4.5" diameter hailstones have damaged my customers' solar panels, but even then most of them survived. I don't know at what point between 3.25" and 4.5" starts to hit hard enough to shatter a panel, but what I do know is that hail over 3.25" diameter is rare and always newsworthy. In 2017 a hailstorm bringing golf ball-sized hail hit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado which has more than 3,000 solar panels and only one panel was damaged.

What If My Roof Is Damaged?

What happens if the panels are not damaged but the roof is? Typically, all you need to do is file a claim with your homeowner's insurance to replace your roof. Most likely they will want a full roof replacement including the area that was protected by the panels. Be sure to include the cost of labor to remove and reinstall your solar panels when you file your claim, that way it won't cost you a dime out of pocket!

Find Solar Panels That Stand up to Hail

Are you ready to toughen up your roof with solar panels? Just shoot me a message or give me a call!