How Does Hail Affect My Solar Panels?

Hurricanes, blizzards, and strong winds are all potential hazards for solar panels. Accordingly, hail is the most concerning form of extreme weather for many homeowners trying to preserve their long-term investments. This is due to the hail’s direct and harmful impact on rooftop solar panels.

Solar panels can indeed sustain damage from hail. However, the extent of the damage depends on how strong the hailstorm is.

As Saskatchewan’s most reputable and recognized solar panel installers, we feel it is our responsibility to educate people about the safety of solar panels. Keep reading this blog to find out how hail can affect solar panels.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Solar Panels This Summer

Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?

Fortunately, solar panels go through comprehensive testing before manufacturers release them to ensure better endurance during adverse weather conditions. This is made possible by the strict industry requirements. As a result, solar panels are nowadays extremely resistant to strong winds, rain, and hail.

Solar panels are typically weather-resistant and hail-proof. They can therefore withstand the majority of weather-related stress without failing. This is made possible by the very resilient glass and aluminum casing of a panel.

How Big Of A Hailstone Can Damage A Solar Panel?

Despite the manufacturing perks mentioned above, solar panels often sustain damage from hail that is larger than 2 inches in size, despite reports of hail of various sizes damaging vehicles and solar panels in the United States. Most solar panels are resistant to hail. As a result, they have been proven to survive hail with a diameter of 1 inch to 1.75 inches at a speed of 25 to 40 miles per hour.

However, you may be wondering what happens when larger hail falls. So let’s have a look. To be referred to as hail, the particle size must be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches. Your solar panels will not endure any significant damage by small hailstorms of this magnitude.

Are Flat Roofs More Susceptible To Hail Damage?

One thing to keep in mind is that checking for hail damage involves firing pellets directly at the panel. The majority of roofs, however, have slopes, so hail frequently strikes panels at an angle.

Since hardly all of an object’s energy is transferred when it strikes a flat surface at an angle, the majority of solar panels positioned on roofs are likely to be unharmed by hailstones even larger than one inch in diameter.

How Can You Protect Your Solar Panels From Hail?

Here are some useful tips to help protect your solar panels from hail damage.

Use A Protective Cover

A protective cover is an excellent way to shield your solar panels from hail and can last for more than 10 years.

Protective covers are extremely robust and sturdy enough to take on any trauma. It can also endure hailstorms and other adverse weather conditions. It is critical to remember that there are several solar panel protection covers on the market.

However, not all of them are ideal for shielding panels against hail. As a result, be cautious when selecting the right one.

Examine Your Solar Panels After A Hailstorm

After a significant hailstorm, check your solar panels for damage. Look for any little fractures in the surface and any dents in the frame. For minor to moderate hailstorms, you don’t necessarily need to check your solar system.

After being subjected to a light hailstorm, if you discover that your system is producing less electricity or isn’t functioning properly, you should examine the rooftop panels and look for any fractures or irregularities on the surface. It’s a good idea to inspect the solar panels for heavy hail after the storm has passed.

Place The Panels In A Way That The Hail Can Slide

A simple way to protect your solar panels is to make sure that hail can’t collect on them for an extended period of time. This will lessen the strain they put on the solar panels and any negative effects they could have. Therefore, if you live in a location where hailstorms occur frequently, this is something you should think about.

Make sure your solar panels are installed at a slope that would allow for the hail to fall off easily. If you are aware of the direction of the hail storms and winds in your region, ensure that your solar panels are installed accordingly so as to try to avoid and prevent damage.

About Sundawg Solar

Sundawg Solar is a certified solar panel company based in Saskatchewan. We handle everything from beginning to end, paying close attention to every last detail. We provide personalized services to our customers and can design custom plans to meet your specific requirements.

Do you need solar panel installation or maintenance? Contact us today for more information.