Are Solar Panels Susceptible To Hail Damage

How much hail damage can a solar panel endure.

Are solar panels susceptible to hail damage.

Solar panels are made with very durable tempered glass that is impact tested to withstand strikes of greater than 50 miles per hour. Hail tests and certifications for solar panels. But if you live in an area where large hail is common there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. Solar panels and hail.

As we mentioned earlier solar panels are also very susceptible to water damage in the event that the panels are scratched or chipped. This can result in shattering of the panels or even micro cracks. Water damage can also occur when the seals on the panels deteriorate as the panels age. We take our high speed camera to the westpak testing facility where we fire balls of ice at different velocit.

In most cases solar panels are tested and certified to withstand hail of up to 25 mm one inch falling at 23 meters per second approximately 50 miles per hour. In order for a solar panel to be approved by the california energy commission there are a number of certification tests that it must pass. Unusually large hail storms can indeed damage solar panels but solar panels are designed and engineered to generally withstand hail the size of golf balls or smaller. Solar panels and hail damage can happen in the blink of an eye.

Solar panels can get damaged in a number of ways one of the most obvious is hail falling trees and flying debris in a storm. Solar panels are designed to withstand weather including hail and thunderstorms. One minute the sun is shining bright across the lone star state then suddenly debris the size of golfballs rattles down and wreaks havoc that s often. Solar panels are strong enough to resist damage from most hail.

Solar panel manufacturers test their products to ensure that they are capable of withstanding hail storms. Poor quality solar panels are particularly susceptible to damage. However just like your car windscreen can sometimes get damaged by extreme hail the same can happen to your panels.