Yes, solar panels can still work after hail damage depending on the severity of the damage. Hail of a certain size and speed can damage the outer surface of solar panels, but will not cause major electrical damage to the panel itself.
Harsh hail damage might lead to a decrease in efficiency of the solar panel, but it should still produce some power. Most components used in solar panels are made to be resilient and able to withstand hailstorms and other harsh weather conditions.
However, if the hail damage is extensive enough, it can cause serious damage to the solar cells and wiring and may need to be replaced. It is important to inspect the entire solar energy system for hail damage and repair any dents or broken glass before continuing to use the solar panels.
Do hail damaged solar panels still work?
Yes, hail damaged solar panels can still work. However, it is important to inspect and assess the damage before re-installing and using the panels. Hail can cause cracks, dings and deep scratches in the surface of the panel which can cause them to be less efficient in converting the sun’s light into electricity.
If the hail that damaged the panel was especially large, it is possible the panel will permanently suffer from power loss. It is best to inspect the solar panel closely and attempt to repair any minor damage such as scratches or dings.
If there are pieces of glass missing or the entire panel has seen extensive damage, it is best to replace the panel with a new one.
What happens if your solar panels are damaged by hail?
The impact that hail can have on solar panels can vary greatly depending on the size of the hail and the force at which it hits. Smaller hail won’t usually cause any damage, but larger hail can cause cracks in the glass and cause the module to become unreliable.
These cracks can lead to water seeping into the system and causing corrosion on sensitive electrical parts, thus making the solar panel system inefficient. Additionally, the direct mechanical force of the hail can also be enough to completely damage or even shatter the glass of the panels, rendering them completely useless.
If you find that your solar panels have been damaged by hail, it is important to assess the damage and determine whether it is safe to continue using the system. Small cracks, scratches and blemishes may remain but may not lead to any long term complications.
However, more serious damage such as large cracks, shattered glass or any exposed wiring should be taken more seriously and the system should be disconnected and inspected by a professional solar engineer.
They can determine if the system is still safe to use, or they may suggest a full replacement of all components.
Does home insurance cover hail damage to solar panels?
In most cases, home insurance policies provide coverage for hail damage to solar panels. Coverage varies by policy and depends on the type of damage and the location of the panels – typically homeowner’s policies will cover hail damage if it is located on the main structure of the home and not on an unconnected detached structure.
However, if the panels are mounted on a detached building such as a shed or a garage, coverage may not be available. Before purchasing homeowners insurance, speak to your agent to make sure to determine if hail damage to solar panels is covered by your policy.
Different insurers may use different language to describe what is and isn’t covered, so it’s important to ask for clarification. Ultimately, having adequate coverage for your solar panels is essential for peace of mind for the long-term.
How do you protect solar panels from hail damage?
The best way to protect solar panels from hail damage is to install solar panel covers, a type of covering designed to protect the panels from inclement weather such as hail. Solar panel covers come in wide variety of materials, including aluminum, vinyl, and plastic, ensuring durability and strength.
Additionally, the covers help protect the solar panels from dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate over time and reduce performance. Furthermore, the covers are typically waterproof, windproof, and fade resistant, providing additional protection from more extreme weather conditions.
Finally, the covers are easy to install and typically come with a warranty to provide hassle-free maintenance and repair in the event of any damage.
Are solar panels warranted against hail?
Yes, most solar panels are warranted against hail. Major solar panel manufacturers such as SunPower and LG Solar provide hail damage warranties that cover solar panels from damage or mechanical failure caused by hail.
In general, these warranties guarantee that your solar panels will remain functional and won’t suffer any permanent damage in the event of a hail storm. Specifically, these hail warranties guarantee one or more of the following:
• Coverage against repair costs associated with hail damage
• Compensation for damage or repair costs stemming from hail-induced mechanical failure
• Replacement of any damaged or malfunctioning panels
Additionally, some companies offer additional protection by offering a “hail-resistant” version of their panels. These hail-resistant versions are designed to withstand hail storms better than standard versions and thus provide an extra layer of protection.
They are also designed to reduce any resulting mechanical failure.
In short, most solar panels are warranted against hail and provide excellent protection against hail-induced damage or mechanical failures. If you’re installing solar panels, it’s always best to ask your installer what type of hail warranty they provide and what options there are available to you to get even more protection.