Solar panels and hail: everything you need to know to protect the system

The hail represents a real threat to photovoltaic systems. The ice pellets, which can reach considerable sizes and high speeds, can cause visible breaks or internal structural damage to the panels. But how high is the risk? And what actions can be taken to protect the system?

In this guide, we answer the most common questions and offer practical strategies for:

• Understanding if the panels are truly hail-resistant;

• Identifying hail damage, including those that are invisible;

• Acting immediately with replacement of the photovoltaic panel, if necessary;

• Evaluating the best hail insurance for photovoltaics;

• Discovering the importance of technical certifications;

Do photovoltaic panels resist hail?

Damage caused by hail

The latest photovoltaic modules are coated with thick tempered glass, designed to withstand violent impacts. The main tests for testing and certification of photovoltaic modules simulate impacts with ice balls of 25 mm thrown at 80 km/h.

However, hail with pellets larger than 3 cm can cause micro-cracks in the silicon cells. These damages, while not always visible, can progressively reduce the yield of the system.

According to the U.S. entity NREL, the likelihood that a standard hailstorm will break the glass is less than 5%. But in the presence of extreme events, with pellets from 5 to 10 cm, as recorded in Europe and the United States, hail damage can be severe.

Case studies: extreme events and impacts

• Texas, 2019: damages over 70 million dollars to a photovoltaic system due to pellets larger than 5 cm.

• Europe: increasingly frequent episodes with hail from 7-10 cm in diameter, with an annual increase in extreme weather events.

Preventive measures to protect photovoltaic systems from hail

The protection of photovoltaic panels from hail is based on two pillars: technical solutions and operational strategies.

1. Technical solutions 

• Specific certifications: choosing certified modules ensures greater reliability against violent impacts.

• Solar tracking structures: some installations allow for panels to be oriented vertically during critical weather conditions, limiting the surface exposed to hail.

• Mobile or protective covers: using temporary rigid covers or protective materials before a storm is an effective strategy, even though it involves a temporary halt to production.

2. Control and maintenance

• Regular inspections: periodic visual checks can detect surface breaks before they become critical.

• Thermographic inspections: using drones or infrared cameras allows for the detection of internal micro-cracks that escape the human eye.

What to do in case of damage: repair and replacement

When a panel shows visible breaks in the glass or micro-damages that affect energy production, the replacement of the photovoltaic panel becomes the most effective solution. Annual performance monitoring allows for early identification of abnormal yield drops.

Insurance for hail damage: what options to consider

There are various forms of insurance coverage for photovoltaic systems:

• Standard home policies: many include atmospheric damage, but may exclude specific structures or have limitations for installations on unconventional roofs.

• Dedicated insurances for solar systems: more comprehensive solutions, ideal for installations on carports, canopies, or open spaces.

• Professional technical documentation: damage assessment by certified technicians facilitates the activation of guarantees and insurance refunds.

Technical certifications: a key factor in choosing panels

Certifications offer a reliable indication of the resistance and safety of photovoltaic modules. Among the most important:

• IEC 61215: verifies the durability and resistance of panels under extreme weather conditions, including impacts from hail.

• IEC 61730: ensures standards of electrical and mechanical safety, including impact tests.

• UL 61730 / UL 1703: provides impact simulations with ice at approximately 80 km/h.

• ANSI/FM 4473–4478: used for testing resistance to hail, wind, and fire on rooftop installations.

Awareness and prevention as a weapon against hail

The key question remains: do photovoltaic panels resist hail?

The answer is yes, within certain limits. The combination of reliable certifications, good maintenance, and adequate insurance coverage for hail damage is essential to ensure the safety of the system. Taking preventive measures today can help avoid costly replacements of photovoltaic panels tomorrow.