SolarPowerNerd
Protecting solar panels from hail is simpler than most people think. This guide walks through ten practical methods, from protective coatings to professional checkups, so you can keep your system safe without spending a fortune.
1. Place a Layer of Methacrylate
A very simple way is to apply a thin layer of methacrylate to protect the most fragile areas of the solar panels.
This should be done as carefully as possible so as not to interfere with the proper functioning of the cells by blocking the access line to the power supply.
Coating the panels with an additional layer of “armor” may be a good idea as this plastic material reinforces the panels doubling the durability.
Finding the appropriate methacrylate plates is also very important, as higher quality indicates that solar panels will endure more impacts, and that translates into less money spent.
You can also assemble a piece of plexiglass 1 inch thick larger than the dimension of the panel, on top of the panel with space between the two layers.
This is one of the simplest and safest ways to protect solar panels from hail.
You will know that your solar panels will be protected not only from hail but from many other hazards. The same protective thinking applies to smaller solar products like solar garden lights, which also benefit from sheltered placement.
2. Arrange the Solar Panels in an Angle for Hail to Slide
Another option that could be very viable and simple is to mount the solar panels on the pole, then tilt them to the entire vertical when a hail forecast is predicted.
It’s something straightforward to do since it only takes 5 minutes to do, and a couple of tools.
This simple but very effective adjustment will make the surface of the solar panel completely out of danger, as the readjustment mitigates all possible damage.
Additionally, some type of rail could be added at the upper end of the solar panel to protect the top edges from damage.
With this simple trick, you avoid the accumulation of hail, with a more pronounced fall, so that any material slides.
As you can see, it’s an effortless but effective way of protecting your solar equipment, without spending any money on it, just a little while on a sunny afternoon.
3. Do a Wider Research to Determine Your Needs
If you think that solar panels are a good option for you, then you should do a little more research about it.
One suggestion is to log on to this site so you can inform yourself of this kind of technology, and choose the most suitable options for you.
It’s essential to determine how efficient solar panels would be in their area as well as offer referrals regarding the purchase, installation, and tax breaks.
It’s also important that you, as a consumer, know the basics about solar energy systems and how to protect solar panels.
It’s one of the safest and cleanest sources of power for domestic use, and contrary to what you may believe, it isn’t expensive. If you want to go deeper, our guide to rooftop solar systems covers the full picture.
4. Always Be on the Lookout for the Weather Reports
It may not sound helpful or practical, but let’s be honest here, making a follow-up of the weather reports can make a huge difference for you when you have to deal with this kind of problem.
You can go with your local weather office to inform yourself about any incoming forecast that may look bad.
You’ll get a detailed report that notifies you about any impending hail storms or severe weather attacks that may be coming soon.
Taking a look at more specialized websites can also be very helpful because you can track all natural phenomena from your home without much trouble.
Also, you can hire insurance coverage to help you with any kind of unforeseen consequence that may come and could take you off guard.
5. Try to Fix the Damage on a Panel Instead of Buying a New One
It may sound a little obvious to do, but it kind of makes sense because rather than replacing the whole solar panel, you may just need to replace a frame, and your solar panel is right to go.
It’s essential to know what you’re buying to comprehend the capabilities of your solar panels and how to rely on them.
If you purchase solar panels, carefully read the warranty, so you’ll know what types of damage it covers.
In many cases, homeowners’ insurance will take care of any necessary repairs or replacements of solar panels.
On the Internet, you can find eco-friendly sites and publications, where groups of people with the same concerns as you offer excellent sources for getting information on solar energy.
You can also use solar panel protective covers, which greatly help you protect solar panels from hail.
If you know how to do it, give it a try and put that experience to work, otherwise, it’s best to let a professional do the heavy work.
6. Use Cleaning Robots
Technology changes rapidly, and just when you think that you’re at the forefront of it, you discover that you’re not.
Technology around robots has been advancing exponentially, making possible things that only appeared in movies and sci-fi stuff.
These particular automated systems offer great benefits, as they can clean the solar panel in less time, and they can wash each solar panel with just half a glass of water.
This is the equivalent of 90% less than what a person would use to wash solar panels by hand in a traditional way.
This is a point in favor considering that a good portion of the solar plants that are installed around the globe are placed in the desert where the sun is abundant, but water is scarce.
It may sound expensive, but to date, some viable options can be acquired with a mid to low budget.
7. Get to Know your Product: How Much Damage Your Solar Panels Can Withstand?
Learn about your solar panels and how much damage they can withstand.
It doesn’t matter if we spend thousands on a top-of-the-line product if we don’t know how to take care of it.
We must always keep in mind how much a product we buy can withstand against nature and human conditions.
According to research from the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a survey examined solar photovoltaic systems installed in the U.S. between 2009 and 2013. Only 0.1% of a sample of fifty thousand were damaged or classified as malfunctioning each year.
That’s outstanding durability in the face of extreme weather.
Generally, solar panels can endure hailstones up to one inch in size (25mm) at a falling speed of 50 miles per hour. To put that in perspective, back in 2017 the NREL campus in Golden, CO, faced a devastating hail storm that shattered car windows and dented roofs.
Of the 3,000 panels on their building, only one was broken.
If you’re still weighing whether solar panels are worth it, that track record should offer some reassurance.
8. Keep a Constant Eye on the Performance of Your Solar Panels
It may sound obvious, but monitoring the performance of your solar panels is something that many people tend to forget and take for granted that the devices will always work correctly.
Solar panels have a life span of over 20 years, but that doesn’t mean they will always work correctly without making constant performance checks on them.
The real risk is when panel performance drops and nobody notices. As consumers, we often assume these devices will work flawlessly for decades without any attention.
You can buy a monitoring system that needs to be installed professionally for a minimum fee, or with the purchase of a monthly subscription.
It sounds pricy, but it’s more expensive to continually replace your solar panels because nobody cared for them at the right moment.
9. Make Sure the Energy Usage is Always on Point
Knowing how much electricity our home uses and what all that power is consumed on is the first step to regulating consumption properly and protecting solar panels.
In this way, we will know the exact cost of each panel is, and we will be able to carry out exhaustive monitoring that has an impact on energy savings.
This will prevent our solar panels from suffering an overload or some damage that leads them to spend more energy than they produce.
However, this fact does not mean that it’s vitally important to understand how we can follow up to manage and reduce the amount of energy we use.
Much of the energy we consume comes from non-renewable sources.
It’s essential to promote energy savings to reduce production needs and environmental pollution.
Solar panels are one of the best and cleanest ways to produce energy for our homes. Pairing them with the best solar storage batteries helps you get the most from every watt produced.
Regardless of our particular situation and personal consumption habits, we must always be responsible for the use of this type of renewable energy.
10. Call a Technician Once or Twice a Year
Even if you’re very careful with your devices and work hard on protecting solar panels, there should be no problem to call a technician to do a regular check on your solar panels.
A solar energy technician may help construct and install active systems, which require solar panels.
Many of these workers in the solar energy market are experienced trade workers who have completed an apprenticeship program, so you don’t have to worry if they know what they are doing.
These professionals can quickly discover problems that may appear normal to you and increase the life span of your panels because, as said before, they’re prepared for this kind of task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels survive a hail storm without any protection?
Most modern solar panels are built to withstand hailstones up to one inch in diameter traveling at roughly 50 miles per hour. Manufacturers put panels through rigorous impact testing before they ship.
That said, unusually large hail or repeated storms can still cause cracks or micro-fractures over time. Adding a protective layer gives you an extra margin of safety.
Does tilting solar panels really help during hail?
Yes. Tilting panels toward a vertical position reduces the exposed surface area, so hailstones strike at a glancing angle rather than head-on.
This simple adjustment takes just a few minutes with basic tools. It is one of the cheapest and most effective defenses you can use when a storm is in the forecast.
Will homeowners insurance cover hail damage to solar panels?
Many homeowners insurance policies do cover solar panel damage from hail, but coverage varies by provider and plan. It is worth reviewing your policy before a storm season arrives.
Some insurers require panels to be listed as an addition to the dwelling coverage. Contact your agent to confirm the specifics of your plan.
How often should I inspect my solar panels for hail damage?
A visual check after any severe storm is a good starting point. Beyond that, scheduling a professional inspection once or twice a year will catch micro-cracks and wiring issues that are hard to spot on your own.
Early detection prevents small problems from turning into expensive repairs. Monitoring software can also alert you to sudden drops in output between inspections.
Final Thoughts
Solar panel manufacturers often offer free or low-cost service plans, and you can always find a qualified technician at a reasonable rate. A professional diagnosis can catch problems early and save you money in the long run.
The ten steps in this guide, from methacrylate coatings to routine inspections, give you a solid defense against hail and severe weather. Pick the methods that fit your budget and climate, stay on top of weather forecasts, and your panels should serve you well for decades.
