Households and businesses are increasingly adopting solar panels as a sustainable energy solution. However, in some areas of the United States, such as Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska, hailstorms are common, typically occurring between March and October. Understanding the potential damage hail can cause to solar panels is crucial for prevention and risk mitigation.
Hail forms during intense thunderstorms and falls when the updrafts can no longer support its weight. Hail varies in size from pea-sized to golf ball-sized or even larger. In 2022, hailstorms caused over a billion dollars in damages in the U.S., highlighting the potentially destructive impact of hail on properties.
Design and Resistance of Solar Panels
Modern solar panels are designed to operate effectively under various extreme weather conditions. Their design features include the following key components:
Silicon cells or solar cells: Most solar panels consist of multiple silicon cells, also known as solar cells. These can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline, with monocrystalline generally having higher efficiency and cost, while polycrystalline is less expensive but slightly less efficient. The primary function of these silicon cells is to convert energy from sunlight into electrical energy. These cells are very thin, typically only a few hundred micrometers thick, hence requiring additional protection to prevent physical damage.
Tempered glass layer: To protect the fragile silicon cells, the surface of solar panels is usually covered with a thick layer of tempered glass. Tempered glass is made through a special thermal or chemical treatment process, making it harder and more impact-resistant than regular glass. This glass layer can effectively withstand physical impacts from the environment, including hail. It not only prevents direct impact on the silicon cells but also helps to disperse the energy from hail impacts, reducing the potential for damage to any single point.
Testing the hail resistance of solar panels: To verify the hail resistance of solar panels, manufacturers conduct a series of tests, usually according to international standards such as IEC 61730. During these tests, ice balls of different sizes ( to 3 inches in diameter) are shot at specific speeds (50 to 88 miles per hour) to simulate natural hail impacts. These tests help manufacturers determine how solar panels perform against actual hail and subsequently improve their design to enhance hail resistance.
Additional protective measures: In addition to tempered glass, solar panels may use other technologies to enhance their durability, such as using sturdier frames, increasing the thickness of the back sheet material, or improving encapsulation materials for water resistance and UV protection.
So, does hail damage solar panels? The answer is No, hail won’t damage solar panels cause of the strong structure.
Potential Impact of Hail on Solar Panels
Despite the aforementioned protective measures, large or high-speed hail can still potentially damage solar panels under certain conditions. The extent of the impact depends on the size, speed, and specific design and materials of the solar panels. Damage may include shattered glass, cracked silicon cells, or reduced cell performance. Therefore, even solar panels designed to withstand extreme conditions need appropriate insurance and maintenance strategies to manage these risks.
International Safety Standards: UL 61730 and IEC 61730
To further ensure the safety and durability of solar panels, international safety standards such as UL 61730 and IEC 61730 specify how solar panels should be designed to withstand extreme environmental impacts, including hail. These standards include:
- UL 61730: Proposed by the American safety science company UL, it includes tests for electrical safety, fire safety, and mechanical loads (such as hail).
- IEC 61730: Proposed by the International Electrotechnical Commission, it also covers electrical safety and environmental durability tests, including resistance to hail.
These tests typically involve shooting ice balls of various sizes (e.g., 1 to 3 inches in diameter) at certain speeds (e.g., 50 to 88 miles per hour), simulating the impact of hail on solar panels.
Solar Panel Can Withstand Hails
Sungold’s latest offering, the PA621 flexible solar panel, features a glass-free design that significantly reduces weight—just 4.4 kg/m², half the weight of traditional rigid panels of comparable power. This innovative structural design has undergone rigorous hail testing, demonstrating a minimal power loss of only 0.12%. Additionally, the flexible solar panels in the 621 series boast a tensile strength of up to 1300 MPa, which is double that of similar products, enhancing the module’s overall strength and addressing the issue of hidden cell cracks.
For those interested in cutting-edge, durable, and lightweight solar solutions, Sungold’s PA621 series represents a top-tier option, providing peace of mind through enhanced resilience against environmental stresses such as hail.
Choosing solar panels with robust hail resistance is crucial for both residential and commercial installations, particularly in regions prone to severe weather conditions. If you’re prioritizing hail-resistant solar panels, Sungold is a standout choice. With 16 years of experience in manufacturing solar panels, Sungold excels in innovation and quality control.
Insurance and Maintenance Strategies: Ensuring Long-Term Effective Operation of Solar Panels
As a long-term investment, solar panel systems require not only proper installation and high-quality materials but also comprehensive insurance and maintenance strategies to ensure their continuous operation under various environmental conditions. Here are some specific strategies for solar panel insurance and maintenance:
Insurance Strategies
- Understand the details of the insurance terms: Homeowners should discuss the details of the solar system’s insurance coverage with their insurance agents. General home insurance may include protection for solar panels, but the scope and conditions can vary greatly. Confirm whether the insurance covers damages caused by natural disasters (such as hail and storms).
- Consider purchasing specialized solar panel insurance: This type of insurance offers more comprehensive protection, including equipment failure, downtime losses, and accidental damage.
- Review solar panel warranties: Solar panel manufacturers usually offer warranties, but the coverage for hail damage varies among warranty terms. Ensure you understand the content and limitations of the warranty, and consider additional warranty services if necessary to extend the protection.
Maintenance strategies
- Regular inspection and cleaning: The efficiency of solar panels partly depends on the cleanliness of their surfaces. It is recommended to have professional inspections and cleanings at least once or twice a year to remove dust, dirt, leaves, or other debris that may affect the performance of solar panels.
- Post-hailstorm inspections: After each severe hailstorm, check the solar panels for cracks, fragments, or other visible damage. Promptly identifying and repairing damage can prevent the development of long-term problems.
- System monitoring: Installing a solar monitoring system can track the performance of solar panels in real time. This system can quickly identify efficiency declines, which may be caused by damage or malfunctions, allowing timely intervention.
- Preventive measures: Before the hail-prone season, consider taking additional protective measures, such as installing protective covers or using anti-hail nets, especially in areas known to have a higher risk of hail.
- Collaborate with professional teams: Establish long-term cooperation with reliable solar service providers to ensure that the maintenance and upgrades of the system are carried out to the highest standards. Professional teams can not only provide maintenance services but also offer technical support and repair services when needed.
By implementing these insurance and maintenance strategies, solar panel owners can not only protect their investments from sudden natural disasters but also ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of their systems, thereby maximizing the return on their investments.
Conclusion
While hail has the potential to damage solar panels, the risk can be minimized by choosing high-quality products that have been properly tested and certified, combined with appropriate insurance and preventive measures. For those living in areas prone to hail, understanding this information and taking preventive measures are key to protecting their investments and ensuring the long-term effective operation of their solar systems.
