7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Solar Panels from Hail Storms

We have used solar energy to transform how we power our homes and businesses with clean, renewable electricity, lessening our use of fossil fuels. This shift would be built on solar panels, or PV panels for short, but as with any investment subject to the elements, these panels need protection, particularly from hail.

Hail can come out of the blue and with a big pop, risking cracking or shattering your panels’ fragile glass surface. Replacements or repairs of damaged panels are costly, and downtime results in lost energy production. That’s why we all need hailstorm protection if we live in hail-prone areas. 

Let’s talk about some of the ways you can protect your investment in green energy.

1. Invest in Hail-Resistant Solar Panels

Not all solar panels are meant to withstand extreme weather. If you are planning to install new panels or increase your system capacity, choose panels that have been shown to withstand hail. Panels should be tested to IEC 61215 or UL 61730 standards and have a mandatory impact resistance requirement to resist hail with 1” diameter hailstones at speeds up to 50–60 mph.

These are tests that mimic extreme conditions, and the results guarantee your panels will survive something like a storm that could have ravaged them. If you choose to go with hail-rated panels, they will cost you a little more initially, but you won’t have to deal with the cost and headaches of fixing them later.

2. Install Protective Mesh or Screens

When used correctly, these protective meshs prove to be an armor at the top of the panels to shield the panels from debris and hail. These barriers come in several forms and usually consist of galvanized steel, aluminum, or high-impact polycarbonate; they are strong enough to either shield the hailstones or take the impact without compromising the structural integrity of the panels.

You can use protective screens that can fit your panel array. While they might be a bit more expensive upfront, the savings from repair bills and the life of your solar investment could be thousands of dollars.

3. Utilize Automatic Solar Panel Covers

Automatic solar panel covers are a game-changer for those looking for a more advanced solution. When bad weather is detected, either through connected weather apps, sensors, or manually, these motorized covers deploy, and when the sky is clear, they retract.

Automatic covers not only protect against hail but also against snow, heavy rain, and even dust storms. On the other hand, they are a little more expensive to set up but give you wonderful peace of mind, especially if you travel a lot or manage several properties.

4. Adjust Panel Angles

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies that homeowners and businesses often overlook is that their solar panels can be adjusted to deflect hail. At a steeper angle, hailstones are more likely to hit flat on, but much more likely to bounce off a flat-mounted panel.

If you have adjustable racking systems, then you can manually or automatically adjust the tilt based on the season. For example, you can choose a steeper angle in the summer to lower the quantity of the hail impact as well as increase the quantity of the sun exposure. In the winter, to get more low-angle sun, flatten the panels slightly.

5. Apply Protective Coatings or Films

Protective coatings and films that can absorb or disperse the energy of hail impacts provide an additional level of protection. It consists of polyurethane or even a nano ceramic compound. It is directly applied on the surface of the panel, strengthening the glass while keeping the light transmission.

Remember! Avoid ordinary protective films (automotive or window coatings) that block or scatter too much light and reduce the efficiency of your system.

6. Construct Pergolas or Awnings

Another smart and underutilized option is to install a pergola, awning, or canopy over your solar panels. By providing shade and beauty, these structures can also deflect hail and falling debris if the materials are made using angled or reinforced materials.

Pergolas are very popular, particularly in residential contexts, where they can enhance the conditions of the outdoor living areas and simultaneously protect the solar panels mounted on the roof or the ground. Just make sure the design doesn’t block the array too much, and talk to a qualified builder to make sure the array gets enough light.

7. Secure Comprehensive Insurance

After all, no matter how prepared the homeowner is, there are some variables that they just can’t control, which is why insurance is your ultimate backup plan. Look through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if your PV panels are covered under weather damage. If they don’t, you may want to consider adding a dedicated rider or separate solar policy.

Investing in solar systems is a large investment, and with more weather changes around the world, having full insurance is an important responsibility of solar ownership.

Conclusion

It is not just a smart decision to protect your solar panels from hailstorms, it is an essential decision for anyone investing in renewable energy. With the right combination of hail-resistant equipment, physical protection, and financial safeguards, you will keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

At OUPES, we are focused on creating greener electricity by effectively harnessing the power of the sun. We can help you with any questions you may have. 

FAQs

1. Can solar panels survive hailstorms?

Yes, present-day solar panels are able to handle hailstones as big as an inch or even more in diameter that travel at a speed of 50 to 60 mph. However, a powerful storm can be dangerous, so it is recommended to have additional hailstorm protection.

2. Will protective coatings or films affect the energy output?

If you use a solar-specific coating, it won’t. They are designed to be transparent and to minimize light loss. 

3. Is it worth investing in automatic covers?

Automatic covers can pay for themselves in regions plagued by severe hail or extreme weather that could cause expensive repairs and downtime. They are particularly useful with large installations or when you are away on a regular basis.

4. Does homeowner’s insurance usually pay for damage to solar panels?

Standard coverage now includes rooftop solar panels in many policies, although it is advisable to confirm with your insurer.