How to Protect Your Solar Panels From Hail Damage

Your choice of solar panel is important, particularly if you live in an area that is prone to severe hail storms. We recommend you look for either UL 61730 or IEC 61730 solar panel ratings. These solar panels are resilient to most hail storms and have passed tests showing that they can withstand hailstones up to 3 inches in diameter traveling in at speeds of.88.3 mphI'm sorry, but I am unable to access external websites or perform web translation tasks. However, I can help you with text translation. Please provide the text you would like to translate, and I will do my best to assist you.

We also recommend that you opt for high-quality panels that are made by a reputable solar panel manufacturer. This way, you can trust that they have used durable materials in their construction and earned performance certification for their products.

When installing solar panels, consider adjustable installation. Because of the angle that solar panels need to face, they are prone to damage from hailstones when they fall from the sky. With adjustable installation, mounted solar panels can be adjusted when necessary.

If you know that a hailstorm is due in your area soon, you will turn a pole-mounted solar panels vertically. This way, the hailstones fall vertically down while not striking the front surface of the solar panels, limiting any potential damage.

Of course, this method may not work in the case of unexpected hail storms, though it’s incredibly helpful on days when you are aware of the potential for such storms.

Rather than having to manually change the angle that your solar panels are facing, you could also consider adding an automatic panel changing system. This will allow you to rotate your solar panels without the need to step outside.

The addition of such a system will naturally increase the upfront cost you will pay when adding solar panels to your property. Still, there is a great convenience factor, as you will change the angle of your solar panels with just the push of a button on a remote control.

A simpler and more affordable method to protect your solar panels from hailstones is to use a protective cover. Note that not all types of covers will offer hail protection, so look for one that advertises as being able to protect against the impact of hailstones.

A sturdy cover will absorb the impact of hailstones so that your panels are not affected. Depending on the specific type of solar panels you purchase and the manufacturer, there may be a specific cover that you will use. Sometimes, you may also use a blanket or tarp to cover your panels (in instances of smaller hailstones).

Another option is to apply a protective coating. Adding a layer of methacrylate forms a durable, hard surface on the surface of the panels that offers additional protection. Think of this option as like adding a screen protector to your smartphone.

Instead of a polymer coating, you could also apply a layer of plexiglass over the glass planning, which will absorb the brunt of any damage from hailstones. Replacing damaging plexiglass is far easier and cheaper than either replacing or repairing solar panels.

Keep in mind that not every climate is suited to this additional layer of plexiglass. If you live in an area with high temperatures, the plexiglass may get so hot that it actually damages the solar cells that are below. Check whether this would be an option first.

As we have highlighted above, the greatest risk of damage to solar panels is by larger hailstones. One inexpensive way to reduce the risk of this is to use a wire mesh over the panels.

This means that the largest hailstones won't be able to go through to the solar panels. Any hailstones that are small enough to fit through the holes in the wire mesh are very unlikely to cause any damage to your panels, so don't worry.

If you have small, movable solar panels, this may also be an option. Simply set up a dedicated space either in your garage or house where you can store your panels during a hailstorm. Opting for movable solar panels may be a smart option if you live in an area where severe hailstorms are frequent.

Whatever type of protection you choose, it is also important to visually inspect your solar panels after hailstones or a period of inclement weather. That way, you can spot any signs of damage to your panels. Before the damage is allowed to get worse, you will be able to schedule repairs.