How does hail impact your solar panels?
A very common question we are asked is “can solar panels withstand hail”? This is an important question as solar panels mounted on your roof are the immediate line of fire from hail. Read this blog for the answer.
Solar Panels vs Hailstones
Solar panels are tested against 25mm hail at terminal velocity. This accounts for most “normal” sized hailstones and will mean that your panels are protected in most hailstorm situations.
This is because the majority of moderate to high-quality solar panels are made from tempered glass - the same material used on the windscreen of your car. We have yet to see any panels that can withstand hailstones larger than 25mm in diameter.
However, last month a few areas around Queensland were hit with a large hail storm, which had stones over 100mm diameter. This storm caused a lot of damage to not only solar panels but also roofs, cars and outdoor air conditioning units.
What should you do if your panels are hit by hail?
Since last month’s storm, our team have removed over 1,000 solar panels from roofs in and around south-east Queensland. We can confirm that hail does not discriminate. All brands, types and sizes of panels are affected by hail of this size.
It is important to make sure your solar array is assessed by a licensed and reliable contractor after a hailstorm of this size. Do not attempt to inspect the panels yourself, as there could be hazardous exposed voltages present. Simply perform the emergency shutdown procedure listed on the front of your Inverter, and then call your insurance provider or a licensed Solar Electrician.
Why does it seem like some panels aren’t impacted, while others are shattered?
Whilst some panels aren’t damaged to the naked eye, they actually have significant internal damage. We can test the internal damage of a Panel with a thermal Imaging camera. This is why it’s so important that everyone who has hail larger than even 20mm diameter, should get them examined by a licenced electrician. Even if they appear fine at first glance.
The panels that are smashed in these photos, were broken initially by one large hail stone. This shatters the glass, and then each impact after that shows up as the panel lost its strength.
What can we do with the hail-damaged Solar Panels?
Many of the core components of solar panels can be recycled on their own. Metal, glass, and wiring can all be recycled and reused.
We have been using two local metal recyclers for the panels and rails we have removed. They are able to recycle most of the components of a panel. This is also the most cost effective option available to us and our customers at this moment.
We do care considerably about the impact of this, and have looked into better alternatives.
If you would like to have your panels properly recycled, we have connections with an Australian Solar PV recycling company. We are more than happy to arrange for your panels to go to them, where they can be more adequately recycled. This downside is that this can be quite expensive - starting from $300 per pallet of 24 panels. Please contact us on 1300 GARDEL if you are interested in this, and we will arrange it for you.
In time, we hope to see the cost of panel recycling massively reduce in Australia, as Government initiatives improve and the PV recycling market becomes more competitive.
What can you do to reduce the risk of hail on your Solar Panels?
To mitigate this risk as much as possible after you have had a solar power system installed on your roof, we highly recommend getting insurance. If you already have home and contents insurance, then we recommend making sure you let your provider know about your panels. That way the panels will be specifically noted on your policy.
Insurance companies are well known for trying to avoid paying out money on claims. If you haven’t let them know about your solar system, there is a possibility that they may try avoid paying for a replacement System.
Get in touch with our expert team today. We offer top-quality solar solutions with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties and dedicated after-sales support. After more than 12 years of operation in Queensland, Gardel Electrical & Solar is one of the most established and experienced solar companies.
Our expert team of electrical engineers, project managers, designers, and CEC-accredited electricians have extensive experience in designing and installing residential and commercial solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term performance.
