Most solar panels are manufactured to survive typical hail, but extreme storms may cause damage.
Storm season in Australia raises concerns about solar panel hail damage, and we can understand why. WA sees spring–summer storms, SE QLD experiences significant hail, NSW faces east coast lows, and SA has summer storm fronts.
If Australia’s notoriously extreme weather has you nervous about solar panel hail damage, here’s what you need to know. Our blog will cover testing standards for solar panel hail damage, real-world performance, insurance, and post-storm steps.
How Solar Panels Are Tested Against Hail
Because solar panels are constructed from tempered glass, they are not indestructible. However, they are engineered to handle extreme weather and fairly large hail.
Manufacturers set out to determine “Does hail damage solar panels?” through a variety of tests.
To pass Australian standards, solar panels must meet IEC 61215 certification. This means they are built to withstand 25 mm hail falling at a rate of 23 m/s. Some manufacturers opt for tougher hail stress tests of 35mm and up.
Here’s a look at what these common hail sizes in Australia mean:
- 20 mm or less — Pea to marble sized
- 25 mm — Approximately the size of an Australian two-dollar coin
- 35 mm — Approximately the size of a golf ball
- 55 mm — Tennis ball or cricket ball sized
Hailstones that are larger than 35 – 55 mm are more likely to cause damage to panels. So when we get asked, “are solar panels hail resistant?”, it’s a two-part answer.
Yes, solar panels are resistant to hail damage. However, extreme storm events and especially large hail can damage solar panels. Fortunately, storms like this are rare and quality solar panels are built to withstand harsh weather.
Learn more about how weather affects solar panels in our guide here: Solar Weather Effects
Real-World Performance in Hailstorms
Modern solar panels are resilient, but extreme hail can exceed design standards. And now and then, we do experience some unbelievable hail sizes in Australia.
For instance, a 2020 supercell storm in SE QLD produced hailstones up to a whopping 14 cm. This giant hail was larger than a cricket ball!
Rooftop solar panels and large arrays were impacted, with widespread insurance claims and millions in damages.
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What Happens If Your Solar Panels Are Damaged?
Solar panel hail damage is rare, but it is important to know what to do if you experience an extreme weather event. Following these tips will ensure you stay safe and get your solar panel system back up and running as soon as possible.
Here are the steps to take if you experience solar panel hail damage:
- Safety First: We always stress this point first – stay safe! Do not climb on the roof — leave this for the professionals. Voltage leaks could be present, raising the risk of electric shock. Use the shutdown procedure (AC isolator, then DC isolator) according to your solar system’s instructions.
We encourage homeowners to learn and understand the shutdown procedure before an extreme weather event even occurs. This ensures you know what to do right away rather than having to dig around for manufacturer’s instructions.
- Assess: The inverter is your big clue if damage has occurred. Significant damage will most likely be indicated by red lights or error codes on your inverter. detected by your inverter. Check the inverter for error codes or sudden output drop.
Along with checking the inverter for error codes or sudden output drop, check the panels. Try to visually detect any damage from a distance (again, do not climb on your roof). Check the panels for signs of impact, cracks, or chips.
- Document: If you notice solar panel hail damage, document visible damage with photos, if it is safe to do so. Be sure to capture various angles of the damage.
- Contact: Contact your insurer and book an inspection with an accredited association. Accredited inspectors in WA, NSW, QLD, and SA can be found via Solar Accreditation Australia.
*Tip: Don’t ignore minor damage. Lab testing shows that even minor damage, such as micro-cracks, reduces performance and efficiency over time. Minor damage may make solar panels more susceptible to more extensive damage in future storms. If you suspect damage, make sure to have it professionally assessed and repaired.
Is Hail Damage Covered by Insurance or Warranty?
Insurance usually covers hail damage, as solar panels are treated as part of the building. However, we recommend double-checking your insurance policy to be certain.
Always inform your insurance provider that your home has a solar panel system and ensure that your policy covers hail damage. It is also important to note that insurance covers like-for-like replacement.
Warranty coverage on solar panels usually excludes damage from weather events, such as hail. These storm events are considered a force majeure.
Can I Use Solar Rebates to Cover Solar Panel Hail Damage?
You cannot use solar rebates to cover solar panels that are already subsidised. Rebates (STCs) cannot be claimed again for the same panels.
However, upgrades or system expansions may qualify for new rebates.
Learn more about solar rebates and restrictions here:
Practical Steps to Protect Your System from Solar Panel Hail Damage
Residential solar panels are manufactured to withstand surprisingly harsh conditions. Still, it is important to take steps to further protect solar panels from extreme weather.
These preventative steps are especially important if you live in hail-prone states, such as SE QLD and NSW. Areas such as WA and SA experience hail storms less frequently, but they are still at risk.
Here are ways to help protect against solar panel hail damage:
- Know Where the Shutdown Instructions Are: We recommend keeping shutdown instructions handy near the switchboard.
- Secure Loose Items: During storm season, make sure all loose objects are secure. Store plastic deck chairs, lightweight objects, patio umbrellas, and other items in a covered storage area before a storm.
- Opt for Enhanced Weather Ratings: In hail-prone regions, such as SE QLD, consider panels with enhanced hail ratings. Check for solar panels with higher extreme weather and wind load ratings for better protection in harsh conditions.
- Consider Protective Products: It may be worth looking into protective netting or covers if you are in a hail-prone area. Padded covers and hard shells are the two main options for protecting against storm damage. Keep in mind that the chance of solar panel hail damage is low and a protective cover isn’t needed for every storm. Also, solar panels will not generate any power when covered.
- Monitor Local Weather Conditions: Stay up to date on local weather conditions, especially if an extreme storm is predicted.
- Be Proactive with Inspections: Schedule system inspections before peak storm periods start. This ensures any issues are caught and addressed early. For instance, a professional technician can recognise micro-cracks that may go unnoticed otherwise. Even minor chips or cracks leave solar panels more susceptible to damage from hail or extreme weather.
- Maintain your Solar System Properly: A well-maintained solar system may handle extreme conditions better. See our guide on solar panel system maintenance here to learn more: Solar Panel System Maintenance
Storm-Ready Solar Systems in WA
Most solar panels are tested and manufactured to survive typical hail. However, they are not indestructible.
Your solar system is built tough, but extreme weather, such as those in SE QLD, can put it to the test. If you need expert help with inspection, repairs or upgrades, contact Aus Energy Solar for trusted support across WA, NSW, QLD and SA.
Thinking about installing or upgrading your solar system? Contact Aus Energy Solar today for storm-ready solutions across WA, NSW, QLD, and SA.
