Solar panels are a significant investment for homeowners looking to harness renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Concerns about their durability in extreme weather conditions, particularly hailstorms, often arise.
In this article, we discuss how solar panels can survive hail damage, what makes them last longer, and what you can do to protect your solar energy systems.
Understanding Hail and Its Impact
Hail is a form of solid precipitation that occurs during severe thunderstorms. These ice pellets can vary from small pea-sized stones to larger, more destructive chunks. The impact of hail on solar panels depends on several factors, including the hailstones’ sizes and the storm’s duration.
What Is Hail?
Hail consists of ice lumps falling from the sky during extreme weather events. It forms in strong thunderstorms under specific conditions, often accompanied by other severe weather phenomena.
Hailstones typically measure a quarter-inch to a few inches in diameter, with larger stones posing a greater threat to property and solar installations. As hailstones increase, the potential for damaging impact grows, raising concerns for structures in their path.
How Hail Forms
Hailstones develop in thunderclouds when strong updrafts carry upward water droplets. As they rise, these droplets freeze and collide with other water droplets, growing larger each cycle. This cyclical journey continues as long as updrafts are vigorous enough to keep the forming hailstones aloft.
Eventually, gravity takes over when the stones grow too heavy for the updrafts to support, causing them to plummet to the ground with substantial force.
Solar Panel Durability Against Hail
Modern solar panels can withstand various environmental challenges, including hail. However, hail often damages roofs, and, in some cases, it damages solar panels as well.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Resilience
Several critical aspects influence the durability of solar panels against hail:
- Panel quality and construction: High-quality materials, particularly tempered glass and robust frames, are essential for withstanding impact.
- Size and velocity of hailstones: Larger, faster-moving stones present greater risks. The speed at which hailstones fall and strike determines the danger.
- Angle of panel installation: The installation angle can influence how hail impacts the surface, with steeper angles dispersing force more effectively.
- Protective measures in place: Additional defenses like coverings or coatings can enahnce protection against severe weather.
Industry Standards for Hail Resistance
Designers typically create solar panels that can withstand hailstones up to 1 inch in diameter falling at terminal velocity. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 standard requires panels to withstand impacts from 25 mm (about 1 inch) hailstones traveling at 23 m/s (about 51 mph).
These standardized tests help ensure panels will sustain real-world conditions that mirror typical hailstorm occurrences. Knowing these rules helps you make smart choices about your solar panel purchases. Choose a model that matches the weather conditions in your area.
Real-World Performance of Solar Panels in Hailstorms
Solar panels have become much more durable over the past decade and are more likely to survive a hailstorm. This durability is due in part to the Sunshot Initiative, where the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy teamed up to research ways to lower the cost of solar energy.
Part of this research was about making solar panels last longer. They shot pieces of ice at PV modules at 70 miles per hour to make them look like a hailstorm hit them.
While laboratory tests provide a baseline for panel durability, real-world experiences offer valuable insights into how solar installations fare during hailstorms. Examining case studies provides examples of what you might expect in areas prone to hail.
Protecting Solar Panels from Hail Damage
While solar panels are designed to withstand most hailstorms, you can take additional steps to protect your investment. Several proactive measures can significantly improve the durability and lifespan of solar panel systems.
Choosing Durable Solar Panels
When selecting solar panels, look at models with high snow and wind load ratings. Panels built to the IEC 61215:2005 standards have a minimum snow load rating of 5,400 Pa and a wind load rating of 2,400 Pa. Choosing panels that exceed these standards is advisable for areas prone to severe weather.
Investing in panels with stronger structures and special protective coatings also means they will last a long time, especially in areas with bad weather.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
When you regularly inspect and maintain your solar panels, they remain in good condition and able to withstand extreme weather events. To keep them in top shape:
- Schedule annual inspections: Professional inspections can identify potential vulnerabilities or repair needs.
- Keep panels clean and debris-free: Regular cleaning maintains efficiency and prevents structural stress.
- Check for signs of wear or damage: Early detection of problems can mitigate more extensive future repairs.
A regular schedule for checking and cleaning solar panels keeps them working well, especially in cold weather.
Protective Measures for Solar Panels
If damage from a hailstorm is a real possibility, you can invest in a cover for your solar panels.
There are cloth covers that can fit around individual solar panels. More extreme measures include installing a glass shield over the whole system or completely taking out the solar panels before extreme weather events. The downsides of doing this are reduced power output from diffused sunlight and difficulties installing and removing the covers.
Insurance and Warranty Considerations
Understanding insurance coverage and warranty terms is necessary for protecting a solar investment against hail damage. Have financial safeguards in place should extreme weather lead to damage.
Homeowners Insurance and Solar Panels
Many homeowners insurance policies cover solar panels as part of the home’s structure. It’s essential to verify coverage details with the insurance provider. Some policies may require additional riders or separate coverage for solar installations. It’s helpful to review and update these policies often to include any new or changed solar systems. This will make sure the policy covers everything.
Manufacturer Warranties
Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties that cover defects and performance. These warranties may not always include damage from extreme weather events like hailstorms.
Carefully review warranty terms and consider extended coverage options if available. Negotiating enhanced warranty terms at the time of purchase can provide peace of mind against unforeseen natural disasters.
Other Weather-Related Threats to Solar Panels
While hail is a significant problem, solar panels face other weather-related challenges. Recognizing these threats helps in developing comprehensive preventative strategies to protect solar infrastructure.
Wind Damage
Strong winds can damage solar panels, especially if they’re improperly installed or inadequately anchored. Securely mount your panels and make sure they meet local wind load requirements. Wind braces and reinforced mounting systems can provide additional protection, reducing the risk of dislodgement or breakage.
Lightning Strikes
Although rare, lightning strikes can cause severe damage to solar systems. Installing lightning protection systems and surge protectors can help mitigate this risk. Grounding systems and surge arresters can prevent electrical damage and promote rapid recovery post-storm.
Extreme Temperatures
While solar panels are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, extreme heat or cold can affect their efficiency and longevity. Proper ventilation and installation methods can help manage temperature-related problems by keeping air flowing well and reducing heat buildup.
