How does hail affect solar panels?

Come winter, one of the main concerns of those who have a photovoltaic solar system in their home or in their camper, is the possibility of hail damaging solar panels. And it is that, although hail is not one of the most frequent atmospheric phenomena (at least not in all countries), it is worth being forewarned and knowing how to act in the event of possible damage that it may cause in the solar panels the hail. Especially considering its value.

If you are also wondering if solar panels resist the impact of hail, do not miss the content of this post! We tell you how hail affects solar panels, how you can protect them, and what to do in case they suffer damage from such an ice storm.

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What can happen to solar panels if it hails?

Let's start with the most essential: how can hail affect solar panels? In this sense, you should know that solar panels are usually durable and capable of withstanding the most adverse weather conditions, including the hailstorms In fact, most solar panels can withstand the impact of major ice storms, and have even passed tests to determine their resistance to hail.

However, this is not always the case. And it is that, if eventually the hailstones are larger than usual, or of an infrequent intensity, the plates solar can end up with damage from the continued and intense impact.

Thus, normally hail can cause two types of damage: on the surface of the solar panel , that is, in the glass; and in the solar cells. And although the first of them is easy to repair and does not usually affect the operation of the solar panel, the second type of damage is quite expensive and complicated to solve.

In the worst case, if your solar panels are damaged by hail, one way or another you will be able to repair them and continue using them without having to change them for new ones. But how can we avoid getting to this point and conserve solar panels if it hails? We see it in the next section!

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How to protect solar panels from hail?

If what you want is to protect the solar panels of your camper or your home, the ideal is to resort to the use of solar panel protection covers. With this, the ice stones will slow down and the larger ones will break, thus reducing the probability of damage to your solar panels by hail.

Also, if you mount your solar panels at an angle, the hail will fall on them with a much more moderate force. And you can even choose to apply a small layer of methacrylate to reinforce them and increase their durability (yes, be very careful not to harm the operation of the cells if you mistakenly block the line access to power supply).

But if there is something truly important that can help you protect solar panels from hail, it is keep an eye on the weather forecast! With this, if there is a probability of a storm, you will be warned in time to protect your solar panels from hail.

In this sense, with a BLUETTI solar panel such as the PV350 everything is much simpler . Being foldable and portable, all you have to do is fold the support of your solar panel and store it in its carrying case. You will prevent the hail from damaging your plates and after the storm you will be able to continue enjoying your energy normally and without suffering any mishaps!

What happens if the hail damages the solar panels?

To avoid greater evils if the hail damages the solar panels, it is best to be well prepared beforehand.

Warranties for solar panels do not always cover hail damage. So before choosing the solar panels that will make up your photovoltaic system, it is best to check if it has resistance to strong wind and ice storms (in the product specifications or on the panel manufacturer's website).

All solar panels sold in Spain and in the countries of the European Union must have the international certificate IEC 61215. So, all these solar panels are resistant to hail, but not all types of hail, of course.

So, if you want to protect your solar panels from hail, it is convenient that you have the backing of a good insurance that covers your solar panels against this phenomenon meteorological. Just like you do with your car! Thus, you will have complete peace of mind knowing that, in the event of hail damage, your insurance company will cover your solar panels.

Are there solar panels resistant to hail?

Following the international standards, those solar panels that have an IEC 61215 Certificate and IEC 61646, are considered resistant to hail, since they are solar panels that have passed a series of hail resistance tests from the simulation of a precipitation of hail balls of 25 mm in diameter at a speed of 23 m/s, which is about 85 km/h.

But the truth is that, as we have previously commented, we are talking about resistance to “usual” hail , so if the hailstones are exceptionally large, it is not at all certain that the panels will resist without suffering damage.

Even if you have a BLUETTI solar panel, made with advanced laminated technology and long-lasting ETFE material, you should know that they will withstand the scratches and splash-proof IP65, but it is equally advisable that you avoid exposing them to situations of rain, snow or hail.

And now that you know the damage that hail can cause to solar panels and how to protect your solar panels if the weather plays you with this phenomenon, Now you can enjoy your next camper getaway in winter much more calmly!