How to Keep Your Solar Panels Safe From Hail: Informational Guide

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Solar panels endure the full force of nature. They need to withstand the weather conditions in your region while continuing to reliably power your home. Luckily, many solar panels are pretty tough and designed to last. Although damage from being hit by hail tends to be minimal, you may want to provide additional protection for your solar panels. This wikiHow guide will discuss how to protect solar panels from hail.

Things You Should Know

  • Many solar panels are designed to be durable against hail.
  • Your solar panels may be insured for hail damage by your homeowners insurance.
  • Install a protective cover on your solar panels to guard them against incoming hail storms.
  • Make sure to follow all safety guidelines provided by the solar panel installer and the manufacturer.
Section 1 of 11:

Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    However, many solar panels are designed for durability against extreme weather. [1]
    • There are also standardized industry quality tests that check whether solar panels can endure harsh conditions like hail. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 11:

Is Solar Panel Damage Covered by Insurance or Warranty?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check your policies to see if you’re covered. You can call a representative if your policy doesn’t mention hail damage.
    • Your homeowners insurance may cover solar panels. [3] Check with your insurance company to find out if your solar panels are covered by your policy. You might need to add additional insurance to cover your solar panels.
    • In the event that your solar panels are damaged, check your warranty to see if the damage is covered. You might have a warranty with your installer, the manufacturer, or both.
Section 3 of 11:

Choose a Durable Solar Panel

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don’t already have solar panels, make sure to install them through a qualified professional who uses high-quality solar panels. [4]
    • The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) awards certifications to solar panel professionals. Check for NABCEP certification when looking for a solar panel installer.
    • Read through reviews of the solar panel models your selected installers are offering. You can get a sense of a solar panel brand’s reliability by looking at other solar panel owners’ experiences.
    • Take a look at wikiHow’s guides for solar powering your home and choosing a solar panel for more information about installing solar panels.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 11:

Monitor the Weather

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are a few different ways to keep track of the weather:
    • Read or watch the local news for your area. The news will often report on extreme weather in the region.
    • Check online for National Weather Service public weather alerts in your area.
    • Download a weather app that offers notifications for upcoming storm systems.
    • Learn about weather maps to track potential storms.
Section 5 of 11:

Install a Protective Cover

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your solar panels are easily accessible (such as ground-mounted solar panels), you can place the cover over your solar panel before storms.
    • Check with your solar panel installer to see if there is a cover designed for your panels.
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 11:

Cover with a Tarp or Blanket

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may mainly be useful against scratches and smaller hail.
    • Look for polyethylene weather-resistant tarps. A heavy-duty tarp will provide more protection against the storm.
    • If you’re using a blanket, aim for a thick and durable option. You can fold the blanket to increase the thickness as needed.
Section 7 of 11:

Cover with a Tent

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is good for medium-sized solar panels.
    • Choose a canopy tent made of durable fabric to better protect against the hail.
    • Since the sides of a canopy tent are open, this option is ideal for hail storms with little wind and hail that falls straight down.
    • Make sure to secure the legs of the canopy tent to the ground with stakes or weights.
    2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 11:

Cover with a Box

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This would work well for small solar panels.
    • Select a sturdy box to place over your solar panels. A thick wood or plastic box would be resilient against the hail.
    • A box might not work well in strong wind conditions, as the box might be blown off the panel by the storm.
Section 9 of 11:

Bring the Panels Indoors

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This method is ideal for small, movable solar panels.
    • You can set up a dedicated spot for your panels in your house or garage. This would be especially useful if you’re in a location that experiences hail storms often.
    2. Advertisement
Section 10 of 11:

Check Your Solar Panels

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are a couple steps you can take to assess your solar panels for damage.
    • Monitor the energy production from your solar panels. If you notice that the energy production is unusually low, there might be an issue with your solar panels.
    • If you have safe, easy access to your solar panels, visually inspect them for any damage.
Section 11 of 11:

Maintain Your Solar Panels

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Protect-Solar-Panels-from-Hail-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your solar panel installer may provide this service or be able to recommend someone to you.
    • You can hire a professional to clean and inspect your solar panels. [5] If you suspect that your solar panels were damaged, they’ll be able to check for any issues with your solar panels following a hail storm.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Solar Cell in Home
      How to
      Build a Solar Panel
      How to
      Charge Solar Lights Without Sun
      How to
      Make and Use a Solar Oven
      How to
      Charge a Battery with a Solar Panel
      How to
      Make a Small Solar Panel
      How to
      Make Solar Cells
      How to
      Set Up a Small Solar (Photovoltaic) Power Generator
      11 Ways to Boost Your Solar Efficiency
      How to
      Make a Solar Panel (Copper Sheet Method)
      How to
      Use Solar Energy to Heat a Pool
      How to
      Choose a Solar Inverter
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sunrun.com/go-solar-center/solar-articles/how-durable-are-solar-panels-in-hail-storms-and-hurricanes
      2. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/hail-no-national-labs-solar-panels-survive-severe-storm
      3. ↑ https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-home-insurance-cover-solar-panels/
      4. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar
      5. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-maintenance-guide-how-to-clean-and-repair-solar-panels/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,376 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement