Short answer: Yes, hail can damage solar panels, but it rarely does. Panels sold in the US are tested to survive 1-inch hailstones hitting at about 50 mph, and most come through ordinary Florida hailstorms without a mark. Large hail (golf-ball size and up) can crack the glass or cause hidden cell cracks, which is why it's worth checking your system after a severe storm and knowing what your insurance covers.
How solar panels are tested for hail
Solar panels are built to be hit. Most residential panels use tempered glass about 3 to 4 mm thick over the cells, in an aluminum frame. Before a panel can be sold, it has to pass standard tests:
- IEC 61215: fires ice balls 25 mm (about 1 inch) across at roughly 23 m/s (about 51 mph) at 11 points on the panel. The panel must still work and stay safe afterwards.
- UL 61730: the US safety standard (it replaced UL 1703), which includes impact testing.
- Larger hail ratings: some manufacturers test with bigger ice balls, up to 35 to 55 mm, and publish the result on the datasheet. If you live somewhere with frequent hail, ask your installer for the hail rating of the panel being quoted.
These tests are pass or fail, so two panels that both "pass" can still differ in how much hail they can take. The datasheet is the place to check.
How often does hail hit the Florida Panhandle?
Hail in Florida is less frequent and usually smaller than in the Great Plains states, but it does happen, mostly with strong spring and early-summer thunderstorms. Most Panhandle hail is pea- to marble-size, well below what panels are tested for. Occasional storms bring quarter-size or larger hail, and those are the ones worth a post-storm check.
In this part of Florida, wind is the bigger threat to a solar system. Our guide on protecting solar panels from hail and hurricanes covers wind ratings and storm prep.
What hail damage looks like
Damage falls into two groups:
- Visible damage: shattered or cracked glass, dents in the frame, chips at the edges. A panel with broken glass should be replaced, because moisture will get in.
- Hidden damage: microcracks in the cells under intact glass. They don't show to the eye, but they can reduce output over the following months and create hot spots. They are found with electroluminescence (EL) imaging or by comparing panel output in your monitoring.
What to do after a hailstorm
- Stay off the roof. Look from the ground or with binoculars, and take photos of anything that looks wrong.
- Check your monitoring app. Compare the next few sunny days with similar days before the storm. A sudden drop, or one panel producing much less than its neighbours, is a sign of damage.
- Document everything. Date-stamped photos, the storm date and your monitoring data all help an insurance claim.
- Call your installer or a solar service company. They can inspect the array, test strings and confirm whether panels need replacing.
- Call your insurer before repairs if there is visible damage.
Does insurance or the warranty cover hail?
Insurance: roof-mounted panels are usually treated as part of the house under a homeowner's policy, so hail damage is often covered, subject to your deductible. Florida policies can have separate deductibles for wind and hurricanes, so read yours or ask your agent. Some insurers want to be told when panels are added, so let them know when the system goes in.
Panel warranty: manufacturer warranties cover defects and power loss over time. They generally don't cover damage from outside causes such as hail, falling branches or storms. That's what insurance is for.
Leased systems and PPAs: the solar company usually owns the equipment, so check your contract for who files the claim and who pays for repairs.
Can you protect panels from hail?
- Choose a panel with a higher hail rating if you're buying a new system.
- Steeper tilt means hail strikes at more of an angle, which reduces the force of the impact. On most Panhandle homes the roof pitch decides this.
- Keep trees trimmed so branches don't add to storm damage.
- Covers are rarely worth it. Putting covers on and off means climbing on the roof, which is riskier than the hail. Covers left on block production and can trap heat.
Is solar still worth it where hail happens?
For the Florida Panhandle, yes. Hail big enough to break tested panels is uncommon here, insurance usually covers it when it happens, and panels are designed to run for 25 years or more. A good installation, sound roof and the right insurance matter far more than the hail itself. If you're worried about your roof, see whether solar panels damage your roof.
Frequently asked questions
What size hail can solar panels withstand?
Panels certified to IEC 61215 survive 1-inch (25 mm) hail at about 51 mph. Many models are tested and rated for larger hail, up to around 2 inches. Check the datasheet for the panel you're getting.
Will my homeowner's insurance pay for hail-damaged solar panels?
Usually, if the panels are mounted on your roof and you own them. They are normally covered as part of the dwelling, subject to your deductible. Confirm with your agent.
Does the solar panel warranty cover hail?
Generally not. Product and performance warranties cover manufacturing defects and power loss over time, not damage from storms or impacts.
How do I know if hail damaged my panels?
Look for cracked glass from the ground, then compare your monitoring data before and after the storm. Hidden cell cracks need an inspection, usually with electroluminescence imaging or string testing.
Should I cover my solar panels before a hailstorm?
Usually not. Getting on the roof is risky, and covers left on block production. Panels are designed to handle typical hail on their own.
Book a solar inspection or repair or call (850) 737-5197.