Do Solar Panels Survive Hail?

The Short Answer

Yes, solar panels are designed to survive hail. Quality panels must pass rigorous testing that simulates 1-inch (25mm) hailstones striking at 50+ mph. Most panels can actually withstand much larger hail—and real-world data shows damage is rare.

In fact, solar panels often protect your roof during hail storms. The tempered glass surface is significantly more durable than asphalt shingles, and there are documented cases of panels surviving storms that totaled cars and destroyed roofs around them.

Testing Standards: IEC 61215

What Panels Must Survive

All quality solar panels are certified to IEC 61215, the international standard for crystalline silicon solar modules. This includes hail resistance testing:

Beyond Standard Testing

Many premium manufacturers test beyond IEC requirements:

• SunPower: Tests with 1.5-inch hail at 90 mph
• LG (discontinued but still in service): Tested with 35mm hail
• Canadian Solar: Some models rated for 45mm (1.75") hail
• REC: Enhanced testing for their Alpha series

Real-World Performance

Notable Hail Events

Solar panels have proven their durability in some of the worst hail storms on record:

• 2017 Denver, CO: Baseball-sized hail totaled cars and destroyed roofs. NREL's on-site solar installation (3,168 panels) lost only 1 panel—and it was likely damaged before the storm.
• 2019 Texas storms: Multiple severe hail events caused billions in property damage. Solar installations showed minimal panel damage despite widespread roof destruction.
• 2021 Sydney, Australia: Golf ball hail caused widespread damage. Most residential solar systems survived intact.

When Damage Does Occur

Hail damage to solar panels typically requires:

• Hailstones larger than 1.5 inches (rare)
• Direct perpendicular impact at high speed
• Older or lower-quality panels
• Unusually dense hail (ice vs. slush)

When panels are damaged, it's often not immediately visible. Micro-cracks can form that reduce efficiency over time. This is why post-storm inspection is important.

Tempered Glass Technology

What Makes Panels Tough

Solar panels use 3.2mm tempered glass (also called toughened glass) as their top layer. This is the same technology used in car side windows and shower doors, but specifically engineered for solar applications:

• 4-5x stronger than regular glass of the same thickness
• Impact-resistant due to compression on the surface
• Shatters safely into small pieces if broken (doesn't create shards)
• High light transmission despite the added toughness

Anti-Reflective Coating

The tempered glass has an anti-reflective (AR) coating that:

• Increases energy production by 2-3%
• Reduces surface reflection (what your neighbors see)
• Adds a small amount of protection against abrasion

Warranty Coverage

What's Covered

Hail damage is typically covered under two types of protection:

Insurance Claims

If your panels are damaged by hail:

1. Document everything with photos and video
2. Contact your homeowner's insurance (not the panel warranty)
3. Get a professional inspection—some damage isn't visible
4. Your installer may help with the claims process

Protecting Your System

Before Installation

• Choose quality panels: Tier 1 manufacturers use better glass and materials
• Check certifications: IEC 61215 is the minimum; look for additional testing
• Consider your climate: Hail-prone areas may warrant higher-rated panels
• Review installer warranties: Good workmanship prevents loose panels that are more vulnerable

After a Hail Storm

1. Visual inspection: Look for obvious cracks, chips, or shattered glass
2. Check production: A sudden drop in output may indicate hidden damage
3. Professional inspection: Recommended after severe storms (golf ball+ hail)
4. Don't walk on panels: This can cause more damage than the hail

Hail Guards and Screens

Some companies sell hail protection screens or guards. In most cases, these are unnecessary:

• Reduce energy production by blocking light
• Can trap debris and moisture
• Add cost without proven benefit
• Quality panels already exceed what most hail can deliver

The exception: If you're in an extreme hail zone (parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado) and want peace of mind, critter guards (designed for animals) can provide some hail protection while also keeping birds and squirrels out.