Do Solar Panels Break in Hail Storms and Bad Weather?

If you have solar panels, or if you’re considering investing in a home solar system, you might be wondering how they will hold up in inclement weather. For people who live in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, like blizzards, hurricanes, or hail storms, it’s important to understand how bad weather conditions will affect your solar panels. Let’s take a closer look: 

Solar Panels in Storms

If you live in an area where storms and high winds are common, you’ll be relieved to know that most solar panels are able to withstand winds of up to 140mph. Heavy rain, heavy wind, and hurricanes are a particular concern for those of us who live on the east coast of the US, and when Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast in 2012, minimal damage was reported by solar system owners across New Jersey. 

Solar Panels and Hail

In order to test and ensure durability, solar panels are subjected to various tests, and one of those tests involves shooting the solar panels with ping pong-sized ice balls at around 70mph. In 2017, Denver, Colorado experienced an unusually severe hailstorm that resulted in shattered car windows and left huge dents in roofs. However, only one solar panel was reportedly broken, proving that they’re durable and resilient even in dangerous weather conditions like extreme hail. 

Do Solar Power Batteries Help During Storms?

If your solar panels are connected to the grid, they’ll shut off if there’s a power outage. This is where solar batteries become essential. Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels, and release it to your house when it’s needed. During power outages, blackouts, storms, and other harsh weather conditions, a solar battery ensures your home doesn’t lose power. 

Consider a Change to the Rack

If hail storms are a concern in your area, we recommend you consider a dual-axis tracker that can move into a more vertical position to minimize damage from hail and other extreme weather. There are solar panels made from thicker and more durable glass, making them more hail resistant than thinner panels. 

For more information about durable home solar systems, or if you have any other questions about how your solar system will fare in a hail storm, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/