Can hail damage solar panels? Here’s the truth

As the US heads into peak hailstorm season, solar panels across the nation—especially in Hail Alley, are facing their annual test.

The verdict, year after year? Most panels emerge unscathed, proving that today's solar technology can take a serious beating. But with extreme weather events intensifying and hail damage accounting for over half of all insured solar losses, understanding how to protect your investment has become essential for every solar homeowner.

Modern solar panels are built to withstand more damage than you might expect. Still, as homeowners from Colorado to Texas have learned, nature sometimes throws curveballs that even the toughest equipment can't dodge.

Solar panels aren't as fragile as some homeowners imagine. They're built to last, with tempered glass shields that can take a beating.

“Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather,” Duane Wright of Fuse Solar and Roofing told Engergysage. “Most Tier 1 panels are tested to endure wind speeds up to 140 mph, and hail impact from 1-inch diameter hailstones traveling over 50 mph.”

Every panel sold in the U.S. has to pass an industry-standard hail test, which fires ice balls at multiple points on the panel and requires no visible cracking, delamination, or more than a 5% drop in power output afterward. Companies like UL Solutions, an applied safety science company, test solar panels by dropping a two-inch solid steel sphere from 51 inches onto panels, simulating the impact energy of serious hail. Panels that survive without electrical hazards earn certification for real-world deployment.

The proof is in the pudding—or in this case, the parking lot. When a severe hailstorm hammered the National Laboratory of the Rockies' (NLR) (formerly National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)) Colorado campus in 2017, just one single panel out of more than 3,000 suffered damage. That's a 99.97% survival rate against Mother Nature.

Not all hail damage is created equal. While your panels' tempered glass provides solid protection, extreme storms can still leave their mark in several ways. Here's the most common damage you can expect from hail:

Visible damage is the most rare, but also the most obvious—cracks, chips, or shattered glass that you can spot from the ground.

Hidden microcracks are the sneaky culprits that worry experts more. These microscopic fractures in solar cells might not immediately impact performance, but can spread over time like a windshield crack, gradually reducing efficiency and creating hot spots. Industry data suggests panels with hail-induced microcracks typically see only a modest dip in output at first, which is exactly what makes them easy to miss without a proper inspection.

Cell and busbar damage happens beneath the surface when hail's impact energy transmits through the glass. Modern panels with 16 or more ultra-thin busbars are more resilient than older models, distributing electrical current more evenly and surviving localized damage better.

But the real danger comes from what experts call "concentrated impacts"—multiple hailstones hitting the same spot, creating a spiderweb of damage that weakens the entire structure. Think of it like repeatedly hitting the same spot on a car windshield; eventually, something's got to give.

When shopping for solar panels in regions where it hails a lot, certain features make some panels better at withstanding hail than others:

Glass thickness matters most. While 97% of 2-mm panels failed a 45-mm ice ball test, only 13% of 3.2-mm panels failed the same test. That extra millimeter makes a massive difference—it's like upgrading from a bicycle helmet to a motorcycle helmet.

Certification levels tell you what intensity panels can handle. The baseline UL 61730 or IEC 61215 hail test requires panels to withstand 1-inch ice balls traveling around 50 mph. For a stricter benchmark, look for FM 4473—Factory Mutual's impact-resistance classification, which rates panels on a numbered scale up to Class 4, the tier designed to hold up against hail approaching 2 inches in diameter. Some insurers and installers now treat an FM 4473 rating as a strong signal of real-world durability, not just a marketing checkbox.

Frame design and support provide structural integrity. Panels with reinforced frames and middle support bars distribute impact energy better, preventing the glass from flexing and cracking under pressure.

Advanced testing standards separate premium panels from the pack. While basic certification only requires surviving 25mm sized-hail, some manufacturers like AIKO and LONGi now test against 40-45mm hailstones—softball-sized ice chunks that would make most homeowners run for cover.

You can't stop hail, but you can minimize its impact on your solar system by taking some precautions ahead of time. Here's what to consider:

Choose the right tilt angle. Tilting panels at 60° instead of flat can increase survival likelihood from 82% to 99%. While that steep angle isn't practical for most roofs, even moderate tilts help hail bounce off rather than strike head-on.

Consider tracking systems with hail stow modes if you're installing ground-mounted panels. These automatically tilt panels to near-vertical positions when storms approach, turning direct strikes into glancing blows. A recent industry risk report found that more than half of the continental US now needs some form of hail mitigation beyond standard-thickness glass to keep potential losses in check. Stow capability is one of the most cost-effective ways to get there.

Schedule post-storm inspections even if panels look fine. Invisible damage including microcracks can spread over time, decreasing production and increasing fire risk. Professional inspections using infrared or electroluminescence imaging can catch problems early. If you have monitoring software, a sudden output drop of more than 5% on an otherwise clear day is a good trigger to schedule one.

Review your insurance coverage before storms hit. Most homeowner's policies cover solar panels under dwelling protection, but verify that hail is listed as a "covered peril" and understand your coverage limits. With some installers reporting that hail causes over 50% of total insured solar losses, proper coverage is essential.

Act quickly if damage occurs. Shut down your system immediately if you spot visible damage, preventing electrical hazards. Document everything with photos for insurance claims, and contact your installer for a professional assessment.

Here's what homeowners should remember: Solar panels are built to last decades in harsh conditions, and most will shrug off typical hailstorms without missing a beat. Modern panels undergo rigorous testing that would destroy most other outdoor equipment.

But the weather overall is becoming more extreme. As climate patterns shift and severe hail events grow more frequent, investing in quality panels with robust hail ratings and understanding where your insurance actually stands—makes sense, especially in Hail Alley states like Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska.

The math still works in solar's favor. Even accounting for potential hail damage, solar remains one of the best investments homeowners can make. With proper panel selection, smart installation choices, and adequate insurance coverage, your solar system will likely outlast your roof, come hail or high water.