How to know if your solar panels have hail damage
Part of getting the right repairs for your solar panels involves knowing what caused the damage. Here is how to identify if your solar panels are hail damaged.
Last year, hailstones the size of tennis balls smashed through houses west of Brisbane. It was a terrifying thunderstorm that left residents to deal with severe hail damaged roofs, ceilings, and walls.
Mother nature is unpredictable. And so are Queensland’s wet, humid summers. Devastating thunderstorms can strike at a moment’s notice, bringing hail along with it.
Hail can cause major damage, especially to your solar panels. Damaged panels can cause a range of issues. And can be potentially dangerous if left unchecked.
Read on to find out how to identify if your solar panels have damage from hail and how to get them fixed.
What are the odds of hail damage?
Solar panels are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, such as hailstorms. They are made from tempered glass that can resist golf-ball-sized hailstones. In fact, your panels are actually tougher than your own roof.
But, there is always the chance that hail could do some real damage, especially if it is larger than the tested hail size. In most cases, this is rare. But if you live in the Brisbane area, you are probably no stranger to big hailstorms.
That’s why it’s important to check with your insurance provider to make sure hail damage is covered. And ensure you have a reputable solar panel repairer on-hand for any urgent repairs.
Checking for hail damage
Unlike a smashed car window, a hail damaged solar panel can be less obvious and a little more complicated to fix.
If you find your solar panels aren’t working after a storm or you just want to check for any damage, follow these steps.
1. Inspect your solar panels
Most panels are situated in the best position to produce solar energy. If you can see your panels from the ground, check to see any visual damage.
After a severe hailstorm, it may be obvious. A cracked or smashed panel will need to be replaced.
But after a less intense storm, it might pay to climb a ladder to inspect a little closer. Sometimes hail can cause micro-cracks in the panel’s cells. if this is the case, it is always a good idea to have your system looked at by a professional solar repair company.
You should also check your solar inverter. If there has been large hail damage, your inverter will know about it. Check for any red lights, flashing or otherwise, or whether there is any power to your inverter at all.
In either case, contact a solar repair technician to help you.
2. Check your solar monitoring mobile app
Most good-quality solar inverters offer a mobile app for you to check in on your daily energy input and output. Compare your usage on two similar sunny days.
If you notice a large drop in energy production or no production at all, there is most likely an issue with your solar panels.
3. Turn your solar system off
If you don’t have access to an app but still think something is wrong, switch off your inverter and contact a QLD licenced solar electrician like us. Solar panels can pose an electrical risk if they have been damaged in any way.
If you suspect an issue, or if severe storms are headed your way, switch your inverter off. Then wait until your repairer has assessed the extent of the damage.
Do not attempt to switch your inverter off if there are signs of water damage. When in doubt, don’t touch anything and call your local solar repairer.
Is hail damage covered under my insurance?
All insurers cover storm damage to your property, this includes hail damage. But what about your solar panels?
Panels are not covered unless you tell your insurer.
If you install solar panels in your home, you should update your home and contents insurance. To do this, you will need to increase your coverage.
Keep in mind, this does not cover your solar panels in the case of malfunction or any other non-weather-related issues.
When looking for the right insurance policy, it’s important to do your research. Every policy is different and you want to make sure you are properly covered in the event of hail damage.
How to protect your solar panel
If you can’t control the weather, how else can you protect your solar panels?
Well, there’s good news! There are important steps you can take to help minimise the damage to your solar panels when hail strikes. They include:
- Keep an eye out on the weather
- Buy protective covers
- Get insurance that covers solar panel storm damage
- Install Australian standard panels. If you’re not sure what to use, you can speak to our local Brisbane solar installation experts
- Have your panels inspected by a solar repair technician if you notice their efficiency has dropped significantly
- Book a yearly service with a Brisbane solar repair company
It’s also important to keep an eye out for the condition of your solar panel. Most Australian standard panels can last up to at least 25 years if properly maintained.
But they do lose their ability to produce energy after a while. If you find your solar panel isn’t working as well as it should, it may be time for a replacement. Or, there may be another issue.
It’s best to check for any fixable damage before deciding to replace your panels. Buying new panels can be costly, especially when there is a simple solution.
Contact your nearest solar panel repairer to assess and repair any damage.
What to do if your panels are hail damaged?
If you have identified hail damaged solar panels, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Solar Fix, our local team offers expert advice and will assess and repair your solar panel issue. If you’re located in one of our four South East Queensland locations, we’re here to help. We make fixing solar panels stress-free.
Contact us for an inspection today and don’t let hail dampen your day.
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