How do solar panels handle hail?

[hedge]

I'm dipping my toe into the solar pool. I am starting with a modest system but a bit concerned about hail. I'm thinking of building some sort of covers to put over them if a hail storm is expected.

Is this necessary or am I worrying about nothing?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Best read the fine print first and save the ambulance drivers a trip....

[Byrogie]

Small hail, no problem
Large hail, insurance

[TurnThePage]

Are different panels built to different physical strength specs? My panels were rescued from a power station fire years ago. Electrical box on back of one panel is melted but the panel works perfectly. Mine have been under significant snow load, moderate hail, and dropping tree branches with no ill effects. Bird poo and tree sap have been their worst enemy.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

This occurred in Alberta, Canada...

[pianotuna]

Hi,

So far as I am aware, there has only been one report of a failed panel on RVnet and that failure was not from hail.

Do remember to install on a 5 degree angle to allow rain to drain off.

hedge wrote:
Is this necessary or am I worrying about nothing?

[hedge]

we do get some big stuff here, a couple years ago we had a storm that ended up with 3/4 of the city getting new roofs and siding.

it was golf ball+, some as big as baseballs.

[RoyB]

In Texas the skies always turn to that green look before a hailstorm... Then everyone heads for the safety under an overpass... Sometimes 20-30 cars under one overpass hehe...

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Hail?

or

HAIL! ?

Pea size hail wouldn't present a problem. Golf ball size hail will not only shatter panel glass it will destroy the substrate beneath. Friends in Iowa sent pictures years ago of hail that ripped shingles off the roof, broke windows on the windward side of their house, ripped trees bare of leaves, and totaled out their one year old car. Sucker looked like it got the mumps.

[rexlion]

I saw a photo of a Dallas rooftop covered with solar panels, after a recent (this past May?) hailstorm. The panels looked like a moon surface, with all the craters. What a mess. Maybe some are built with different glass coverings than others?

I always stow my panel if the forecast includes possible hail.

[2oldman]

What are your chances of being in hail?

You'll likely just end up lugging around rarely-if-ever-used covers. Plus, storms are almost always accompanied by wind, so that's another problem: keeping them on.

If I were ever in such a situation I'd consider tilting my panels to the highest they'll go. Of course I'd have to factor in wind, but I've had them up in some pretty strong winds.

[MrWizard]

Most are very hail resistant

[campinghut]

I have had hail damage to the trailer but never one of my panels.