Will hail damage your solar panels? And are some solar panel brands actually better at surviving severe Australian hailstorms?
Quick answer: Most quality solar panels are designed to handle normal hail, but no panel is completely hail-proof. Severe storms with large hailstones can still cause broken glass, microcracks and long-term performance issues.
In this video, Dan from GI Energy explains how solar panels are hail tested, what the standard 25 mm hail test actually means, and why some manufacturers test well beyond the minimum standard.
We also look at different panel technologies and published hail testing — and why hail resistance alone shouldn’t determine which solar panel you buy.
Most importantly, if hail damages your solar system, it will generally be an insurance matter rather than a manufacturer warranty claim.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Will hail damage solar panels? 01:06 – Hail damage: insurance vs warranty 01:52 – How durable are solar panels? 03:00 – The standard solar panel hail test 03:54 – Why large hail causes more damage 04:19 – What size hail can damage panels? 05:13 – Which solar panels handle hail best? 06:18 – Brands testing beyond the minimum standard 07:30 – Dual-glass panels and panel construction 08:02 – Why hail damage usually isn’t covered by warranty 09:19 – Hidden microcracks after a hailstorm 10:12 – How to inspect panels safely 10:30 – Should hail resistance affect your buying decision? 11:42 – Keep your solar records and insurance updated 12:20 – Will your panels survive a hailstorm?
❓ FAQ
Can hail damage solar panels? Yes. Most quality panels can handle normal hail, but very large or fast-moving hailstones can cause damage.
What size hail are solar panels tested for? A common baseline test uses a 25 mm ice ball travelling at around 23 m/s, or roughly 83 km/h.
Are some solar panels better at surviving hail? Yes. Some manufacturers test beyond the minimum standard, and panel construction such as dual-glass designs may also improve resilience.
Does a solar panel warranty cover hail damage? Usually not. Hail damage is generally considered external storm damage and is more likely to be handled through your home insurance.
What should I do after a severe hailstorm? Have your system professionally inspected. Panels can develop hidden microcracks or hotspots even when the glass looks undamaged.
The takeaway: choose quality equipment, make sure your system is designed and installed correctly, and ensure your solar system is included on your home insurance policy.
☀️ Learn more about solar and battery solutions: www.gienergy.com.au
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By: GI Energy – No Spin, Just Energy Advice Title: Will Hail Damage Your Solar Panels - Which Brands Survive Best Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikH7CsAMs3I
