In Grand Junction, severe weather is a part of life. Hailstorms can pop up quickly and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. If you’re dealing with solar panels damaged by hail, you can take smart steps immediately to protect your system, investment, and peace of mind.
At Remove and Replace Solar, we specialize in helping Grand Junction homeowners recover after severe storms. Our team is local, responsive, and experienced with solar panel removal, inspection, insurance documentation, and reinstallation, including systems from Tesla, Sunrun, and other major brands. We know what hail can do and how to fix it.
This guide will explain what to do if you experience hail damage on solar panels, how to assess the situation, when to call a professional, and what to expect from a repair or replacement process.
Do Solar Panels Get Damaged by Hail?
Modern solar panels are tough. Most high-quality solar modules are rated to withstand hail up to one inch in diameter falling at high speeds. However, Grand Junction and other parts of Colorado can experience hailstones far exceeding that size, especially during spring and summer storm seasons.
While damage isn’t always a given, when hail is big enough or hits at the right angle, cracks, shattered glass, or internal microfractures can result.
What to Do When Your Solar Panels Experience Hail Damage
If you’ve just been through a hailstorm in Grand Junction, taking the proper steps can make all the difference in protecting your solar energy system and investment. Whether the damage is apparent or not, following a clear action plan helps ensure safety, proper documentation, and fast resolution.
Below are the key steps to take if you suspect your solar panels were damaged by hail.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Before anything else, make sure it’s safe to go outside. Wait until the storm has completely passed, and never attempt to climb onto your roof when it is slick or without proper safety equipment or training.
If you can see visible damage to panels or wiring, stay clear. Exposed electrical components can be hazardous. Your best option is to contact a professional solar technician who can safely inspect your system without putting you at risk.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Once it’s safe, gather as much visual evidence as possible of the solar panel and hail damage. Documentation is essential if you plan to file an insurance claim. Use your smartphone or camera to take:
- Wide shots of the roof and solar panels;
- Close-ups of any visible cracks, dents, or broken glass;
- Photos of the hailstones themselves, ideally with a ruler or coin for size reference; and
- Screenshots of any inverter error messages or solar monitoring app alerts.
These photos will help your solar repair company, insurance adjuster, or manufacturer understand the scope of the damage.
Step 3: Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even if you don’t see any apparent problems, hidden damage can still impact your system’s efficiency or safety. A Remove and Replace Solar certified technician can perform a full post-storm inspection by checking:
- Panel surfaces for cracks or shattering,
- Frame and racking stability,
- Electrical wiring and connectors, and
- Energy output and system diagnostics.
This inspection will help determine if you need a repair, panel replacement, or complete removal and reinstallation, especially if roofing work is also required.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
In many cases, homeowners’ insurance covers solar panel hail damage. Contact your provider as soon as possible after the storm, and be ready to provide:
- A description of the damage,
- The photos you took,
- Any technician inspection reports, and
- Invoices or estimates for repairs.
Insurance companies may send out an adjuster to confirm the damage, so it’s helpful to have your solar contractor’s report ready.
Are you unsure how to navigate the claims process? Our team can assist you with the documentation and ensure the insurer gets the correct details.
Step 5: Get Repairs or Reinstallation from a Trusted Provider
Once your system has been evaluated, the next step is getting it back in working order. Depending on the damage, your options may include:
- Minor repairs,
- Panel replacements, and
- Temporary removal and reinstallation.
Remove and Replace Solar provides full-service solutions for all of the above, using durable materials and expert techniques to get your system safely back online.
How to Prevent Future Hail Damage on Solar Panels
While you can’t control the weather in Grand Junction, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of hail-related damage to your solar energy system. Here are a few strategies that can make a difference:
- Choose hail-rated solar panels. When installing or replacing panels, choose ones that have passed impact testing for hail and are designed to resist cracking and surface damage.
- Consider installing a protective barrier. Hail guards or wire mesh screens can offer additional protection, especially for ground-mounted or low-slope systems.
- Use mounting systems that allow for flexibility. Some racking systems are designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the stress on the panel surface itself.
- Schedule regular system inspections. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to catch early signs of weakness or wear before a storm hits.
- Monitor system performance year-round. Keeping an eye on your output data lets you detect changes quickly.
By working with a trusted local provider like Remove and Replace Solar, you’ll have ongoing support, expert guidance, and reliable service to keep your system performing at its best year after year.
Get a Free Inspection of Your Solar Panels and Hail Damage
Hailstorms can be overwhelming, especially when they damage a valuable system like your solar array. But you don’t have to navigate repairs, insurance, and technical concerns alone.
At Remove and Replace Solar, we’re Grand Junction’s go-to team for:
- Solar panel removal and reinstallation,
- Roof repair coordination,
- Fast service tailored for storm recovery, and
- Transparent pricing with no surprises.
We understand how to work with Colorado insurers and will guide you through every step of the repair process. If your solar panels were damaged by hail, contact us today to schedule a free inspection and quote.
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