Milliken and the surrounding areas in Colorado are no strangers to intense hailstorms. While modern solar panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather, even the toughest systems can suffer damage when hail hits hard. Homeowners must know what to look for after a storm and how to respond to their solar panels’ hail damage.
At Remove and Replace Solar, we help Colorado homeowners protect and maintain their solar investments. From professional inspections to panel removal and reinstallation for roof repairs, our experienced team is ready to step in when your solar system may have been compromised.
This guide will explain the key signs of hail damage, how hail impacts solar technology, and the next steps.
What Are the Signs of Solar Panels Damaged by Hail?
After a hailstorm rolls through Milliken, your panels might look fine from the ground, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. Damage can be subtle or hidden within the system. Here are some of the most common signs of hail damage on solar panels.
Cracked or Shattered Glass
One of the most apparent signs of solar panels damaged by hail is visible cracks in the glass that protects your solar panels. After a storm, look from the ground or a safe vantage point. Do you notice spiderweb-like cracks, shattered sections, or glass that looks fractured even if it’s still intact?
These cracks might not stop the panels from working immediately, but they can let in moisture and dirt over time, leading to long-term degradation and safety issues. If you spot anything suspicious, it’s essential to schedule a professional inspection before the damage worsens.
Reduced Energy Output
A sudden drop in your solar system’s energy production could indicate that hail damaged one or more panels. Check your solar monitoring app (if available) or review your utility bill for unexpected changes.
A drop in performance doesn’t always mean the system is entirely offline. It could mean just a few damaged cells are reducing the system’s overall efficiency.
Loose or Damaged Mounting Hardware
Hail can strike more than just the glass. The impact can jostle your solar panels from their mounting system, bend brackets, or shift wiring connections. Look for signs that your panels are tilted incorrectly, rattling in the wind, or seem misaligned compared to their usual position.
Damaged mounting hardware can affect energy production and lead to further structural damage or safety hazards during future storms.
Water Infiltration or Corrosion
Hairline cracks or broken seals caused by hail may allow water to seep inside the panel. Over time, this moisture can lead to corrosion of the electrical components.
While this kind of damage isn’t always visible immediately, you might notice fogging under the glass or discoloration around the edges of the panel. If left unchecked, corrosion can permanently compromise the system’s functionality and may even pose a fire risk in severe cases.
The Effects of Hail Damage on Solar Panels
Understanding how solar panels and hail interact is crucial for Colorado homeowners, especially in hail-prone areas like Milliken, where storms can strike without warning.
Physical Damage to the Glass Surface
Most solar panels are tested to withstand hailstones up to 1 inch in diameter at high speeds. But Colorado storms often exceed that threshold. Direct hits can chip, crack, or shatter the tempered glass, exposing internal components to the elements.
Microcracks in Solar Cells
Even if the panel glass doesn’t break, the cells inside can still suffer damage. Microcracks often go undetected by the naked eye but can cause a steady decline in output over time. These are especially common with frequent thermal fluctuations like Colorado’s hot days and cold nights.
Compromised Electrical Components
Water can enter through cracked panels and damage wiring or connectors. Hail can also shake parts loose inside junction boxes, posing fire and efficiency risks.
Roofing Damage That Requires Panel Removal
Often, hail damages the roof. In these cases, the panels must be removed so roofers can make repairs.
What Steps Should I Take If I Think Hail Damaged My Solar Panels?
If you suspect hail has damaged your solar panels or even if you’re not sure, here’s what to do next:
- Document your solar panels and hail damage. Take photos of your panels and roof from the ground right after the storm.
- Check your monitoring system. Log in to your solar monitoring app or platform for performance dips. If energy production suddenly falls off, that’s a strong indication that something’s wrong.
- Contact Remove and Replace Solar for a professional inspection. We offer fast, professional assessments to check for visible and hidden hail damage.
- Notify your insurance provider. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover repairs or replacement if your panels are damaged.
- Coordinate with your roofer. If the hail also caused damage to your roof, you’ll likely need your panels removed before repairs begin.
Even if the damage isn’t immediately apparent, a professional inspection can confirm whether your solar system functions safely and efficiently after a hail event. These steps can help protect your home, investment, and energy production.
Get a Free Quote for Hail Damage on Solar Panels in Milliken
At Remove and Replace Solar, we understand how stressful solar panels’ hail damage
can be. That’s why local homeowners trust us for professional and affordable solar panel removal, inspection, and reinstallation after a storm.
We specialize in removing and reinstalling solar panels for roof repairs, upgrades, storm damage, or inspections, whether Tesla, Sunrun, or another provider installed your system. Our trained technicians know how to handle hail-damaged panels carefully, helping you avoid further issues and get your system back online as soon as possible.
Milliken residents choose us because we’re:
- Local—we’re based in Colorado and know the weather affects rooftops and solar systems here;
- Reliable—we show up when we say we will, communicate clearly, and never confuse you;
- Efficient—we prioritize quick turnarounds without compromising quality or safety; and
- Affordable—our transparent pricing and free estimates mean no surprises.
If you think your panels might be damaged or need help coordinating roof work or insurance repairs, we’re here to help. Contact Remove and Replace Solar today to schedule your inspection and get a free, no-pressure quote. Let’s get your solar system back to full power.
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