Colorado’s Front Range offers ample sunlight for solar energy but also poses a seasonal threat: hail. For homeowners in Boulder and Milliken, the concern is not just about efficiency but durability. Once your system is up and running, protecting solar panels from hail in Colorado’s changing weather becomes just as important as proper installation.
Although solar panels are engineered to withstand harsh weather, no technology is invincible. Colorado ranks among the top five states for hail damage claims each year, with some of the strongest storms sweeping through Weld County. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, proactive ways to minimize the risk and cost of hail damage to your system.
Why Hail Is a Concern for Solar Panel Owners
Solar panels are built with tempered glass, a more durable material than standard window glass. Most panels can handle hail up to one inch in diameter, traveling around 50 miles per hour. Still, Colorado storms are unpredictable. Panels have been shattered by hailstones larger than two inches or by smaller stones propelled by high winds.
Milliken, located in northern Colorado, frequently experiences such conditions. For residents investing in clean energy, foresight means focusing on how to protect solar panels from hail before a problem arises.
Do Solar Panels Come with Hail Protection?
Manufacturers usually include performance and product warranties when you purchase or lease a solar panel system. These often cover weather-related damage under specific conditions, but warranty terms vary. It’s critical to understand that warranties do not prevent hail damage, but offer coverage after it occurs.
That’s why protecting solar panels from hail should be part of your installation strategy, not just an afterthought. Preventing damage is far more cost-effective than replacing cracked or shattered equipment after a severe storm.
How to Protect Solar Panels From Hail in Colorado
Homeowners in hail-prone areas have several options to reduce the likelihood or severity of hail damage. Some solutions involve additional equipment, while others rely on installation best practices or maintenance strategies.
Choose Panels Tested for Severe Weather
When investing in a solar system, not all panels are created equal. Look for panels certified under the IEC 61215 standard, which includes hail impact testing. Many Tier 1 manufacturers also publish impact resistance ratings in their technical data sheets.
While no panel is completely hail-proof, choosing those tested against large hailstones offers a foundational layer of solar panel protection from hail. Ask your installer about models that are proven to perform in Colorado’s climate.
Install Panels at an Optimal Tilt
The angle of your panels matters. Panels installed at a steeper tilt are less likely to absorb the full force of hail because the angle may cause stones to deflect. Although energy production goals often determine tilt, installers in hail-prone areas like Milliken can fine-tune angles to balance output with protection.
Flat-mounted systems tend to take direct hits, while moderately angled systems allow hail to glance off. When possible, request a system design that improves drainage and hail resistance.
Use Impact-Resistant Protective Covers
Transparent protective screens made from polycarbonate or acrylic are available for residential solar panels. These covers are installed over the glass and can absorb the shock from hailstones, preventing cracks or breakage.
These shields are among the most effective accessories for protecting solar panels from hail. They are UV transparent, do not significantly reduce solar efficiency, and can often be removed or replaced without disturbing the underlying panels.
However, they are not standard in most installations, and not every provider offers them. If hail is a frequent concern in your area, this upgrade is worth asking about.
Use a Temporary Protective Solution Before Storms
When severe weather is forecasted and you have time to prepare, temporary barriers like padded covers or mesh guards can provide short-term solar panel hail protection. These are especially useful for ground-mounted systems, which are more accessible and easier to shield.
While this isn’t a viable year-round solution, homeowners who want to take extra precautions before a known storm can benefit from such stopgap measures, like removing these covers promptly after the storm passes to prevent heat buildup or shading.
Consider Removable Systems or Preemptive Removal
In cases where a major storm or hail season is predicted, professional solar removal may be the safest option. At Remove and Replace Solar, we offer fast, efficient panel removal services to get your equipment off the roof and into secure storage before hail hits.
This service is especially useful if you’re preparing for roof replacement or repairs. A coordinated removal and reinstallation approach minimizes system downtime and protects your investment. This can be a smart alternative if your insurance company or warranty provider won’t cover the cost of hail damage.
We specialize in this proactive service, offering rapid response times and experienced crews who understand how to protect solar panels from hail without sacrificing performance.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Even with a durable system and strong protection measures, maintenance plays a role in long-term panel health. Keep your panels clean and clear of debris. Schedule annual inspections. After a storm, even if damage isn’t visible, it’s worth checking your system’s output for any irregularities.
Sometimes, microfractures in the panel’s surface won’t show up immediately, but can compromise performance over time. Regular inspections help catch problems early before they become costly.
Remove and Replace Solar: Your Partner in Hail-Safe Installation
As a locally owned company based in Aurora, we understand Colorado weather. Our crews serve the entire Boulder area, including Milliken, where hail risk is a fact of life. When you work with Remove and Replace Solar, you get more than just installation. You’re partnering with a company that prioritizes:
- Fast, flexible scheduling;
- Personalized service based on your location and needs;
- Transparent communication and no-surprise pricing; and
- Proactive planning for weather-related risks.
Whether you need installation, reinstallation, or a hail-prevention strategy, we can help.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The best time to protect solar panels from hail is before a storm strikes. With so many affordable and effective solutions available, there’s no reason to gamble with a system that could be vulnerable.
If you’re installing solar in Boulder or surrounding areas like Milliken, include solar panel hail protection in your project planning. If your system is already installed, now is the time to assess your risk and explore upgrades or maintenance options.
Colorado may be known for sunshine, but those summer storms can roll in fast. Don’t let a five-minute hailstorm cause five years of regret.
Loading...