Sunny days are abundant in Colorado, but often, when it rains, it hails, which can damage your solar panel. From May through July, severe weather can affect homes across the Front Range and Eastern Plains. While solar panels are built to be durable, no system is completely hail-proof. If your solar array has recently taken a hit, understanding how to assess and address solar panel hail damage is critical. In this article, we’ll break down how hail affects solar systems, how to tell if you have broken solar panels, and what to expect during the repair or replacement process.
How Does Hail Damage Solar Panels?
Solar panels are typically rated to withstand impact from “golf-ball” sized hailstones, as noted in this study that measured damage to solar panels directly after and a couple of years after a hailstorm. The impacted solar panels had 3-4% power loss, and while that may not seem like much, that kind of inefficiency can add up over time. Severe hail can shatter the glass surface, crack internal layers, or damage mounting brackets and electrical wiring. In some cases, repeated minor strikes may degrade a panel slowly, leading to system inefficiencies that are difficult to detect without professional equipment.
What Are the Signs of Solar Panel Damage?
After a hailstorm, inspect your system even if it appears unaffected at first glance. Most solar panel damage falls into two categories: visible and performance-related.
Visual signs include:
- Cracks, chips, or spiderwebbing on the panel’s glass surface;
- Dents or bending in the panel frame or mounting system;
- Discoloration, burn marks, or loose connections; and
- Broken conduit or exposed wires.
Visual indications of damage can sometimes be difficult to see if your solar panels sit atop a high roof. Performance indicators, such as the following, may be more helpful in detecting damage in these cases:
- Sudden drop in energy production or monitoring alerts;
- Inverter errors or repeated system shutdowns; and
- Unusual humming, buzzing, or flickering from your solar equipment
In many cases, the only indication of broken social panels is a gradual decline in output or an error reported by your system’s monitoring software. That’s why scheduling a professional assessment is important if your area has experienced hail, even if everything looks normal.
Can Hail-Damaged Panels Be Repaired?
Whether a broken solar panel can be repaired depends on the type and extent of the damage. Cosmetic scratches or damage to exterior mounts may be fixable. However, replacement is the best option if hail has affected the panel’s solar cells, glass covering, or laminate layers.
Additionally, replacing just one or two panels can be complicated if your current model has been discontinued. In that case, you may need to upgrade part or all of your system, especially if it is older or nearing the end of its typical 25-year lifespan.
What Steps Should You Take After a Storm?
If you believe you’ve experienced hail damage to solar panels, acting quickly can prevent further issues. Here’s a step-by-step process to follow:
- Take photos and document the damage. Take pictures of everything, including close-ups of any visible cracks, chips, or structural issues.
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Most policies cover storm-related losses, but filing may require quick documentation.
- Check your warranty. Manufacturer warranties typically exclude weather damage but may still apply to related issues.
- Avoid touching or removing any equipment yourself. Damaged systems can pose electrical risks and should only be handled by licensed technicians.
After following these steps, contact a solar panel professional to have your system inspected. They can provide experienced guidance on your options for repair or replacement.
What Is the Process for Removing and Replacing Broken Panels?
Replacing broken solar panels after hail often requires safely removing and reinstalling the entire array, especially if roof repairs are needed underneath. To complete this process, a qualified removal and reinstallation team will:
- Conduct a full inspection of your system’s structural and electrical components;
- Coordinate with your insurance provider to support claims;
- Secure permits and ensure compliance with Colorado building codes;
- Safely remove and transport damaged panels without disrupting your home; and
- Install new equipment and test the system to ensure optimal performance.
Remove and Replace Solar, based in Colorado, specializes in all these services. Our experienced team handles the entire process, from roof assessments and HOA coordination to inspections and final reinstallations, so you can restore energy production without added stress.
When Should You Replace Your Entire System?
In some cases, a storm may accelerate the need for a complete system upgrade. If your panels are older, inefficient, or near the end of their useful life, hail damage may make replacement more cost-effective than repair. Even a single compromised panel can affect your system’s efficiency, especially if it’s part of a string inverter setup.
Remove and Replace Solar offers complete removal services for aging systems and helps homeowners transition to newer, more efficient technology. Whether you’re upgrading due to damage or exploring other energy options, our team will help you make a seamless switch with minimal disruption to your home.
How Can You Prevent Future Damage?
While no system is immune to hail, you can take steps to reduce the risk of future solar panel hail damage by:
- Investing in high-quality panels with higher hail impact ratings;
- Adding hail guards or protective mesh in hail-prone areas;
- Scheduling annual inspections to catch early signs of degradation; and
- Installing tilt frames that help deflect direct impact.
Also, consider keeping detailed maintenance records. These documents can speed up insurance approvals and warranty assessments when damage occurs.
Give Us a Call If You Need a Professional Solar Replacement Service
If your home has suffered solar panel damage from hail, you don’t have to navigate the repair process alone. At Remove and Replace Solar, we provide expert removal, replacement, and reinstallation services designed explicitly for Colorado homeowners. Our team understands the unique weather challenges in this region and brings the expertise needed to protect your investment and restore your system efficiently.
Whether you’re facing a single broken solar panel or need help removing your entire system for roof work, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. From helping with permits to securing new equipment, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Give us a call.
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