Hailstorms are one of the most common weather-related concerns homeowners have when considering solar. The good news is that modern solar panels are engineered specifically to handle extreme weather — including hail. Understanding how hail affects your panels, what the industry standards require, and what to do after a storm will help you protect your investment for decades to come.
Does Hail Cause Damage to Solar Panels?
The short answer is: it depends. Most solar panels are built to withstand moderate hailstorms without any meaningful damage. The extent of any damage comes down to a few key factors — the size, speed, and density of the hailstones, and the quality of the panels themselves.
Solar panels are tested and rated to withstand hailstones up to a certain size and speed. Most quality panels can handle hailstones ranging from 1 to 2 inches in diameter traveling at speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour — the kind of hailstorm that is common across most of North Carolina. Anything beyond that threshold can potentially cause damage ranging from minor surface marks to more serious structural issues.
If the damage is minor, it may have little to no impact on your system’s energy output. If the damage is more severe, you may notice a drop in production, and repair or panel replacement may be necessary. This is why regular inspection and monitoring after any major storm is so important.
Do Solar Panels Have Hail Ratings?
Yes — and this is one of the most important things to look for when choosing a solar panel. The global benchmark for solar panel durability is the IEC 61215 standard, an internationally recognized testing protocol that all quality panels must pass before going to market.
To meet the IEC 61215 standard, panels must withstand the impact of hailstones measuring 1 inch in diameter traveling at 52 miles per hour. Premium panel manufacturers often exceed this requirement, offering even greater protection for homeowners in regions that experience severe weather. At 8MSolar, we only install panels that meet or exceed this standard — giving you peace of mind before the first cloud rolls in.
How to Reduce the Risk of Hail Damage on Solar Panels
While no system can be made completely hail-proof, there are several ways to minimize your risk and protect your investment:
- Choose high-quality panels: Panels with tempered glass and robust aluminum frames are significantly more resistant to hail impacts. Premium panels are built to exceed the IEC 61215 hail rating.
- Optimize panel tilt angle: Panels installed at an angle allow hailstones to glance off the surface rather than striking at full force. Your installer can factor this into your system design.
- Add your solar panels to your homeowner’s insurance: 8MSolar strongly recommends including your solar system in your homeowner’s insurance policy. This ensures that any damage beyond the panels’ designed capacity is covered — protecting your investment no matter what the weather brings.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Annual inspections catch minor damage before it becomes a bigger problem. 8MSolar’s in-house service team can inspect your system and address any wear or damage quickly.
What to Do After a Hailstorm
If a severe hailstorm hits your area, don’t panic — but do take action. Here’s what to do once the storm passes:
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Hail Damage on Solar Panels?
In most cases, yes — if your solar panels are listed on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage from severe weather events, including hail, as long as the solar system is included as a covered structure or personal property item.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Add your panels explicitly: Some policies automatically cover rooftop solar as part of the home’s structure, while others require you to add it separately. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your panels are covered.
- Document everything: After any storm, photograph your system before any cleanup or repairs. Insurance claims require clear documentation of the damage.
- Let 8MSolar handle the claim process: Our in-house service team works directly with insurers and manufacturers on warranty and insurance claims — so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Get in Touch with 8MSolar to Protect Your Solar Panels
Modern solar panels are built tough — but having the right installer and warranty behind your system makes all the difference. At 8MSolar, we install only the highest-quality panels rated to withstand North Carolina’s weather, and our in-house service team is always ready to inspect, repair, or replace any system that needs attention after a storm.
Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule a post-storm inspection. We’re here to make sure your solar investment keeps performing at its best — rain, wind, or hail.