How to Protect Solar Panels From Hail Storms1. Buy Panels Rated UL 61730, UIC 61730, or IP68 To safeguard solar panels against hailstorms, purchase resilient models. Optimize System Design and Installation.
Historically, solar photovoltaic PV modules have survived the majority of hail events they have experienced. In areas that have experienced very large hail (greater than 1 ¾" or 44 mm diameter), however, hail has caused significant damage to PV modules. Some measures can be taken to limit damage to PV modules.
Are solar PV systems prone to severe hail?
The greatest contributor to insured losses on solar PV systems worldwide is severe hail. Severe hail events are forecasted to increase in frequency over time, emphasizing the increasing importance of designing and preparing for solar PV resilience to hail. Many areas are prone to hail events, and the level of risk a site faces may not be intuitive.
Protecting solar panels from hail requires an automated solar panel angle system to provide continuous sunlight access in bad weather. Use a remote to adjust the surface exposure by changing the angle. Monitor the weather forecast for optimal panel protection in changing conditions. 6. Stay Informed with Weather Predictions
Hail, as solid ice, poses a greater threat than snow due to its potential for physical damage or reduced efficiency. The rate at which hailstones fall during hailstorms heightens the risk of solar panel damage. Despite technological advances in hail-resistant panels, it is best to stay cautious and use covers for additional protection.
Can solar panels be tilted to prevent hail damage?
Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) modeled that solar panels tilted at 10-degree angles sustained 40% less hail damage than panels angled at 20 degrees. Shallow 10-degree tilts increase the likelihood that hail will bounce off rather than perpendicularly strike the glass.
Hail will primarily impact the modules on a system, so most recommendations for a hail-resilient system involve module selection, though there are broader system design considerations that can also be beneficial. Outlines measures and best practices that can be taken to limit damage to solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.