Hail and solar panels

[Shu]

I used the search function and didn't find this, so forgive me if it's been discussed a million times.

How do solar panels do against hail? Anyone have any experience?

[Dweezil]

Mine fared much better than my roof.  2nd worst hail storm in the Phoenix area.  The roof and the airconditioner  were considered a total loss. The solar panels on the windward side that took the brunt of the hail  did just fine.  They're covered with very heavy tempered glass. The powder-coating on the frames did fine too.  This is with 1" diameter hail.

[efremtags]

modules have anodized frames, not painted.

They  are designed to withstand 1" hail stones without breakage. No worries there.

[Shu]

Thank you very much!!!

[bilmac]

It hails in Phoenix?!!! That should have been a pretty good test as panels there would be mounted about as flat as anywhere in the country.

I have some panels that have broken, my fault not the panels, and they are still making juice. One it is broke all the way across the panel. The gap keeps getting worse every time I look at it, but last time I checked it was still cranking out some volts. I haven't checked to see how many watts probably not much, I'm surprised it is making anything.

[Dweezil]

It doesn't hail here very often...so when it does it's really an event. The roofing contractors are out in force trying to drum up business and collect insurance money.  Probably the best thing that's happened to our local economy in a long time. Go figure.

[efremtags]

If your panel is cracked, I would replace it. It is like having a bear wire without insulation. You are opening yourself up to risk of shock or fire.

If your system is connected to the grid, it can generate 600V!

It will definately generate power, the glass is just to provide a hermetic seal from the elements, and has little to do with power generation, It will definately fail over time as water gets in there and rusts up the connections.