Is hail damage covered by my solar panel warranty?

Almost certainly not. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in manufacturing or premature failure, not physical damage from weather or 'acts of God.' That's what insurance is for.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover solar panel damage?

In most cases, yes. A rooftop solar array is typically considered a permanent part of the home and is covered by your dwelling coverage. Always call your agent to confirm your specific policy details before you have a problem.

How do I file an insurance claim for damaged solar panels?

First, document everything with photos. Then, call your insurance agent to start the claim. They will likely require an official quote from a qualified solar repair company to assess the extent and cost of the damages.

Can I repair a cracked solar panel myself?

No. A cracked panel has a compromised seal, which allows moisture in and destroys it from the inside out. It cannot be effectively repaired with sealant. The only proper fix is to replace the entire panel.

Solar Panel Damage from Hail or Storms (Troubleshooting & Fixes)

Quick Answer

Okay, so here's the quick version after a nasty storm. First, visually inspect your panels from the ground – look for cracked or shattered glass and any obvious dislodged panels. Next, check your solar monitoring app; if your energy production has significantly dropped or is zero, you likely have a problem. Do not attempt to climb on the roof yourself, as damaged systems can pose electrical and fall hazards. Any significant damage like cracks, loose panels, or wiring issues is a job for a qualified professional. A standard inspection visit will typically cost $150-$500, which is well worth it for a proper diagnosis and safety check. If a panel needs replacing, you’re looking at $400-$1,200+ per panel, including parts and labor, depending on the panel type and accessibility. Inverter or microinverter replacement can range from $500 to $2,500+.

Solar Panel Damage from Hail or Storms (Troubleshooting & Fixes) visual diagram — Visual guide for diagnosing key fob issues

Common Symptoms

Cracked or shattered glass on the solar panels (spiderwebbing)

Significant, unexplained drop in daily energy production visible on your monitoring app

The system is completely offline (producing zero power)

Visible dents or pockmarks on the panel's aluminum frame

Inverter is displaying error codes, alarms, or flashing red lights

Visible loose, frayed, or disconnected wiring on or around the array

Possible Causes

Direct impact from large hail (typically over 1-inch in diameter) shattering the tempered glass.

High winds causing tree branches or other debris to fall onto or be thrown into the panels.

Extreme wind loading creating uplift that bends the racking or pulls panels loose from their mounts.

Nearby lightning strikes inducing a high-voltage surge that can fry the inverter or microinverters without visible external damage.

Water intrusion into a previously cracked or damaged panel, causing short circuits and component failure over time.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Step 1

Visual Inspection FROM THE GROUND. Use binoculars to carefully examine each panel for cracks, chips, or shatters. Do not climb on the roof.

Step 2

Monitor Energy Production. Open your solar monitoring app and compare the current production to a similar sunny day before the storm. Look for a significant drop or panels reporting zero output.

Step 3

Check the Inverter. Look at the main inverter box for any warning lights or error codes. Write down the specific code to reference in the manual or provide to a technician.

Step 4

Inspect Accessible Wiring. From a safe distance, look for any obviously disconnected, dangling, or damaged wires near your inverter and ground-level conduits. Do not touch anything.

Step 5

Document All Damage. Take clear photos and videos of damaged panels, racking, and any inverter error screens. This is crucial for insurance claims.

Solar Panel Damage from Hail or Storms (Troubleshooting & Fixes) — Key fob troubleshooting and repair overview

DIY vs Professional Costs

Repair Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost	Time Required
System Inspection & Diagnosis	$0	$150 - $500	1-2 hours
Individual Panel Replacement	Not Recommended	$400 - $1,200+	2-4 hours
Inverter/Microinverter Replacement	Not Recommended	$500 - $2,500+	2-5 hours

System Inspection & Diagnosis

DIY$0

Pro$150 - $500

Time1-2 hours

Individual Panel Replacement

DIYNot Recommended

Pro$400 - $1,200+

Time2-4 hours

Inverter/Microinverter Replacement

DIYNot Recommended

Pro$500 - $2,500+

Time2-5 hours

When to Call a Professional Solar

The moment you see any crack, chip, or shattered glass on a panel.
If your system's power production has dropped significantly and isn't recovering.
If your inverter is showing a fault or error code that doesn't clear after a simple reset.
If you see any loose, dangling, or damaged wiring.
When you need a professional quote to submit to your insurance company for a claim.

Prevention Tips

Invest in high-quality, Tier 1 solar panels that have strong hail impact resistance ratings from the start.
Ensure your system is installed by a reputable, NABCEP-certified professional who will properly secure and torque the racking system to withstand high winds.
Regularly trim back any large tree branches that overhang or are near your solar array to prevent debris from falling on them during a storm.
Proactively review your homeowner's insurance policy to confirm that your solar array is covered, preferably for full replacement cost.

Solar Panel Damage from Hail or Storms (Troubleshooting & Fixes) professional repair detail — Professional key fob repair and programming

Frequently Asked Questions

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