Soaking Solar, They’re Out of Sight Not Out of Mind.

Being High Up, Solar Panels Shouldn't Be Out of Sight Out of Mind

During heavy weather, solar panels can be at the mercy of the elements. Hail and flooding rain can cause serious damage to poorly installed systems and older units.

While many solar panels are designed to withstand some hail, larger hailstones or high-speed hail can cause cracks, dents, or even break the panels.

Damage can reduce efficiency, create hotspots, and potentially lead to malfunctions. Poorly installed systems can also suffer from damage due to low-quality switches used or incorrect installation.

Factors influencing hail damage:

Panel Durability: The manufacturing quality and design of the solar panel itself play a role in its resistance to hail.

Installation Angle: The angle at which solar panels are installed can also affect their vulnerability to hail damage. Some systems have hailstow options, which move panels to a steeper angle to reduce impact.

Potential Impacts of Hail Damage:

Reduced Efficiency: Even minor cracks or damage can reduce the panel’s ability to convert sunlight into electricity.

Hotspots: Cracks can lead to “hotspots” – areas where the panel overheats, further reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage.

Water Ingress: Cracks can allow water to penetrate the panel, leading to malfunction and even electrical shorts.

What to do?

Keep your system solar safe and operate at peak efficiency with an annual test and service. Another sure way to protect against the winter weather is to install an up-to-date isolating switch that meets current waterproofing standards. We can supply and install a new quality switch. Call today!