Hailstorm Hits Your Solar Panels? Here’s What to Check First
Australia’s weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s a normal afternoon, and the next you’re dealing with heavy rain, strong winds and hail.
If you have solar panels on your roof, a big hailstorm can leave you wondering: Are my panels okay, and does my insurance cover the damage?
The good news is that modern solar panels are designed and tested to handle a certain level of impact. But severe hail can still crack the glass, damage the cells underneath or cause problems that aren’t immediately visible.
Here’s what to do if your solar system has been through a serious storm.
Start with a check from the ground
You don’t need to climb onto the roof to see whether something is wrong.
From a safe position, look for obvious signs such as:
- Cracked or shattered panel glass
- Panels that appear to have moved or become loose
- Damaged cabling or visible components
- Debris sitting on or around the panels
- Water or storm damage around the inverter
You can also check your solar monitoring app or inverter display. A sudden drop in solar production or a fault message can be a useful warning sign.
But remember: a system still producing power doesn’t necessarily mean there is no damage. Small cracks or cell damage may not be obvious straight away.
Don’t climb onto the roof
This is probably the most important part.
If you think your panels have been damaged, don’t climb onto the roof to inspect them yourself.
Broken solar panels can create electrical hazards, particularly when the glass or wiring has been damaged. A wet roof after a storm also creates an obvious fall risk.
If you see damage or you’re unsure, contact a qualified solar installer or electrician to inspect the system.
Does insurance cover hail damage?
It can, but don’t assume every policy is the same.
Solar panels are often covered under home insurance when the policy covers the relevant weather event, but the exact cover depends on your insurer, policy wording, exclusions and sum insured. Some policies may also have specific conditions around solar systems.
If your panels have been damaged:
- Take photos of the visible damage from a safe location.
- Contact your insurer and report the storm damage.
- Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
- Ask whether the solar panels, inverter and other affected equipment are covered.
- Follow your insurer’s instructions before arranging major repairs.
It’s also worth checking that your insurance cover reflects the value of your solar system. Adding solar can increase the value of the property’s insured assets, so your policy should be kept up to date.
What about the solar panel warranty?
This is where insurance and warranty can get confusing.
A manufacturer’s warranty generally covers faults with the product, rather than accidental weather damage. The Australian Government notes that hail damage is commonly excluded from solar panel product warranties.
So if hail has damaged your panels, your first conversation will usually be with your insurer, rather than assuming the manufacturer will replace them under warranty.
Your installer may also be able to help determine whether the problem is storm damage, an installation issue or a product fault.
What if the damage isn’t visible?
This is something many homeowners overlook.
Hail doesn’t always leave a large crack that you can see from the ground. Impact can sometimes cause damage to the solar cells underneath the glass.
If your system has experienced a particularly severe hailstorm, a professional inspection can help identify problems that aren’t obvious during a visual check. Depending on the circumstances, technicians may use electrical or thermal testing to investigate suspected damage.
Should you replace the whole system?
Not necessarily.
A storm doesn’t automatically mean your entire solar system needs replacing. An installer or insurance assessor can determine whether individual panels, the inverter, wiring or other components have been affected.
If only a few panels are damaged, replacing those components may be enough. If the system has suffered more extensive damage, a larger repair or replacement may make more sense.
The important thing is to have the system assessed before making that decision.
A little preparation can go a long way
You can’t stop a hailstorm, but you can make dealing with one easier.
Keep your solar installation paperwork, warranties and insurance details somewhere accessible. Make sure you know where the system’s shutdown/isolation instructions are located, and have your installer’s details handy.
Regular professional maintenance can also help identify loose fittings, deteriorated wiring and other issues before they become bigger problems.
Worried About Solar Panels Hail Damage?
Solar panels hail damage is not always visible from the ground, and even small cracks can reduce output or let moisture in over time. Book a solar panel inspection and a qualified technician will safely check your panels, inverter and wiring, and record any damage for your insurance claim. Before you lodge anything, read our guide to solar panel warranties to understand what the manufacturer covers and what falls under home insurance. For help with storm claims, the Insurance Council of Australia offers useful guidance for households. Acting quickly protects your system, your savings and your claim. Stay off the roof and let a professional do the checking.
