Can Hail Damage Solar Panel Energy Systems?

You spent thousands on your solar system. You did your research, picked an in-house installer, and now your panels are sitting proudly on your roof.

Then the sky turns grey. The weather app lights up with warnings. And you start hearing that unmistakable sound of hail hitting your windows, your car, and your gutters.

And now you’re thinking, “What about my solar panels?”

You’re not overreacting. PSC Energy has seen the damage a storm can cause to solar panels. Fortunately, it isn’t as much damage as you’d think. Solar panels are surprisingly durable. How your solar system is affected by hail depends on its size, the type of panel you have, and whether it was installed with care.

In this article, you’ll learn about the following:

• Does Hail Damage Solar Panels?
• How Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?
• 4 Ways to Protect Your Solar Panels from Hail
• How Resistant to Hail Are AIKO Solar Panels?
• What to Do If Your Solar Panels Are Damaged
• FAQ: Solar Panels and Hail

Solar is still a smart move. But in a country with a sky that throws rocks, you need to know how to protect your investment. Let’s break it down.

Does Hail Damage Solar Panels?

Sometimes, but it depends on the hail and the solar panel.

Most good-quality solar panels can handle normal Australian weather. That includes rain, strong wind, and small to medium-sized hail. Panels are built with tempered glass, strong aluminium frames, and layered materials that help absorb impact.

Tempered glass is not like regular glass. It’s about four to six times stronger and designed to crack safely instead of shattering. That makes it ideal for rooftops where it needs to take hits from falling debris or hail.

But there’s a limit to what even tempered glass can handle.

What are the hail testing standards in Australia?

For a solar panel to be sold in Australia, it must pass a test called IEC 61215. This test simulates hailstones that are:

• 25mm in diameter (about the size of a $2 coin)
• Travelling at 23 metres per second (around 83 km/h)

If the panel survives that impact, it’s certified to meet the standard.

Sounds good, but there’s a problem: In areas like Canberra and parts of Queensland, hailstones can reach 35mm to 40mm in size. That’s closer to a golf ball than a coin. These stones hit harder, faster, and with more energy than the IEC standard accounts for.

Brands like AIKO design their panels for more challenging conditions. Their panels use 3.2 mm-thick glass (most others use 1.6mm) and are tested under a more extreme standard called VKF HW4.

This test involves:

• 40mm hailstones.
• Hitting the panel at multiple points.
• At impact speeds similar to an air rifle.

Most standard panels fail this test. AIKO doesn’t.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Most panels will survive everyday hail, but if you live in a high-risk area, like:

• Canberra
• Brisbane
• Regional NSW
• Parts of Victoria or Queensland

…then standard testing may not be enough. You’ll want to look for panels that meet higher impact standards, like Aiko, or come with verified hail-resistant certifications.

If you’re interested in learning more about solar systems, you might want to check out our introductory article titled, New to Solar: Start Here.

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How Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?

Not all hail damage is apparent.

When hail hits a solar panel, it can cause cracks, dents, or internal stress. But the damage isn’t always something you can see right away.

After a storm, your panels might still produce power, but you could be losing energy (and money) without realising it.

Here’s what hail can do to a solar panel:

• Cracked glass: This is the most visible type. Cracks weaken the panel and can lead to water leaks or sharp drops in performance.
• Broken or shattered cells: Even if the glass looks okay, the photovoltaic (PV) cells underneath may be damaged. This reduces efficiency.
• Dents in the frame: Minor dents might not cause serious issues, but deeper ones can misalign the panel or loosen the mounting.
• Loose wiring: Hail and strong winds can pull or shift wires. That might create connection issues or faults.
• Hot spots and fire risk: In rare cases, hail damage can lead to electrical problems. Damaged cells can create “hot spots” that overheat and become dangerous.

A few things increase the risk of hail damage:

• Larger hailstones: Stones over 30mm are more likely to crack panels, especially if they fall fast.
• Roof angle: A steeper roof can deflect hail. A flat one takes more direct hits.
• Panel placement: Panels near roof edges or ridges are more exposed to wind and impact force.
• Older panels: Older models, or cheap panels with thinner glass, are more likely to break.

Even minor damage adds up over time. A scratch today could turn into a crack next year. Regular inspections after a storm can help you catch issues early and avoid more costly repairs later.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar panels and energy systems, you might want to check out the following article titled, Are Solar Panels Worth It in NSW, Australia? A Price Breakdown for 2025.

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4 Ways to Protect Your Solar Panels from Hail

1. Choose Panels with High Hail Ratings

Not all panels are built the same. Most panels sold in Australia meet the IEC 61215 standard. This means they can take a hit from a 25mm hailstone travelling at 83 km/h.

But some areas, like parts of Canberra, Brisbane, and regional NSW, often get bigger hail. In those places, 25mm isn’t enough.

Look for panels tested to stricter standards. These panels offer better protection in severe storms.

2. Mount Panels Correctly

A sound installation protects panels just as much as strong glass. Work with qualified installers who:

• Use rated racking systems.
• Mount panels securely.
• Follow best-practice placement (avoiding roof edges and exposed spots).

3. Inspect Panels Regularly

Check your panels after major storms. You don’t need to climb the roof. Just walk around your property and look for:

• Cracks or shattered glass
• Bent frames
• Wires hanging loose
• Drops in performance on your solar monitoring app

Even small cracks can get worse over time. Catching them early can save you money later.

4. Track the Weather

Download a weather app that gives storm alerts. Many energy usage monitoring apps offer this feature. That gives you time to cover your panels or take other precautions. Staying alert is one of the easiest ways to protect your system.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about weighing the cost of solar against the cost of the grid, you might want to check out the following article titled, Cost of Solar Panels vs. Cost of Energy from the Grid.

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How Resistant to Hail Are AIKO Solar Panels?

Most solar panels pass the basic IEC 61215 test. It uses small hailstones, just 25mm wide. These are about the size of a $2 coin. But as many Aussies know, real hailstones are often bigger than that.

AIKO designs its panels for real-world conditions, not just lab tests. Their panels are built with thicker glass, tougher materials, and tested under much stricter standards.

AIKO panels use 3.2 mm-thick tempered glass. That’s double the thickness of what some other brands use. Thicker glass means better impact resistance. It also means the panels stay safer and last longer after storms.

Other panels often use 1.6mm glass, which can’t handle larger hailstones without cracking or breaking. This matters if you live in storm-prone areas.

AIKO panels are the first in the world to pass the Swiss VKF HW4 hail test, which is more complex than the standard IEC test. This test involves:

• 40mm hailstones (bigger than a golf ball).
• 16 impact points across the panel.
• 11.1 joules of energy per hit.

Most panels would break under this kind of test. AIKO doesn’t.

Even if AIKO panels do take a hit, they’re designed to keep working. That’s because of their advanced cell structure. They use back contact cells, which are more flexible and efficient than older technologies like PERC or TopCon.

Choosing AIKO panels means:

• Fewer repairs.
• Fewer replacements.
• Better energy output, even after storms.
• Higher safety, thanks to stronger materials.

This gives you more value from your system over time, especially if you live in areas with wild weather.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar payback periods, you might want to check out the following article titled, What is the Payback Period for Solar Panels in Australia?

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What to Do If Your Solar Panels Are Damaged

After a hailstorm, never climb on your roof. Damaged panels can still carry voltage, even if the power is turned off. Loose wires, water, or cracked glass can make the area dangerous.

If you suspect damage, stay on the ground and inspect from a distance. Safety comes first.

Step 1: Do a visual check from the ground.

Walk around your home and look up at the panels. Look for:

• Cracked or shattered glass.
• Dents in the frame.
• Wires that are hanging or loose.
• Discoloured or warped panels.

If the panels look physically fine, that’s a good start, but it’s not a guarantee they’re working correctly.

Step 2: Check your solar monitoring system.

Most systems come with a monitoring app. Use it to look for:

• A sudden drop in energy output.
• Error messages on your inverter.
• A single panel is performing much worse than the others.

Even if the panels look fine, a significant drop in power could mean the cells inside are damaged.

Step 3: Call a licensed solar technician.

If you see anything suspicious or the system isn’t working as expected, contact your solar installer or a certified solar technician.

They will:

• Inspect the system up close.
• Take photos of any damage.
• Test panel performance.
• Check the mounting and wiring.

This professional inspection is essential for safety. Most panels can be replaced without removing the whole system.

Don’t delay. A damaged panel can cause other problems over time. Getting it fixed quickly protects the rest of your system.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how to save with solar, you might want to check out the following article titled, Self-Consumption: How to Increase Solar Energy Use.

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Wrap-Up: Storm-Proofing Your Solar Investment

Australia’s weather is getting harsher, and hailstorms are more common in places like Melbourne, Canberra, and regional Queensland.

Your solar panels sit out in the open, day after day, doing their job. But when hail hits hard, it only takes one storm to cause thousands of dollars in damage.

That’s why it’s not enough to assume your panels are “hail tested.” Most panels only meet the minimum standard, and that standard isn’t built for the kind of storms we’re seeing more often.

You can protect your system by being proactive:

• Choose tougher panels, like those from AIKO, that meet stricter standards.
• Install panels properly, using secure mounting systems and good placement.
• Check your system regularly and track output with your monitoring app.

If you live in a hail-prone area, these small steps make a big difference. The cost of protection is almost always lower than the cost of repairs.

At PSC Energy, we understand that despite the risk of storms, solar is still one of the best long-term investments you can make for your home. While we are a bit biased, we’ll set you up with strong panels, proper installation, and a solid plan, to keep your solar system powering your home for years.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the federal solar battery rebate, also known as the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, you might want to check out the following article titled, What the 2025 Federal Election and the Government Rebate Means for Solar Batteries in Australia.

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FAQ: Solar Panels and Hail

Can hail break solar panels in Australia?

Yes. While most solar panels can handle small to medium hail, large hailstones (over 30mm) can crack or break them, especially during severe storms.

What size hail can damage solar panels?

Solar panels are tested to handle 25mm hailstones at 83 km/h. Hailstones larger than 35mm, which are common in Australia, can cause damage.

What should I do if hail damages my solar panels?

Stay off the roof. Take photos, check your monitoring system, and call a licensed solar technician.

Do thicker solar panels resist hail better?

Yes. Panels with thicker glass, like AIKO’s 3.2mm glass, are more resistant to hail than standard panels that use 1.6mm glass.

Is it worth upgrading to hail-resistant solar panels?

If you live in a hail-prone area, yes. Hail-resistant panels can prevent costly damage and reduce the need for repairs or replacements over time.