Hail-proof photovoltaic panel manufacturers

Which solar panels are best rated for hail damage?

Top performers: JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Trina Solar RETC’s hail durability test takes UL and IEC standards testing a step further, exposing solar modules to higher kinetic impact to reflect the risk posed by hail over a 25 or 30-year operating life.

Can hail damage solar panels?

Yes, hail can damage solar panels, even though most solar module manufacturers use glass for the top surface of the panel and pass hail impact tests. Existing testing is inadequate and there is more risk than coverage.

Can solar PV modules survive hail?

Historically, solar photovoltaic PV modules have survived the majority of hail events they have experienced. In areas that have experienced very large hail (greater than 1 ¾" or 44 mm diameter), however, hail has caused significant damage to PV modules. Some measures can be taken to limit damage to PV modules.

How did Trina solar's'vertex 670W' modules perform a hail test?

Under the stringent requirements of the IEC 61215 series, the hail test of Trina Solar’s Vertex 670W modules simulated the shock of hail on the modules’ surface. Using a pneumatic emissions device, natural hail was imitated, with artificial ice balls hitting the modules at a constant speed.

Does a solar warranty cover hail damage?

Hail is a problem for photovoltaic (PV) modules because most warranties do not cover damage related to hailstorms. For solar warranties that include hail under the “environmental factors” category (which is rare), the scope of the coverage is limited to specific conditions or events.

Can a PV array be damaged by hail?

A PV array can be damaged by hail. The minimum impact test by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is not sufficient to ensure protection against hail damage. A 25-mm ice ball, about the size of a gumball, is shot at a module in 11 locations at 23 meters per second during this test.