The materials used to make solar panels are very strong, and generally speaking, hail will not damage solar panels. However, hailstorms in some areas are very powerful, and if the protective measures are not in place, then it is very likely that the solar panels will produce cracks or damage the battery, which will not only cost a lot of money to repair, but also pose a huge security risk. Therefore, in the face of hail, we need to do the following protective measures.

1. Use standardized solar panels

We should choose solar panels that comply with the international anti-hail standards, IEC 61215, IEC 61664, IEC 61730 are the standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, in the event of hail, these solar panels are subject to less damage.

In addition, if the waterproof rating of the solar panel can reach ip68, it will be one more layer of protection for the solar panel. When the solar panel rating reaches ip68, it can ensure that the solar panel is not disturbed by dust and can be immersed in water for a long time without being damaged. So it is crucial to choose a good quality brand of solar panels such as JinkoSolar,Trina, JAsolar and LONGi solar panels.

2.Installation of protective cover

In order to avoid solar panels being damaged in hailstorms, we can use a protective cover made of hard materials to protect the solar panels. However, there is some kind of problem with this kind of protective cover, it may not be able to pass through the sunlight, so the solar panels will not be able to generate electricity normally.

In order to solve this problem, we can use the protective cover when the hailstorm is approaching, and remove the protective cover immediately after the disaster has passed, which can avoid the above problems and also keep the solar panels from being damaged.

3. Spraying protective materials

It may be too much trouble to use the protective cover when the hailstorm comes and then remove it afterwards. However, we can choose to spray a protective material on the panels: methacrylate. This material forms a protective layer against hail and will not affect the normal operation of the solar panels if not used excessively. However, it should be noted that the protective material should be sprayed in the right amount and should not be sprayed on areas other than the panels.

4. Reinforce the structure

In hailstorms, too strong hail may affect the stability of solar panels, and in serious cases, they may even collapse. Therefore, it is crucial to reinforce the structure of solar panels such as brackets and concrete piers.

5. Adjust the panel angle

Solar panel installers go for an optimal angle when installing solar panels so that the solar panels can utilize the sunlight better. However, this angle solar panels may not be able to withstand hail better, so we need to consider both aspects when installing solar panels to find an optimal angle.

If we can’t get the best of both worlds when installing solar panels, we can install an automatic solar panel angle adjuster or use a portable solar panel.

With an automatic solar panel angle adjuster, you can minimize hail damage to your solar panels by setting them at the right angle before the hailstorm, but be careful to set them at an angle that absorbs more of the sun’s rays after the hailstorm has passed. Portable solar panels can be disassembled and placed indoors when the hailstorm comes, and then installed after the hailstorm.

6. Use of wire mesh

Installing a wire mesh may be a better option than using a protective cover. Compared to a protective cover, a wire mesh can protect the solar panels from hail and will not affect the solar panels’ ability to absorb light.

However, when installing the wire mesh, we need to pay attention to the size of the mesh to ensure that the hail will not damage the solar panels and will not affect the solar panels’ absorption of sunlight. At the same time, we should also ensure the stability of the wire mesh. If the structure of the wire mesh we use is not stable, then it is likely to be damaged in the event of strong winds or hail.

7. Regular maintenance of solar panels

The service life of solar panels is generally more than 30 years, but if we neither check nor maintain the solar panels after installation, its service life will be shortened, and resistance to wind, snow and hail will be weakened, so we need to carry out regular maintenance of solar panels.

The main maintenance measures are to regularly check the waterproof measures, clean up the surface dirt, check whether the circuit is aging, etc. Regular maintenance not only ensures that the performance of the solar panel is intact, but also extends the service life of the solar panel.

8. Pay attention to the weather forecast

Most protective measures need to be in place before a hailstorm arrives, so we need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and take all protective measures before the hailstorm arrives so that we can minimize the damage to the solar panels.

Although weather forecasts are not always accurate, we would rather believe them than not.

Conclusion

There is nothing we can do to stop hailstones from coming anyway, but there are some measures we can implement to avoid damage to solar panels and ensure that they function properly.