Can Solar Panels Survive Hail and Severe Storms?

Solar panels sold in the U.S. are tested to withstand significant hail impact as a standard part of certification, which is why storm damage is less common than homeowners often assume.

How panels are tested

Standard certification (UL 61730 and IEC 61215) requires panels to withstand 1-inch diameter ice balls impacting at roughly 50 mph without failure. Most panels sold in the U.S. meet or exceed this. Tempered glass covering the cells is the same category of glass used in car windshields, engineered specifically to resist impact.

Wind resistance

Mounting systems are engineered to local wind load codes, which vary by region — coastal and hurricane-prone states have stricter requirements than inland areas. A properly permitted installation should meet or exceed your local building code's wind rating, which is one of several reasons proper permitting (not just a fast, unpermitted install) matters.

What happens if damage does occur

Most manufacturer product warranties cover defects, but storm damage is typically treated separately — often through your homeowner's insurance policy rather than the panel warranty, since it's an external event rather than a manufacturing issue. It's worth calling your insurance provider before installation to confirm solar is properly reflected in your policy (some insurers require you to add it explicitly, similar to adding a home addition).

A practical note on extreme events

While panels are built to withstand typical severe weather, exceptionally large hail or extreme wind events (well beyond standard test conditions) can still cause damage, same as they can to roofing shingles or siding. This is a normal, insurable risk category rather than a reason to avoid solar — just something to have properly covered.