Solar · Maintenance
Can hail or storms damage solar panels, and who pays?
Short answer
Certified panels are tested to survive 25 mm hailstones at 23 metres per second, so ordinary UK hail rarely breaks them. Large hail, flying debris or storm uplift can crack glass or loosen fixings. Manufacturers usually exclude weather damage, so claim on buildings insurance and have an MCS installer check the array.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source
In more detail
- IEC 61215 hail test: 25 mm ice balls at 23 m/s at 11 impact points.
- Cracked glass lets moisture in and can create insulation faults and shock risk: switch off at the AC isolator and keep away; do not touch.
- After storms, look from the ground for displaced panels, lifted tiles, loose cable or missing bird mesh.
- Module warranties (e.g. JA Solar) exclude hail, lightning, snow and storms.
The facts, dated
- 01IEC 61215 hail test uses 25 mm ice balls at 23 m/s — 25 mm / 23 m/s
standard · n/a · checked 24 September 2026 · energy.gov
Sources
Last checked: 24 September 2026