Most panels are tested to certain hail specifications - I think it is 1" diameter onto a horizontal panel. And most panels are mounted on a tilted roof surface, which helps as well to reduce the impact damage potential.
One way to think about the glass on the solar panels is like glass on auto windshield - it is pretty tough, but it can still break. Generally, that is why we have auto insurance. Likewise, solar panels mounted on the roof are covered under Texas Homeowners insurance policies. Nothing special required, just make sure the value of the solar installation is included in the total value of your coverage.
Based on the hail storm you described, it would probably "total" a roof, and possibly break a few panels.
Google for this article about solar panels and hail in Arizona from back in 2011 - "Surprisingly little damage to rooftop solar panels"
We just installed solar panels from Solar City... central Plano area. Great program and very excited about the savings. Since it's a lease, it's Solar City's equipment and they replace the panels if destroyed by wind, hail, etc.
Great question! If you are interested in learning about rooftop solar and possibly consider an installation, check out our "Go Solar at Home" project (www.solarizeplano.org) which is available to anyone across North Texas. If you are interested in solar energy advocacy, consider participating in the North Texas Renewable Energy Group (www.ntreg.org). Also, reach out to your local city government and see if they would be interested to collaborate with you to start a local grassroots group like the city of Plano did with us! Also, check out our upcoming events found on our Facebook page (no Facebook account required) at www.facebook.com/pvplano/events and come visit us!
I got caught in a hail storm last summer and it totaled my car. How well do those panels hold up under baseball-sized and larger hail?
ReplyDeleteMost panels are tested to certain hail specifications - I think it is 1" diameter onto a horizontal panel. And most panels are mounted on a tilted roof surface, which helps as well to reduce the impact damage potential.
DeleteOne way to think about the glass on the solar panels is like glass on auto windshield - it is pretty tough, but it can still break. Generally, that is why we have auto insurance. Likewise, solar panels mounted on the roof are covered under Texas Homeowners insurance policies. Nothing special required, just make sure the value of the solar installation is included in the total value of your coverage.
Based on the hail storm you described, it would probably "total" a roof, and possibly break a few panels.
Google for this article about solar panels and hail in Arizona from back in 2011 - "Surprisingly little damage to rooftop solar panels"
We just installed solar panels from Solar City... central Plano area. Great program and very excited about the savings. Since it's a lease, it's Solar City's equipment and they replace the panels if destroyed by wind, hail, etc.
ReplyDeleteIs there any plan to extend this initiative into other North Texas cities?
ReplyDeleteGreat question! If you are interested in learning about rooftop solar and possibly consider an installation, check out our "Go Solar at Home" project (www.solarizeplano.org) which is available to anyone across North Texas. If you are interested in solar energy advocacy, consider participating in the North Texas Renewable Energy Group (www.ntreg.org). Also, reach out to your local city government and see if they would be interested to collaborate with you to start a local grassroots group like the city of Plano did with us! Also, check out our upcoming events found on our Facebook page (no Facebook account required) at www.facebook.com/pvplano/events and come visit us!
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