Hailstorms are a common occurrence in various parts of Australia, and their potential to damage property, including rooftop solar panels, cannot be overlooked. Although a loss in energy production during or after a severe storm is more likely to be associated with grid outages and not imminent failure of your rooftop solar panels, this blog post will explore the impact that hailstorms can have on solar panels, supported by factual data from recent hail storms in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Ipswich, provide the detailed process and industry standards for assessing and reporting on PV solar systems and touch on insurance coverage, safety and risk to your home and family.
What is Hail
Hail is a form of precipitation that consists of frozen ice. It falls from the sky like rain or snow, and the formation of hailstones occurs when moisture is rapidly forced upwards in the clouds during an updraft. The extreme temperatures in the clouds cause water droplets to freeze, forming solid, round hailstones. When severe thunderstorms occur, they can generate large hailstones due to the intense weather conditions. However, the size and weight of the hailstones may not be as worrisome as the speed at which they travel. Hailstones can travel between speeds of 10 mph and 75 mph, and this is the reason why they can cause significant damage to solar panels. Larger hailstones travel faster, posing a greater risk for damage.
Recent Hail Storms in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Ipswich:
On the 31st of December 2020, a severe hailstorm struck parts of Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Ipswich. One of the worst-hit locations was Springfield Lakes. Similar to the Brisbane November 2014 hail storm which caused significant roof damage to the Brisbane Halloween hail event, this hailstorm caused significant damage to many rooftop solar panels in the area, leading to numerous inquiries for quotes on hail-damaged panel replacements. Since this large hail event, industry professionals stretching from local council and government through to insurance companies and their specialist trade experts proactively responded to the significant risks that can arise immediately after an event however more commonly down the track when home owners least expect it.
Dr Michelle McCann from PV Lab Australia
Why is hail a problem for solar panels?
Solar equipment may be harmed by hail
Solar panels that are constructed well have a strong and robust layer of tempered glass that can withstand a significant amount of force (the method used to test panels’ impact resistance will be covered later on). Tempered glass is highly rated and capable of withstanding the effects of moderate hail, allowing it to be utilized outside for an extended period of time. The degree to which hail storms harm solar panels is uncertain and varies depending on the homeowner’s reports. Some homeowners observe little to no damage, while others describe the presence of tiny cracks and scrapes on the surface. Even if the solar panel’s external surface remains unblemished after a hailstorm, the internal solar cells and components could be damaged by the blow of hailstones when they hit the surface.
Hot Spots Speed up the Degradation of Solar Cells
Solar panels are created to produce electricity by using the power of the sun. This electrical current travels through strings of cells within the panels. However, when the cells have imperfections like cracks or poorly made soldered joints, the resistance in the cells increases, causing heat losses. These hot spots in the cells can lead to burn marks and damage the solar cells and backsheets in the long term. If this is ignored, it could result in fires.
WINAICO employs automated production procedures to identify and discard faulty solar cells prior to their assembly, thereby eradicating any heat-related issues in the field.
Australian PC Association
Identifying Hail Damage on Solar Panels
To determine if your solar panels have been damaged by hail, one of the first things to check is your inverter screen. Hail damage often results in a fault to earth, causing power to flow from the panels to your roof. Inverters are equipped with fault indicators, such as ground fault lights, that can alert you to the presence of hail damage. Additionally, online monitoring systems provided by different inverter brands may display specific fault codes for hail damage, such as Fronius’s 457 fault code for an Earth Fault and Sungrow’s 106 fault code for earth faults.
Hail Can Hail Reduce Solar Panel Performance
What happens if solar panels experience cracks on their surface due to hailstorms? Even with cracks, the solar panels will still function, but productivity may decrease. The panel may not produce the maximum power, output, or voltage. If 15% of cells inside the panels are destroyed, the unit’s peak voltage will decrease by 15%. You can verify this by measuring the voltage of the damaged panel. If you detect the issue early, it is less likely to harm internal parts or performance. Cracks could allow moisture, water or debris to accumulate inside the panel, causing it to malfunction or prematurely fail. Moreover, with a cracked surface, hot spots may result, resulting in fires or permanent damage to the interior. However, not all external cracks will impact output as some cracks are merely superficial.
Crystal Clear Solar
Broken Glass Makes Solar Cells More Susceptible to Weather Damages
When solar panels are made with weak glass, they become vulnerable to weather damage such as hail, dust, and water. The glass that covers solar modules should be durable enough to withstand these weather elements, while also allowing sunlight to be absorbed by the cells. When the glass is broken, the amount of light absorption decreases and foreign elements can enter to obstruct the solar cells and impact overall energy output. To ensure the reliability of our panels, WINAICO chooses reinforced solar glass materials that balance weight with strength. Our panels are tested to withstand hail impact from 35mm ice balls traveling at speeds of 100 km/h. Furthermore, an anti-reflective coating on the glass helps to maximize the amount of light that reaches the solar cells, thus improving performance.
Safety First and Professional Assistance
Solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow. However, the impact of hail can pose a challenge due to its potential to cause physical damage. Despite this, it’s important to note that not all hailstorms will necessarily damage solar panels. Understanding the extent of the damage and taking appropriate action is crucial to ensure the optimum performance and longevity of your solar system.
renew.org.au
Hail damage can lead to leakage voltage within the panels, climbing onto the roof can pose risks. For this reason, it’s important that you engage a licensed CEC accredited solar panel installer to assess your system. A CEC Accredited installer armed with their essential tools such as: insulated ladders, gloves, thermal imaging cameras, electrical testing devices, long-sleeved clothing, and shoes to name a few. For this reason, it is generally recommended to rely on the expertise of a solar experienced professional to assess and replace the damaged panels.
Identifying Hail Damage on Solar Panels:
To determine if your solar panels have been damaged by hail, one of the first things to check is your inverter screen. Hail damage often results in a fault to earth, causing power to flow from the panels to your roof. Inverters are equipped with fault indicators, such as ground fault lights, that can alert you to the presence of hail damage. Additionally, online monitoring systems provided by different inverter brands may display specific fault codes for hail damage, such as Fronius’s 457 fault code for an Earth Fault and Sungrow’s 106 fault code for earth faults.
Testing Solar Panels with Thermal Imaging Cameras
Utilising thermal imaging cameras, potential problem areas in solar panels can be detected and repaired before they lead to a larger problem or failure. It’s important, however, to note that not every thermal imaging camera is suitable for solar cell inspection. There are specific rules and guidelines that must be followed to ensure efficient inspections and correct conclusions is drawn.
For example, this article focuses on photovoltaic modules with crystalline solar cells. However, these rules and guidelines apply equally to the thermographic inspection of thin-film modules as the basic principles of thermography remain the same. By adhering to these guidelines and working with professionals, thermal imaging cameras can make solar panel maintenance and repair a more efficient and effective process.
Benjamin Kimpel, Servicetechnician at Solartechnik Stiens
What You See in the Thermal Image
If parts of your solar panel are noticeably hotter than others, you may be seeing what is called a hot spot. This occurs when heat registers differently across the surface of your solar panel. Depending on where and how it occurs, these hot spots are an indication of potential faults. For instance, if an entire module is warmer than usual, it could be a sign of interconnection problems between the panels. On the other hand, if you see hot spots in specific areas, it could mean that certain cells in the solar panel are damaged which over time leads to degradation which is commonly know to impact the systems overall performance.
In an ideal system, this heat is distributed evenly, ensuring that the cells work at the same efficiency regardless of their location. However, if there is a problem with the panel’s materials or design, this heat can gather in certain areas, creating hot spots and affecting the system’s overall performance.
It is important to note, however, that for correct identification of the failure, testing electrically and visually inspecting modules showing anomalies is also necessary.
Correct and Informative Thermal Images
For correct and informative thermal images, certain conditions and measurement procedures should be observed:
- a suitable thermal imaging camera with the right accessories should be used;
- sufficient solar irradiance is required (at least 500 W/m2 – above 700 W/m2 preferred);
- the viewing angle must be within the safe margins (between 5° and 60°);
- shadowing and reflections must be prevented.
Thermal imaging cameras have become an indispensable tool in identifying defects in solar technology. The images generated by these cameras provide insights into defects, anomalies or irregularities present in solar panels.
To classify and assess the anomalies detected by the thermal imaging camera, a profound understanding of solar technology and knowledge of the system being inspected is paramount. Knowledge of electrical measurements is also necessary to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the solar panels’ condition. In addition, the proper documentation of all inspection conditions, additional measurements and any other relevant information is essential.
This practice helps to maintain their functionality and extend their lifetime, ultimately improving the operating company’s return on investment. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt the use of thermal imaging cameras for solar panel inspections.
Either way, paying immediate attention to these obvious hot spots observed with the use of thermal imaging technology is important when it comes to protecting the performance of your panels and the safety of your family.
Fortunately, by using tools like thermal imaging, you can easily spot these issues before they cause serious damage to your solar panel. When analysing a thermal image, you will likely see a range of colors representing varying temperatures across the panel (with hotter areas appearing in red and cooler areas in blue). By looking at the patterns and depths of color, you can often diagnose the source of the issue. Whether you need to replace a few damaged cells or fix a larger electrical issue, these images can help you take action and keep your solar panel system running smoothly.
CEC Accredited Solar Technician
It goes without saying that you should always have your solar panels inspected by a local Clean Energy Accredited solar installer, independent of your insurer. A local CEC technician who’s local to your area and widely accepted in your local community typically has an unbiased and rigorous inspection process designed to accurately report on their findings. When it comes to electricity, safety should always be the priority. The risk of fire and elicitation most likely won’t be an imminent threat. It’s more common that the signs become more obvious years after the hail event. The obvious way to identify who’s back your solar assessor has will be evident in their report. Be sure to look for thermal imaging photos. A simple yet obvious quality assurance method.
If your solar installer is still in business, contact them first to inspect your panels for potential damage. They may use specialised tools such as thermal cameras to identify hotspots or perform other tests to ensure the panels are functioning optimally.
To locate a nearby solar installer who can install or repair your solar or battery storage system, utilize our tool. By using our tool, you can easily find a Clean Energy Council recognised installer in your locality. These installers have undergone certification and training to guarantee that your system meets industry standards as well as relevant Australian Standards. Whether you are looking for an installer by location or you already have an installer in mind, you can search using their name to make sure they are Clean Energy Council accredited.
Solar Technician: Assessing Potential Damage:
- Power Production:
The first step in assessing potential damage is to check if your solar system is still producing power. If it is not, it is likely that the panels have suffered catastrophic damage. However, if your system is generating power, compare the current production levels with the typical output in existing weather conditions. A significant decrease may indicate damage. - Fault Messages:
Check your inverter screen for any fault messages, such as a ground fault. These notifications can indicate a problem with the panels or other components of the system. - Visual Inspection:
If your solar panels are visible from the ground, conduct a visual inspection for any obvious signs of damage, particularly broken or shattered glass. However, it is strongly advised not to climb onto the roof due to potential electrical hazards. - Specialised tools:
Your independent CEC accredited solar assessor will use specialised tools such as thermal cameras to identify hotspots or perform other tests to ensure the panels are functioning optimally. - Hail Impact Testing:
When your solar system has been exposed to hail larger than the standard test size (25mm) or even smaller hailstones that are close to this size, a professional solar system examination by a your solar professional will give you and your family peace of mind. They will assess if the hail has caused any microcracks, fractures and harder to see yet equally as harmful, hot spots in the panel cells that in most cases impact long-term efficiency or pose risk of fire and electrocution. - **CEC Code of Conduct:
** This implies that your local and accredited solar technician needs to maintain top-notch quality work that prioritise the welfare of consumers over any form of financial gain. - Solar Report:
Upon completion of the solar assessment, your accredited solar technician will provide you with a report that you can rely on when it comes to safety and performance. As long as the report includes the technicians contractor license, solar accreditation number and the specific details of the assessor, their published findings supported with the technical testing data and photo evidence is considered to be legitimate weather its intention is for peace of mind or submitted to your insurer.
Fire Incidents Involving Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems
PV systems, just like any other electrical installation, are prone to various types of electrical faults including arc faults, short circuits, ground faults, and reverse currents. Such system failures can also lead to hot spots that can ignite combustible materials in the surrounding area. Additionally, incorrect installation or defective system components have been the cause of several PV fires. It is important to note that numerous fires have often started in roof-mounted PV installations due to DC arcs caused by inadequate ground fault protection.
One can attribute the occurrence of electrical faults in PV systems to a range of factors including cable insulation breakdowns, module ruptures, and faulty connections. In fact, these factors can also exacerbate existing faults, making it imperative that regular system checks are conducted to identify and mitigate any potential faults. Neglecting such checks could lead to a number of disastrous consequences, the most severe of which includes property damage, personal injury, and even loss of life.
Given this, it is clear that attention to detail and persistence in following established safety protocols are vital in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of PV systems. This includes regular inspection of all system components, including cables, modules, and individual electrical junctions, as well as appropriate grounding techniques and fault protection measures. By prioritizing adherence to safety measures and identifying and addressing potential system flaws, stakeholders can ensure the long-term reliability and safety of their PV systems.
Several fire incidents involving rooftop PV systems reported by insurance company Allianz:
Bakersfield, California, US in April 2009: a fire occurred on the membrane roof of a big-box retail store. The store had 1,826 PV modules on the roof and the fire reportedly started in two locations due to causes associated with a ground fault.
Mount Holly, North Carolina, US in April 2011: a fire occurred on the roof of a drywall manufacturer. The fire cause was reportedly ground fault related.
Goch, Germany in 2012: a fire occurred at a warehouse that involved an approximate 43,000 ft2 (4,000m2) roof area. The fire cause was reportedly associated with a defect in the PV system.
Allianz recommends a number of precautionary measures should be adopted in order to reduce and prevent the risk of fire by faulty or damaged PV solar panels. The recommendations published by Allianz are intended to reduce the potential for property damage and business interruption caused by PV system fires.
Insurance
Most standard homeowner’s insurance covers solar arrays on rooftops. However, it is still important to verify whether hail-related damage to rooftop solar panels is protected by your homeowner’s insurance under the dwelling section of the policy. Be as thorough as possible and check if hail is included as a “covered peril”. This section of the policy cites the different types of damage covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Additionally, make sure you are comfortable with the coverage limits in the event your solar panels need to be replaced or repaired due to hail damage. If the coverage limit is low, you have to raise the limit which comes with higher costs. Costs vary, depending on the rates of the insurer. If your insurance does not cover solar panel hail damage, you would need to extend the policy or purchase a separate one to receive coverage. Extending or purchasing an insurance policy usually comes with added costs on top of your current homeowner’s insurance rate. As mentioned earlier, most homeowners’ insurance includes solar panels installed on rooftops. If your solar panels are mounted on the ground or installed on a carport at your residential property, the more likely you’ll need an add-on or separate policy for the system. This is because the solar panels are not directly attached to the home. If your solar panel installation is under a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you shouldn’t have to worry about protecting the system from hail damage because you do not own the panels. However, you should still verify whether hail is covered under the terms of the lease or PPA and understand how the responsible party remedies such damage.
What happens if my home insurance won’t cover the panels?
If your home insurance policy does not provide coverage for your solar panels, it would be advisable to look for a new insurance policy. This is because different insurance providers offer varied types of home insurance, and switching companies might also help you save on the overall cost of home insurance. Furthermore, installing panels may even reduce the monthly cost of your home insurance premiums since it increases the efficiency of your home. Many insurance providers offer discounts on home insurance when the property is made more eco-friendly, such as by adding solar panels to power your home.
Conclusion:
Hail storms in Australia can cause severe damage to rooftop solar panels, as recently observed in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Ipswich, however the invisible losses far outweigh this risk over time through system degradation posing safety and fire risk. If your panels’ have been damaged by hail, it is crucial that you take responsible action and to assess the situation through a Clean Energy Council approved solar installer who’s trusted expertise can be relied on.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on factual data. However, it is essential to consult with professionals and your insurance provider for accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances.
Remember, this is only a guide based on our experience helping our customers through insurance claims on solar panel hail damage. The process of claiming hail and storm damage to solar panels is subject to your coverage, policy, and insurance provider. We’d recommend contacting your insurance provider for information specific to their policy and procedure. AustralianSolarQuotes.com.au cannot guarantee any insurance claim will be approved. If you feel stuck, one of our dedicated solar experts will happily guide you through the process of claiming on solar panel hail damage.
References:
James Cook University: https://www.jcu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/321996/Technical-Report-60-Investigation-of-Damage-Brisbane-27-November-2014-Severe-Storm-Event.pdf/_noproxycache
Allianz: https://www.agcs.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/agcs/agcs/pdfs-risk-advisory/tech-talks/ARC-Tech-Talk-Vol-8-Fire-Hazards-PV-Systems-EN.pdf
Clean Energy Council: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/membership/member-code-of-conduct
Dr Michelle McCann PV-LAB Australia: https://pv-lab.com.au/great-balls-of-hail-the-invisible-pv-peril-by-dr-michelle-mccann-for-ecogeneration-magazine/
Australian PV Association: https://apvi.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/APVA%20Submissions/PV%20in%20Cyclones.pdf
renew.: https://renew.org.au/our-news/your-solar-panels-and-hail-storms/
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/62801.pdf
Crystal Clear Solar: https://crystalclearsolar.com.au/thermal-imaging
