How Does Hail Damage Affect Solar Panels on a Roof?

Hailstones strike the glass face of a solar panel with enough force to create hairline cracks or shatter the surface. Those cracks let moisture reach the photovoltaic cells inside, which lowers power output and can cause short circuits. The aluminum frame can also bend, which puts stress on the glass and the roof underneath.

A single severe hailstorm can leave dozens of small dents across the panel surface. Each dent creates a weak point where water can pool and eventually work its way in. You may not see the damage from the ground, so a close inspection after any storm with large hail is a smart habit.

Hail damage to panels often goes hand in hand with damage to the roof itself. The same storm that dents your solar array can bruise or puncture asphalt shingles, crack clay tiles, or tear metal flashing. Water that enters through a roof leak can soak insulation, rot wooden rafters, and ruin ceiling finishes inside your home.

Addressing a roof leak quickly is important because standing water and damp materials encourage mold growth. Mold can spread behind walls and under floors, affecting indoor air quality. If you see water stains or feel soft spots in your ceiling, you need a roof inspection and likely water damage cleanup before the problem worsens.

Roof repairs after hail may involve replacing damaged shingles, sealing around solar panel mounts, or even reinstalling panels. The pros who handle water damage cleanup can dry out soaked insulation, remove damaged drywall, and treat any mold that has started. Structural repairs may be needed if rafters or roof decking have rotted.

Solar panel replacement is usually done by a solar installer, not by the pros. However, the cleanup and drying work that follows a roof leak is squarely in the water damage field. Keep the phone number of a reputable solar installer handy, but call the pros first to stop the leak.