Solar Panels and Hail? No Worries, We’ve Got You Covered

[updated 3.27.2024]

Severe weather is no stranger to businesses and homeowners in Illinois and Missouri, and hail makes a frequent appearance during the summer months (learn about solar and seasonal change). We’ve got great news about solar panels and hail!

Solar Panels Protect Your Roof from Hail Damage

Did you know that solar panels offer hail protection for your roof? Solar panels can withstand golf-ball sized hail traveling up to 50 miles per hour, protecting your shingles below. Damage to the panels themselves is something we rarely see.

However, your exposed roof shingles might not be as strong. Don’t worry, our Service Team can easily remove and reinstall your solar PV system to accommodate your hail repair project. We will coordinate with your roofer’s schedule and your insurance company on payment methods to get your solar PV system reinstalled and running. 

If you’re new to solar, reach out for a free solar quote customized to the unique energy needs of your home. 

Do You Suspect Roof or Solar Panel Hail Damage? Our Service Team Can Help You.

We take care of our customers. Our crew of 20+ experienced service technicians monitor your system, fix wiring and panels, and can remove and replace your system. The work of our Service Department is backed by a 5 year labor warranty. Additionally, StraightUp Solar customers are covered with a 10 year workmanship warranty and a 10 year production guarantee from their initial installation. 

If you suspect hail damage, follow our inspection guide for existing customers or new customers below. 

Solar Panels and Hail? No Worries, We've Got You Covered | StraightUp Solar
Did You Know?
StraightUp Solar can service customers with solar installed by other companies? Don’t leave your friend without power, refer them to our service department today.

Hail Damage Inspection Process
for Existing Customers

Though hail damage to solar panels is rare, we do have a process for existing StraightUp Solar customers to inspect their system after a hail storm. Your solar PV systems specifications and components are already in our database, so we can generate an estimate quickly. If necessary, we will come out to inspect your system. We have a large inventory of modules, so if hail has damaged one of your panels, we can easily replace and reinstall the panel. 

Indoor Inspection

Check if your solar PV system is operating properly.

  1. Look at your monitoring portal or inverter (pictured here).
  2. If there is a green light on your inverter or your monitoring display shows all modules producing energy, your solar PV system is fine. 
  3. If there is a red light on your inverter or your monitoring display shows a major drop in power in one of the panels, you may need to replace a panel.
  4. If you have problems accessing your monitoring system, give us a call at (844) 977-6527 or request service below. We can remotely check your system production
Where’s my inverter?

Outdoor Inspection

Go outside and visually inspect your solar modules.

  1. From the ground, check for any damaged modules with broken glass. (Note: your modules might exhibit discoloration or “snail trails” and lines. These markings do not affect energy production.)
  2. If you have visibly damaged panels, de-energize your system by turning off the AC disconnect. (If you need help finding the AC disconnect, visit our Service Troubleshooting page, select your inverter, you’ll see it referenced in the text). 
  3. Then immediately give us a call at (844) 977-6527 or request service.

Get a free hail damage assessment.

Don’t feel comfortable checking your roof? We provide StraightUp Solar customers with a free hail damage site assessment for rooftop installations (ground-mounted systems excluded). We will come out and visually inspect your rooftop solar PV system for damage and check your power production. Reach out to schedule your assessment.

Remove & Reinstall

(Only if necessary)

What if you need panel or roof repair?

After reviewing your roof and solar PV system and identifying damage, you will need remove and reinstallation services. As soon as your insurance adjuster has reviewed your roof, give us a call immediately at (844) 977-6527. We have your system design on file and we can quickly prepare an estimate.

We will arrive and remove your solar modules and racking and store it on site. After your roof is repaired, we will return to reinstall the solar PV system to its original power generation. We work closely with your insurance agent and roofer on timing and payment for the remove and reinstall project. Andrew Miller, our Remove and Replace Manager explains our process in this short video.

Hail Damage Inspection Process
for New Customers

If your solar system was installed by a different company, we’ll first need to perform an on-site technical inspection of your roof and solar PV system. We examine the quality of the installation and replace any bad equipment or loose wiring during the reinstallation. Until April 14, 2024, we will waive our $400 hail assessment fee for non-StraightUp Solar rooftop installations. Reach out for a hail damage quote.

Why Choose Us for Solar Panels and Hail Repair Work?

More than half our team is NABCEP-certified, a professional solar certification. Our experienced service team will remove the panels and racking from your roof and store it on site. When the roof is done, we will return to your home to reinstall the racking, panels and connect all the wiring. We will re-energize your system and test your system to ensure it is operating properly.

All this work on your panel removal and replacement is backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty. So don’t fret this summer when hail is in the forecast. StraightUp Solar Service Department has your home or business protected.

Request Service

Feel confident about solar, rain (hail) or shine! Take the first step in servicing your solar PV system today. We can provide a custom service estimate based on your needs.
 

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