Hailstorms are a normal part of life in DFW, but they’re also one of the biggest threats to rooftop solar systems. Even though panels are built to handle impact, hail can create hidden problems that don’t show up right away — issues that only become visible weeks or months later when production drops or the monitoring app starts showing inconsistent numbers.

If your home recently experienced hail, it’s important to know what to look for and why post-hail maintenance is essential to keeping your system safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

How Hail Really Affects Solar Panels

Solar panels are made of tempered glass and designed to be durable, but DFW hailstorms can still cause damage in ways that aren’t obvious at first glance.

1. Microcracks in the Cells

Even if the glass doesn’t shatter, the internal cells can develop tiny cracks. These microcracks reduce voltage and cause:

• slow production decline
• inconsistent daily performance
• overheating in certain areas
• increased degradation over time

They’re nearly impossible to spot without diagnostics.

2. Frame or Mounting Stress

Hail impact can bend the frame slightly or shift it enough to affect airflow under the panels. Poor airflow leads to higher temperatures and lower efficiency — especially in Texas heat.

3. Hidden Wiring Movement

A strong hailstorm often includes high winds. Underneath the panels, wiring can get pulled, loosened, or pinched against the roof, later causing voltage drops or intermittent shutdowns.

4. Loose Hardware or Connectors

Even one loose connector can drag down a whole string of panels. Hail impact can shake hardware just enough to affect performance without causing visible damage.

Common Signs Your Solar System Was Affected by Hail

Most homeowners don’t notice problems until they check their monitoring app or receive a higher electric bill. After a hailstorm, look for:

• Lower daily production

• Flat spots or missing data in your monitoring app

• One or more panels underperforming

• Strange dips during the afternoon

• The inverter shutting off mid-day

• Spikes in grid usage despite sunny weather

• Buzzing noises from the inverter

• Visible dents or granules on the panel surface

You don’t need to see a broken panel for the system to be damaged. Hidden issues are far more common.

Why Post-Hail Solar Maintenance Matters

After hail, maintenance does more than check the panels — it protects your investment and ensures long-term system performance.

1. Accurate Diagnostics

A trained technician uses voltage testing, thermal imaging, and string-level checks to find microcracks, weak optimizers, or wiring issues.

2. Preventing Long-Term Production Loss

Hail damage often causes gradual declines. Maintenance ensures problems don’t get worse over time.

3. Catching Roof Issues Early

Hail can also damage shingles, flashing, or mounting points. If water intrusion starts, both the roof and the solar system are at risk.

4. Ensuring Safe Operation

Loose or damaged wiring can cause overheating or inverter faults — a major safety concern during Texas summers.

5. Protecting Warranty Claims

For both roofing and solar equipment warranties, documentation after hail is extremely important.

Why Rain Doesn’t “Fix” Hail Damage

Some homeowners believe rain will wash off debris or improve performance after a storm. In reality, rain often makes things worse:

• It mixes with roof granules and leaves mud-like residue.
• It does not remove microcracks.
• It cannot fix loose wiring or connectors.
• It leaves behind mineral spots that scatter sunlight.

Rain only hides issues temporarily — it never repairs them.

When to Schedule Post-Hail Maintenance

Homeowners should schedule solar maintenance after hail if:

• the storm had quarter-size hail or larger
• the monitoring app shows reduced production
• your roof is being inspected or replaced
• your inverter shows new warning messages
• you see debris or granules on the panels
• the system shut off unexpectedly

It’s better to address storm-related issues early rather than wait for bigger repairs later.

What a Post-Hail Solar Maintenance Visit Includes

A complete post-hail service typically includes:

✔ Panel inspection for cracks, dents, or hot spots

✔ Testing each panel’s voltage and current

✔ Checking every optimizer or microinverter

✔ Inspecting wiring under the array

✔ Reviewing rail attachments and flashing

✔ Cleaning off roof granules and debris

✔ Verifying inverter temperature and performance

✔ Confirming monitoring data is accurate

This ensures the entire system — not just the visible parts — is working correctly.

‍