how do you protect solar panels hail?

[[email protected]]

Really curious.  I never seen this addressed.  BUT if I put panels on top of van or bus and go camping how do I prevent damage if caught in a hailstorm?

 

[wildbill]

GREAT question.....especially if the hail is very large.....baseball.....hmmmm

 

[jimindenver]

you don't

Solar panels can take a hell of a beating. I watched a woman trying to bust up a panel with a hammer to show a seller that it was not usable. She hit it a half a dozen times before she finally shattered it.

So please do not put yourself in danger because what it takes to damage a panel will put you in the hospital.

 

[MrNoodly]

I've been through two hail storms. One of them was severe enough to leave shallow dents in my hood, but the solar panel was just fine.

Solar panels are tested against 1" hail falling at 50mph. Generally, you'll lose windows before you lose a solar panel.

 

[tx2sturgis]

These glass panels are there to protect the (more expensive) sheet metal, fiberglass or rubber roof that they are mounted on. They do a pretty good job. 

Oh yeah, they make a bit of electricity too. What a bargain. 

 

[lenny flank]

They can take it. They're designed to get through it undamaged.

I was caught in a hailstorm my very first week of vandwelling--it sounded like baseballs. When it ended I expected to see shattered glass and shards of panel everywhere. But everything was fine.

 

[maki2]

You forgot to apply your basic logical thinking. They are made to withstand hail. If they were not made that way no one would ever install solar panels on a house because it would be a lousy investment of their money. It is not as if people were always going to be able to climb up on the roof of their house and cover a big array of panels. It is not as if the big solar farms on top of industrial buildings could be protected at moments notice.

 

[eflyersteve]

Just to add: When setting up the solar on my trailer I used two 305 Watt residential panels that are protected with a glass layer. I had them on the roof just sitting there when an unexpected storm came up on one night flipping the panels off of the roof and onto the gravel driveway. Other than some minor scuffs on the frames the panels were unharmed and still function just fine.

I think that with panels like these, any hail that would damage them would probably destroy the roof anyway. If you could get by with carry-out panels then of course you could always stow them in severe weather.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks to all for such good answers

 

[INTJohn]

My panels are guaranteed to withstand hail up to 2" diameter but if you're concerned its not difficult to rig up a cover of somekind - plywood for example.

Another reason I always recommend portable solar panels to non RV vehicles: pickups, vans, etc.........

If a storm they're not perma mounted on top......
You are not taking up space on your "2nd story party deck"......
When its hot, you park the vehicle in the shade put the panel in the sun. I have 45' radius if I want it.

Have never understood home grown perma top mounted panels on pickup & vans.

Buh I doh unnerstan lahza stuff............INTJohn

 

[bigsallysmom]

In the mountains of southern New Mexico at about 9000 feet I expect every rainstorm to begin with small hail. I move under trees if the hail gets a touch big, but mostly I just sit and enjoy it.

 

[66788]

The hail is more likely to break the panel with a 90 degree strike, as opposed to a lesser angle. Also there may be a difference in the strength of the glass between manufacturers (China vs established names like Kyocera or BP Solar).

 

[INTJohn]

The hail is more likely to break the panel with a 90 degree strike, as opposed to a lesser angle.   Also there may be a difference in the strength of the glass between manufacturers (China vs established names like Kyocera or BP Solar).

This is hilarious and in todays internet availability so easily researched and yet such mindlessness still is rampant. Both Kyocera & BP Solar have production facilities in China:
https://news.energysage.com/kyocera-solar-panels-complete-review/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BP_Solar

 

[paulrh]

This is hilarious and in todays internet availability so easily researched and yet such mindlessness still is rampant. Both Kyocera & BP Solar have production facilities in China

INTJohn, your response is hilarious and a perfect example that such mindlessness is still rampant. The previous post was clearly referring to the brand (generic no-name Chinese versus a well known, high quality brand) rather than where the product was made. China is able to manufacture the highest quality products available under specified design and materials criteria - think Apple.

Please elaborate what issue you have with installing solar panels designed for a house roof on top of a van. Efficiency, strength and a 25 year performance guarantee are pretty compelling reasons to use them in a van build.

 

[Awjuhl]

you don't

Solar panels can take a hell of a beating. I watched a woman trying to bust up a panel with a hammer to show a seller that it was not usable. She hit it a half a dozen times before she finally shattered it.

So please do not put yourself in danger because what it takes to damage a panel will put you in the hospital.

Mine flipped over and broke my a/c cover and ripped off my tv antenna (the round ones that are bolted down) and it didnt even damage the wires

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

 

[jimindenver]

I never thought hail would cause a panel to flip, maybe wind and even then I would suspect the mounts.

 

[Awjuhl]

I never thought hail would cause a panel to flip, maybe wind and even then I would suspect the mounts.

Yes it was by wind. Didnt know needed be specific. By wires I mean the micro wires inside the panel between each solar cell

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Kaylee]

Thanks for all the very reassuring info y'all!

You are not taking up space on your "2nd story party deck"......
When its hot, you park the vehicle in the shade put the panel in the sun. I have 45' radius if I want it.

Have never understood home grown perma top mounted panels on pickup & vans.

Ticks.

In my car (last year) with a portable/folding panel, I had to exit to deploy.
High risk in tick infested areas.

In my van, with perma top mounted panels, it's park & thrive.
No ticks, no fuss, nothing removed from inside means there's nothing to pack away if I need to leave suddenly for any reason == Peace of Mind.

It's just different equipment for different needs and/or wants.