Solar in Hailstorm

[Marilee]

Have never heard this issue discussed. How can roof top solar panels be protected while driving through states where hail storms known to happen ? I know to check weather, but freak things happen these days. Also would solar work with a wire caging over it, to protect the panels from other falling objects?

 

[highdesertranger]

most rigid panels can handle hail up to the point were you will be worrying about other things and not your panels. in other words hail big enough to damage your panels are also going to destroy your vehicle and everything else around. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

Also would solar work with a wire caging over it, to protect the panels from other falling objects?

not well! The panels would forever be impacted by the shadows created by the wire caging.

If you are more likely than not to park under thick tree cover, you might want to think about portable solar instead of roof mounted panels.

For solar to be most effective you want to be parking where there are no falling objects anyways so this is not the problem that some would imagine it to be.

 

[MrNoodly]

Anything that blocks light, like a cage, the shadow of an antenna, dust, etc., will reduce the panel's output.

 

[lenny flank]

Solar panels are built to withstand all but the worst hail.

 

[wayne49]

Drove through a thunder-hailstorm in Kansas in April 2017. Panels were fine, I was ready to find a motel that still had power.