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Old 11-17-2015, 01:55 AM   #1
Ozz
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Solar panels and Hail

We got hail here in Amarillo last night, barely missed the big Tornado that hit the Paris Texas area. My question is for the folks that have had hail with the panels, how much abuse can they take and have any of you had to replace them because of Hail damage. I can't check yet, still gusting to 40-50mph here.
Hoping for the best. Quite an experience listening to hail hit the Monte with high winds moving it all around. Glad I put on slide covers, a bit noisy, but glad they are there.
Ahh, this on the road life is exciting...
 
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Old 11-17-2015, 03:17 AM   #2
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Hail large and heavy enough to damage solar panels would be enough to take out car windows and roofs. The industry is well aware of the problems and builds to prevent damage. The average hail storm (or even slightly above average) will not hurt them. We have been through 3 storms in 4 years with four panels and no damage.
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Old 11-17-2015, 03:20 AM   #3
Ozz
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Thanks Jim, good news indeed
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Old 11-17-2015, 10:44 AM   #4
WaltBennett
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If you are really ambitious and have lots of time on your hands, you could make some strap on plywood covers for them - just have to watch the weather forcasts and run up top to put them on in time.
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:00 AM   #5
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Good idea
Thanks
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:29 AM   #6
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Jim,

We are in the DFW area and endured last nights, this mornings storms but did not get hail, heavy winds which rocked our solar panel rack but no damage.

We did get several large hail storms in the Custer, SD area this past summer with no damage from quarter size hail. Since the panels are tempered glass the outer surface would have to be penetrated with a sharp, hard edged device for them to shatter. When you get up in the range of baseball size hail your odds increase that you will encounter breakage.

Off topic are you going to be in Quartzsite this year?
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:39 AM   #7
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Thanks Les, this was a doozy of a storm it shared grief with a big chunk of the US
We are going to try, my goal for this outing was no planning, just wandering. This weather dictates our travel somewhat. This RV park here in Amarillo is awesome, huge sites where we are, I have no neighbors for 6 spots 1 way and none for a block the other way, conversely, the park we stayed at a couple years ago is sold out. We are by the airport but haven't heard a jet but twice in 5 days.
I think The Big Texan steakhouse owns this park. Hope to run into you this outing
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Old 11-17-2015, 01:26 PM   #8
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Check out the Solarworld Video:



I think it will answer your concerns, at least for there panels.

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Old 11-17-2015, 01:54 PM   #9
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Thanks John, makes me feel much better!
Great video
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Old 11-17-2015, 02:34 PM   #10
DQDick
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Have a couple of dents in the truck, but no damage to the solar panels. I think if I get damage to the solar panels I'll have a lot more to worry about than just them.
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:41 PM   #11
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Ahhhh.....good Ole American built panels! They take a licking and keep on ticking!
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Old 11-18-2015, 01:36 AM   #12
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Bigboomer

Ahhhh.....good Ole American built panels! They take a licking and keep on ticking!
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