Are Solar Panels Hail-Proof? What Alberta Homeowners Need to Know
Key Takeaways:
Solar panels are tested to withstand hail up to 25 mm in diameter at speeds of 23 m/s
Most panels are built with durable tempered glass and certified to handle Alberta weather
Hail damage is rare and often covered by home insurance
LUMI installs high-quality, hail-rated panels designed for Alberta’s climate
Monitoring and inspections keep your system performing reliably after storms
Introduction
Alberta is no stranger to extreme weather, especially when it comes to hail. In fact, some of the most costly hailstorms in Canadian history have happened right here. If you are thinking about going solar, it is natural to wonder:
Can solar panels survive Alberta’s hail?
The good news is that today’s solar panels are designed and tested for harsh conditions, including hail. In this blog, we break down how panels are tested, how they perform during storms, and how LUMI Renewables helps protect your investment.
How Solar Panels Are Tested for Hail
Solar panels are not fragile. In fact, they are built using tempered glass, which is the same type of glass used in car windshields and safety windows. To be certified for use in Canada, panels must pass industry-standard impact tests.
One of the most recognized tests, IEC 61215, requires panels to withstand hailstones 25 millimeters in diameter (roughly the size of a ping pong ball) shot at 23 meters per second.
To put that speed in perspective, 23 m/s is equivalent to 83 kilometres per hour. That is about the speed of a fast-pitched baseball or a car driving through a city street. If your panels can survive that, they are ready for almost anything Alberta skies can throw at them.
What Alberta Building Codes Require
Solar panels installed in Alberta must meet CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification. These standards are aligned with international benchmarks and ensure that all equipment installed on homes is tested for real-world Canadian conditions, including hail, wind, snow load, and temperature extremes.
At LUMI Renewables, we only use equipment that meets or exceeds CSA and IEC standards. Our systems are selected specifically for Alberta’s unpredictable climate.
What Happens If Hail damages a Panel?
Although it is rare, hail can damage a solar panel in severe conditions. If it does, here is what you need to know:
Most home insurance policies cover solar panel damage
One cracked panel will not stop the rest of your system from working
We can replace individual panels and help with insurance documentation
System monitoring alerts us to any drops in performance right away
In Calgary’s major hailstorm of 2020, most rooftop solar systems came through with little or no damage. Out of hundreds of homes with solar, only a small number reported cracked panels.
Real Alberta Performance
Solar systems in Alberta have proven to be remarkably resilient. In areas that experienced severe hail, studies showed that the vast majority of panels remained fully operational. Installations that used high-quality materials and proper tilt angles saw the least impact.
This shows the importance of choosing the right installer and equipment for local conditions.
Tips to Protect Your Solar System From Hail
Here is how to reduce risk and stay confident through storm season:
Work with a certified installer using CSA-approved equipment
Choose panels that are tested and rated for impact resistance
Make sure your solar system is included in your home insurance policy
Keep your monitoring system active to spot any changes in performance
Request an inspection after a major storm if you have any concerns
How LUMI Renewables Keeps Your Panels Storm-Ready
At LUMI Renewables, we install top-rated solar panels built for Alberta’s weather. Every system is engineered to meet high safety and durability standards. Our team ensures your racking, panel placement, and installation quality are optimized for performance and protection.
If a severe hailstorm ever causes damage, we are here to:
Inspect and assess the system
Replace any affected panels
Help you work through insurance claims
Get your system back to full power quickly
Final Thoughts
Solar panels are not only efficient but also tough. Thanks to rigorous testing and durable materials, your panels are ready to handle Alberta’s hail. With the right installer and quality equipment, solar is a reliable and long-lasting investment for your home.
Thinking about going solar but worried about hail?
Contact LUMI Renewables today for a free consultation. We will show you how we protect your investment while helping you save on energy costs.
