Solar panels spend their working lives exposed to the elements. In Western Australia, that can mean intense sunshine, strong seasonal winds, heavy rain and occasional hail.
Modern solar panels are manufactured and tested against specified environmental and mechanical conditions. However, being designed for outdoor conditions does not mean a solar installation is immune to severe weather damage.
Understanding what your system can withstand—and what to do after a major storm—can help protect your property and identify problems before they become more serious.
What Happens During Hail?
Solar panels generally use a protective glass surface designed to withstand expected environmental exposure. Their resistance to hail depends on the specific panel's tested performance, construction and the conditions of the impact.
Large hailstones, unusual impact angles or severe storms can still cause damage.
Possible warning signs include:
• Cracked or visibly damaged glass.
• Damage to the panel frame.
• A sudden drop in electricity generation.
• Inverter warnings or system faults.
• Loose or damaged equipment around the array.
Not every fault is visible from the ground. A panel can appear intact while an electrical or performance issue remains undetected.
Important: Do not climb onto your roof or touch damaged panels or wiring to investigate. If you suspect damage, keep clear and arrange an assessment by a qualified solar professional.
Can Strong Winds Lift Solar Panels Off a Roof?
A properly designed solar installation considers how panels are attached to the roof and the conditions the system may experience.
Wind resistance depends on more than the panel itself. The mounting system, roof structure, fixings, installation quality and local site conditions all matter.
After a severe wind event, look for warning signs from a safe location, such as:
• Panels that appear displaced or uneven.
• Loose components or debris around the roof.
• Damaged gutters, roof sheets or tiles.
• New rattling noises during windy weather.
• A change in system performance or an inverter fault.
Do not attempt to tighten mounting hardware yourself. Solar equipment is electrical infrastructure installed at height, and damaged components can create additional hazards.
What About Heavy Rain and Lightning?
Rain is not automatically harmful to a correctly installed solar system. However, storms can expose weaknesses in damaged seals, roof penetrations, cables or electrical components.
If water appears to be entering through the roof near the solar installation, or if you notice burning smells, sparking or electrical faults, keep away from the affected equipment and seek appropriate professional assistance.
Lightning can also affect electrical and electronic equipment, depending on the strike and the installation's protection arrangements. If the inverter stops operating after a storm, do not assume the panels themselves have failed.
A Safe Post-Storm Solar Checklist
Once the immediate danger has passed, use this checklist from ground level:
Roof and gutters: Look for missing tiles, damaged roof sheets or debris.
Solar panels: Check for visible cracks, displacement or obvious impact damage.
Inverter: Look for warning lights, error messages or unexpected shutdowns.
Monitoring app: Check for unusual generation changes compared with similar conditions.
Interior ceilings: Look for new water stains or signs of a roof leak.
A cloudy day will naturally produce less solar electricity than a sunny one, so compare performance under reasonably similar conditions rather than relying on a single reading.
Should You Arrange a Solar Inspection?
A professional inspection may be appropriate after a significant storm, especially if the installation has visible damage, an inverter fault, a roof leak or a sudden unexplained reduction in output.
The Australian Government's energy guidance recommends having solar maintenance performed by an accredited installer or qualified electrician, including checks of electrical components, cabling, isolators and inverter fault history.
Read more: Australian Government guidance on solar maintenance.
Ask the inspecting professional to explain any damage found, whether the system can safely continue operating and what repairs may be required. If you have insurance, document visible damage from a safe location and contact your insurer about the claim process.
Protect Your Solar Investment Before the Next Storm
Storm preparation starts with a suitable system design, quality installation and attention to developing faults. If your solar panels or roof have been affected by severe weather, avoid DIY repairs and get the installation assessed.
Need advice about an existing solar system? Contact Renostain to discuss your solar maintenance or system assessment requirements.
Modern solar panels are manufactured and tested against specified environmental and mechanical conditions. However, being designed for outdoor conditions does not mean a solar installation is immune to severe weather damage.
Understanding what your system can withstand—and what to do after a major storm—can help protect your property and identify problems before they become more serious.
What Happens During Hail?
Solar panels generally use a protective glass surface designed to withstand expected environmental exposure. Their resistance to hail depends on the specific panel's tested performance, construction and the conditions of the impact.
Large hailstones, unusual impact angles or severe storms can still cause damage.
Possible warning signs include:
• Cracked or visibly damaged glass.
• Damage to the panel frame.
• A sudden drop in electricity generation.
• Inverter warnings or system faults.
• Loose or damaged equipment around the array.
Not every fault is visible from the ground. A panel can appear intact while an electrical or performance issue remains undetected.
Important: Do not climb onto your roof or touch damaged panels or wiring to investigate. If you suspect damage, keep clear and arrange an assessment by a qualified solar professional.
Can Strong Winds Lift Solar Panels Off a Roof?
A properly designed solar installation considers how panels are attached to the roof and the conditions the system may experience.
Wind resistance depends on more than the panel itself. The mounting system, roof structure, fixings, installation quality and local site conditions all matter.
After a severe wind event, look for warning signs from a safe location, such as:
• Panels that appear displaced or uneven.
• Loose components or debris around the roof.
• Damaged gutters, roof sheets or tiles.
• New rattling noises during windy weather.
• A change in system performance or an inverter fault.
Do not attempt to tighten mounting hardware yourself. Solar equipment is electrical infrastructure installed at height, and damaged components can create additional hazards.
What About Heavy Rain and Lightning?
Rain is not automatically harmful to a correctly installed solar system. However, storms can expose weaknesses in damaged seals, roof penetrations, cables or electrical components.
If water appears to be entering through the roof near the solar installation, or if you notice burning smells, sparking or electrical faults, keep away from the affected equipment and seek appropriate professional assistance.
Lightning can also affect electrical and electronic equipment, depending on the strike and the installation's protection arrangements. If the inverter stops operating after a storm, do not assume the panels themselves have failed.
A Safe Post-Storm Solar Checklist
Once the immediate danger has passed, use this checklist from ground level:
Roof and gutters: Look for missing tiles, damaged roof sheets or debris.
Solar panels: Check for visible cracks, displacement or obvious impact damage.
Inverter: Look for warning lights, error messages or unexpected shutdowns.
Monitoring app: Check for unusual generation changes compared with similar conditions.
Interior ceilings: Look for new water stains or signs of a roof leak.
A cloudy day will naturally produce less solar electricity than a sunny one, so compare performance under reasonably similar conditions rather than relying on a single reading.
Should You Arrange a Solar Inspection?
A professional inspection may be appropriate after a significant storm, especially if the installation has visible damage, an inverter fault, a roof leak or a sudden unexplained reduction in output.
The Australian Government's energy guidance recommends having solar maintenance performed by an accredited installer or qualified electrician, including checks of electrical components, cabling, isolators and inverter fault history.
Read more: Australian Government guidance on solar maintenance.
Ask the inspecting professional to explain any damage found, whether the system can safely continue operating and what repairs may be required. If you have insurance, document visible damage from a safe location and contact your insurer about the claim process.
Protect Your Solar Investment Before the Next Storm
Storm preparation starts with a suitable system design, quality installation and attention to developing faults. If your solar panels or roof have been affected by severe weather, avoid DIY repairs and get the installation assessed.
Need advice about an existing solar system? Contact Renostain to discuss your solar maintenance or system assessment requirements.