Storm Damage to Solar Panels: Inspection, Safety and Insurance Claims

After hail, strong winds or heavy rain, a solar system may look normal from the ground and still need checking. Storms can damage panels, mounting, isolators and DC cabling, or introduce water and electrical faults that are not obvious in a quick visual check. If you suspect damage, make safety the first priority and arrange an inspection before using or cleaning around affected equipment.

How storms can damage a solar system

Different events can cause different types of damage:

• Hail or flying debris can chip or crack panel glass and damage the cells beneath it.
• Strong winds can place high loads on the array and mounting. Movement or flexing may stress panel glass, cells, encapsulant or the polymer backsheet, and may loosen mounting or connections.
• Heavy rain or flooding can contribute to water ingress in electrical enclosures or equipment.
• Electrical events such as lightning or surges can be associated with inverter faults, earthing issues or damage to isolators, connectors and DC cabling.

These are possible damage pathways, not a diagnosis. The same fault can have more than one cause, and a fault code or low generation reading by itself does not prove that a storm caused the problem. A qualified inspection can document what is visible and test the system safely.

What to do if your solar system may be storm damaged

Stay off the roof and keep away from damaged panels, batteries, inverters and exposed or fallen cables. Do not touch rooftop isolators or attempt electrical repairs. Queensland WorkSafe advises having a licensed electrical contractor inspect and repair a damaged solar PV system or battery before clean-up begins around the panels and associated wiring, and before the system is recommissioned.

If you see cracked panels, loose equipment, exposed wiring, water around electrical equipment, smell burning or hear unusual electrical sounds, keep people away and contact a licensed electrician. Follow emergency service directions and the safe advice for your specific situation.

From a safe location, you can note the date and time of the storm, take photos of visible damage from the ground, and record any changes in the inverter app or displayed fault codes. Do not climb up to get a closer photo. Contact your insurer to ask about its claim process and whether it wants to inspect the system before repairs proceed.

Storm damage and warranty

Damage caused by an external event such as hail, wind or water is generally assessed separately from a product defect covered by a manufacturer warranty. The result depends on the cause of the fault and the terms of the relevant product and workmanship warranties. An inspection should distinguish, where the evidence allows, between storm-related damage, pre-existing deterioration, a product issue and an installation issue.

Your insurer decides whether the event and repair costs are covered under your policy. Cover, excesses, required reports and approval for work vary, so check with your insurer before authorising non-urgent repairs. Greenbank Solar can provide technical findings and a repair scope to support your discussion with the insurer, but we cannot determine the claim outcome.

Inspection, report and repair process

For a suspected storm-related fault, a site visit may include a visual assessment, electrical testing and make-safe work where needed. Depending on access and the issue, the report can document the system and equipment, visible damage, test results, fault findings, safety actions and recommended work to return the system to its pre-event condition where that is technically appropriate.

Diagnostic attendance, troubleshooting and report preparation are chargeable services. The client pays the agreed call-out, investigation and reporting costs first. You can then submit the invoice and report to your insurer and ask whether reimbursement is available under your policy. Any reimbursement, approval or excess is determined by the insurer.

If a fault is found to be unrelated to the storm or outside a product or installation warranty, the investigation cost remains payable by the client under the agreed service scope. We will explain the proposed attendance and costs before booking the work.

Get help with storm-damaged solar in Greenbank and Brisbane

Greenbank Solar regularly investigates solar system faults and storm-related damage. If your property has had hail, strong winds, flooding or another severe weather event and the solar system may be affected, request a solar inspection or contact our team to discuss the next step. If you have an immediate electrical safety concern, keep clear and contact a licensed electrician or emergency services.

Further information

• WorkSafe Queensland: solar and battery safety after a storm
• Insurance Council of Australia: insurance recovery and claims process

This article is general information only. Electrical inspection and repair must be carried out by appropriately licensed professionals. Your insurer determines coverage under your policy.

This article was written with AI assistance and may contain slight errors or omissions. Confirm safety, warranty and insurance matters with a licensed professional and your insurer.