Severe storms with hailstorms are on the rise worldwide—and with them, the risk of damage to solar modules. But what should you do if your own PV system is affected? This guide explains how hail damage occurs, what affected operators should look out for, and how SecondSol can help with the rapid procurement of replacement parts.

Why hail damage is a growing problem for solar modules

Photovoltaic systems are considered a long-term investment. However, extreme weather conditions such as hail can push even modern solar modules to their limits—especially when large hailstones strike glass surfaces. With climate change leading to increasingly severe storms, damage to PV modules is no longer a rare occurrence.

How does hail damage occur on solar modules?

When hailstones strike the surface of a module with great force, they can cause various types of damage. The module design also plays a decisive role in this.

Glass-foil modules

In classic glass/foil modules, the rear side of the module consists of a plastic foil. Here, hail damage often occurs in the form of:

• Broken glass on the front
• Cell breakage due to vibration
• Microcracks in the solar cells, leading to long-term performance loss

Some of this damage is difficult to detect, but over time it leads to degradation, hot spots, or total failure.

Glass-glass modules

These modules have a glass plate on the front and back, which makes them more resistant to external influences. They offer:

• Greater stability against cell breakage and microcracks
• Less damage from vibrations

However, it should be noted that:

• Glass breakage can occur on both the front and back sides.
• Glass breakage on the back side is often difficult or impossible to detect in flat-mounted systems.

Without detailed inspection, such damage often goes unnoticed, but also leads to performance losses.

Recognizing signs of hail damage

Not all damage is visible at first glance. Typical signs of hail damage include:

• Cracks or dents in the front glass
• Loss of performance despite good sunlight
• Irregular power generation of individual strings
• Hot spots that can only be detected with thermography or electroluminescence
• Hidden cracks in glass-glass modules, especially on the back

Professional module testing in cases of unclear damage

If there is no obvious damage such as broken glass, but there is suspicion of a loss of performance, the affected modules should be specifically tested. Two methods are particularly helpful here:

• Electroluminescence (EL testing): EL images can be used to reveal microcracks, cell breaks, and internal damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
• Power measurement with a flasher: The module is tested under standardized lighting conditions – the result shows whether it is still delivering the expected performance.

If no mobile testing option is available, modules can also be sent to SecondSol for testing. (Learn more)

Info box: Differences in hail risk depending on location

Hail risk is highly dependent on location. Some regions experience severe hailstorms on a regular basis, while others experience them less frequently. High altitudes, mountainous areas, and regions with frequent summer thunderstorms are considered particularly prone to hail.

Tip: When planning a new PV system, the local risk of severe weather should be taken into account—for example, by selecting more robust module types, suitable mounting brackets, and tested quality in accordance with IEC 61215.

Checklist: 5 immediate measures to take after hail damage

Here's what to do if hail has damaged your solar modules:

1. Document the damage

Take photos of all visible damage – preferably in daylight and from different angles.

2. Switch off the PV system if necessary.

Only do this if you have the necessary expertise – if in doubt, call a specialist company!

3. Inform your insurance company.

Report the damage immediately and submit the documentation.

4. Hire a specialist company.

For visual inspection, electroluminescence, or flasher test.

5. Purchase replacement modules.

You can find suitable replacement modules via SecondSol.

How can you better protect yourself in the future?

Even though hail cannot be prevented, operators can minimize the risk by taking the right measures:

• Glass-glass modules offer more protection against cell breakage.
• Modules certified according to IEC 61215 are tested for hail damage.
• Suitable tilt angles (not too flat) reduce the impact area.
• Maintenance and regular visual inspections.
• Monitoring systems help to detect performance drops immediately.

Replacement modules – or replicas: The solution with SecondSol

A defective module does not have to mean the end of the entire system. SecondSol is Europe's leading marketplace for photovoltaic spare parts – whether new, used, or replicated.

What SecondSol offers:

• Targeted search by module type, manufacturer, and performance class
• Offers from dealers, installers, and private individuals
• Help even with modules that are difficult to obtain or discontinued
• Option to replicate modules that are no longer available
• Access to testing and service offerings

This allows you to get your PV system back online quickly and sustainably – without lengthy new investments or complete replacement.

Calculate yield loss – with the PV yield loss calculator

In addition to technical damage, a defective module also causes economic losses. Operators can use SecondSol's PV yield loss calculator to easily calculate the amount of yield loss caused by a damaged or failed module – based on previous feed-in billing.

Try it now

Conclusion: Take a structured approach to hail damage

Hail damage to solar modules is annoying—but no reason to panic. By taking a systematic approach, documenting the damage, conducting targeted inspections, and using the right platform to procure replacements or even have modules rebuilt, you can minimize downtime and save costs. It is particularly worth taking a close look at glass-glass modules, as damage to the rear side often goes undetected. SecondSol supports you in this process – from inspection to spare parts procurement and yield loss assessment.

Find replacement modules now – or have them rebuilt – at SecondSol.com

Whether standard or special modules – at SecondSol you will find new, used, and rebuilt modules for almost any PV system. Fast, reliable, and sustainable.