Damaged solar panels anyone?

[Wayne&Sam]

Since we all live in fear of hail (I know I didn't think about hail much before I got an Airstream), I'm wondering if anyone has had solar panels damaged by hail, a falling branch or a neighboring kid's baseball? How durable are they?

[ArtStream]

Yes, I wondered about that myself

Since than I have had 3 heavy 140Watters which were leaning up against the garage wall all fall over on to the concrete floor.

Dropped one on its corner onto coarse gravel from about 2 feet.

have seen them tossed from a burning building roof onto the lawn.

There tough

Michael

[Wayne&Sam]

And they still worked, I take it.

[jerrypeterma]

I've had solar hot water panels for several years and they are tempered glass. They are hard to break unless you hit them in the corners with something sharpe.
Take care but don't worry too much.
Jerry

[TBRich]

Oh good. Whew! I was afraid I'd have to add another thing to my "worry-about-this" list! It would have gone right below the Chinese valve stems that I added this week!

"What...me worry?"

[olddog299]

TB, if it is of a major concern, make up a couple of 1/2" CDX plywood sheets which you can deploy with bungi cords when heavy hail is forecast. That should address the issue for you. Stash them under the mattress/cushions of your bed when not in use. Minimal additional weight for maximum protection.

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by olddog299

TB, if it is of a major concern, make up a couple of 1/2" CDX plywood sheets which you can deploy with bungi cords when heavy hail is forecast. That should address the issue for you. Stash them under the mattress/cushions of your bed when not in use. Minimal additional weight for maximum protection.

Great idea...will remember that for when we're on the road...when at home we are under a "Bambi Port" so we are good there... Thanks!