Blog Updated: June 2026
With hail as a frequent concern here in Colorado’s Front Range and increased concern over extreme weather events, our customers often ask us how concerned they should be about solar panel hail damage and if their new solar panel system will hold up against extreme weather over its 25-plus year lifespan.
Today’s solar panels are designed to be extremely durable and to withstand even the outdoor elements. Whether you are considering a rooftop system for your home or a roof or ground-mounted solar array for your commercial property, you can feel confident in that your solar system will continue to convert abundant sunshine into electricity for decades.
If any damage to your system does occur, or if your solar array needs to be removed for roof repairs or replacement, our service team can help. We are available to troubleshoot any issues with your system, and we can safely remove and reinstall your panels to help protect your system while a new roof is installed. Many roofing companies will offer to do this for you, but you should lean on our team to perform a deinstall/reinstall.
Key Takeaways for Solar Panels & Hail
- Namaste Solar service: Our service team is available to provide service to your solar array and to deinstall/reinstall your system if you are getting a new roof.
- Manufacturer testing: Most manufacturers test and certify their solar panels to withstand hail up to one inch in diameter falling at 50 miles per hour.
- NREL’s array undamaged: During Denver’s 2017 hailstorm, only one of NREL’s 3,168 solar panels sustained damage, despite hailstones up to 2.75 inches in diameter being reported in the area — and the countless cars and windows that were damaged.
- Homeowner’s insurance: If your system is damaged by hail, your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover service and replacement costs.
- Namaste Solar is a long-term partner: You want expert system installation and ongoing support from an experienced contractor to ensure a long life for your solar energy system.
Solar Panel Resilience Against Extreme Weather Conditions
The solar industry’s top solar panel manufacturers have long understood the need for solar panels that can withstand extreme weather conditions like high winds and hail. In fact, most manufacturers test and certify their solar panels to withstand hail up to one inch in diameter falling at 50 miles per hour.
Today’s solar panels are also extremely resilient against high winds and heavy rain.Most solar panels are certified to withstand hurricane force winds. In addition, the aluminum and glass casings that hold a solar panel’s solar cells are highly waterproof, even during extreme rain.
Hail testing on panels at one of REC’s testing facilities
How 3,000 Solar Panels Measured Up Against a Massive Hailstorm
The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, can attest to the resilience of solar panels against extreme weather. NREL is home to an enormous solar energy system consisting of 3,168 rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels. In 2017, a severe hailstorm hit the greater Denver area and the NREL campus.
Despite hailstones up to 2.75 inches in diameter being reported in the area — and the countless cars and windows that were damaged — only one of the facility’s 3,168 solar panels sustained damage. That’s a major testament to the resilience of solar panel systems.
We’re Here if You Need Us
Namaste Solar’s team of service professionals is here to make sure your system is running smoothly for its full lifetime. If your system is damaged by hail, your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover service and replacement costs. We’ll work with you to schedule a service visit so we can get your system on and producing as soon as possible.
Our team also offers proactive maintenance service to provide system inspections, performance reporting, and remote monitoring upon request. Customers have access to their own monitoring system, so you are able to watch your solar panel system as it produces clean energy from the sun.
Ensure a Long Life for Your System with Expert Installation
Though today’s solar products are built to withstand the extreme weather conditions that can affect the Denver and Boulder areas, you need expert system installation to help ensure a long life for your solar energy system. Namaste Solar is a high-integrity installer and working with us is one more way to protect your solar investment.
Having installed thousands of solar energy systems here in Colorado since 2005, Namaste Solar can help you achieve years of solar benefits like lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Because of our superior workmanship and high quality of materials used, you can expect decades of clean electricity and solar savings from your solar system.
To speak to one of our non-commissioned solar advisors, click the button below or give us a call at 303-536-8920. They’ll help you figure out if solar is right for you without the sales pitch.
Recommended Reading:
- Solar in 2026: Should Colorado Homeowners Go Solar Now or Wait?
- How Much Does It Cost to Go Solar, Anyway?
- Find Your Colorado Solar Incentives & Rebates
