What to expect from a hail damage solar assessment

First things first: stay safe

Please don't climb onto the roof to check your panels yourself. Wet roofs are slippery, and damaged panels can still carry live electricity whenever there's daylight. If you can see broken glass, smell burning, or your inverter is showing faults, switch the system off following the shutdown procedure on your inverter or switchboard label, and call a licensed electrician.

Signs your system may be damaged

• Cracked, shattered or dented panels you can see from the ground
• Error messages or warning lights on your inverter
• A noticeable drop in solar output compared with similar sunny days
• Higher power bills than you'd expect
• Damaged cabling, conduit or rooftop isolators

Keep in mind that not all hail damage is obvious. Panels can develop tiny cracks in the cells that you won't see, but that reduce output and can get worse over time.

What happens during an assessment

1. A look at the whole system

We inspect the panels, mounting frames, cabling, isolators and inverter for physical damage, and check the system is safe to keep running.

2. Performance testing

We test the electrical output of the panels and compare it with what they should be producing. Testing tools such as thermal imaging can help pick up hidden cell damage and hot spots that aren't visible to the eye.

3. Photos and records

We document everything we find with photos and test results, including serial numbers and the make and model of your equipment.

4. A written report

You'll get a clear report explaining what's damaged, whether the system is safe, and what we recommend: repair, replacement of certain panels, or a full replacement if needed.

How the report helps with insurance

Most home and farm insurance policies cover solar systems as part of the building, but it's worth checking your policy. Insurers usually want a report from a qualified solar installer or electrician before approving a claim. A detailed report with photos and test results makes the process smoother and helps avoid back-and-forth.

A few tips:

• Contact your insurer early and ask what they need.
• Take your own photos from the ground, if it's safe.
• Keep your original installation paperwork handy, as it helps with matching replacement parts.

Can damaged panels be replaced individually?

Sometimes. The challenge is that panel models change quickly, so an exact match may not be available. Replacement panels need to be compatible with your existing system electrically. If a matching panel can't be sourced, a larger replacement may be needed. We'll explain the options clearly in your report.

After the storm, don't wait too long

A damaged system that keeps running can lose performance or become a safety risk, and insurers often have time limits on claims. The sooner it's assessed, the better.