What is the IEC 61215 hail test?

An international standard that fires 25mm ice balls at 23m/s (80km/h) at 11 impact points across the panel. The panel must show no cracking, delamination, or power loss to pass certification.

Has UK hail ever damaged solar panels?

Documented cases are extremely rare. Even the severe UK hailstorms of recent years have not produced widespread panel damage. Panels are tougher than most roof tiles.

Does hail void my panel warranty?

No — hail damage is considered an external event. Your home insurance covers it as accidental damage. Panel manufacturers' defect warranties cover manufacturing flaws, not weather events.

Are some panels more hail-resistant?

All certified panels pass the same IEC 61215 hail test. Some premium brands (SunPower, REC) use thicker glass or different cell technology that may offer marginally better resilience — but all are hail-rated.

Solar Panels and Hail

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 20 March 2026|question

Independently written | Plain-English guide

Solar panels hail — Solar panels withstand 25mm hailstones at 80km/h. UK hail rarely exceeds 15mm.

Need someone to look at your system?

Faults, cleaning and bird proofing are all installer jobs. Get quotes from MCS-certified installers covering your area.

Get a Quote for This Work

Free, no obligation.

Need someone to look at your system?

Faults, cleaning and bird proofing are all installer jobs. Get quotes from MCS-certified installers covering your area.

Get a Quote for This Work

Can hail damage solar panels?

Solar panels are engineered to withstand hail: IEC 61215 testing fires 25mm (1 inch) ice balls at 80km/h at panels — they must show zero damage. UK hailstones rarely exceed 10-15mm. In the UK, hail damage to solar panels is extremely rare — fewer than 0.1% of installations report any hail-related issues. The tempered glass covering (3.2mm thick) is the same type used in car windscreens. Even in severe UK hailstorms, panels survive without damage. Your home insurance covers accidental damage including hail — but you're unlikely to ever need it for your panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump installation process

Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide