Hail is the first question most Alberta homeowners ask about solar, and it is a fair one. Calgary and the corridor north to Red Deer see some of the most frequent hail in Canada, and southern Alberta is not far behind. Here is what actually happens to solar panels in a hailstorm, what the warranty covers, and how insurance fits in.
How panels are tested for hail
Solar panels are built with tempered glass and certified against impact standards that fire ice balls at the glass at high speed. Panels that meet these standards routinely survive hail that damages shingles, siding and vehicles. In practice, panels often protect the section of roof underneath them.
What 25-year hail coverage means
Every panel we install carries 25-year hail coverage alongside a 30-year production warranty. If a panel is damaged by hail, it is replaced under that coverage. The production warranty separately guarantees that the panel keeps producing at a specified percentage of its rated output for 30 years. See what else the warranty covers.
Home insurance and solar
A rooftop solar system is part of your home and is normally covered under your home insurance policy once you tell your insurer about it. Most insurers add the system value to your dwelling coverage with little or no change in premium, but you should call them before the install so the policy is updated. If a storm damages both your roof and your panels, the claim typically covers both.
What to do after a hailstorm
Check your monitoring app. If production looks normal, the panels are almost certainly fine.
Do not go on the roof. Call us and we will inspect from the ground or with a drone.
If there is visible damage, photograph it from the ground and call your insurer and us the same day.
If your roof needs replacing, we remove and reinstall the panels around the roofing work.
Designing for Alberta weather
Hail is one input. We also engineer racking for Alberta wind and snow loads and choose attachment methods for your roof type. Read how we handle it in Calgary and in Lethbridge.
Questions about your own roof? Call 825-964-1335 or use the Free Quote button at the top of this page for a free assessment with no deposit and no pressure.