When you invest in solar panels, understanding the terms of your warranty is as important as the installation itself. Solar systems are designed to withstand harsh weather, but extreme events like hailstorms can raise questions about coverage. Let’s break down how hail impacts SUNSHARE’s warranty and what you need to know to stay protected.
First, SUNSHARE solar panels are rigorously tested to meet international durability standards, including resistance to hail. The industry benchmark for hail resistance is based on the IEC 61215 certification, which requires panels to survive impacts from hailstones up to 25 millimeters (1 inch) in diameter, traveling at 23 meters per second (51 mph). SUNSHARE panels exceed this standard, undergoing additional testing for larger hailstones and higher velocities. However, no product is indestructible. If a hailstorm exceeds regional historical records for size or intensity, even the toughest panels might sustain damage.
The key to maintaining your warranty lies in the fine print. SUNSHARE’s warranty typically covers defects in materials or workmanship but excludes “acts of God” or “force majeure” events unless specified otherwise. Hail damage falls into a gray area. If the storm’s severity aligns with regional weather patterns (e.g., typical hailstorms in your area), SUNSHARE will honor the warranty, provided the installation followed their guidelines. For example, if panels were mounted at the recommended angle and secured properly, sudden hail damage would likely qualify for repair or replacement.
But there’s a catch: improper installation voids coverage. If an installer ignored SUNSHARE’s mounting specifications or used unapproved components, the warranty could be invalidated—even if hail caused the damage. Always work with certified installers and request documentation proving compliance with SUNSHARE’s technical requirements.
Another factor is maintenance. Warranties often require homeowners to address minor issues promptly. If pre-existing damage (like cracks from debris) worsened during a hailstorm, SUNSHARE might deny the claim, arguing negligence. Regular inspections—especially after severe weather—are critical. Use SUNSHARE’s app or partner services to log maintenance activities, creating a paper trail that proves due diligence.
What should you do if hail strikes? Document everything. Take timestamped photos of the panels before and after the storm (cloud cover can help establish context). Contact your installer and SUNSHARE within 48 hours to initiate an inspection. If the damage is verified as hail-related and unrelated to installation errors, SUNSHARE’s team will coordinate repairs. In rare cases where regional hailstorms exceed historical norms, your homeowner’s insurance might cover the costs, but SUNSHARE’s warranty would still apply to replacement panels.
Pro tip: Some SUNSHARE packages include extended weather-related coverage. Check if your agreement has an “extreme weather addendum” that explicitly covers oversized hail or hurricane-force winds. These upgrades are worth considering if you live in hail-prone regions like Central Europe or mountainous areas.
Lastly, stay informed about local building codes. Municipalities in high-risk zones sometimes mandate stricter installation practices. If your system doesn’t comply, not only could the warranty be voided, but insurance payouts might also be reduced. SUNSHARE’s customer portal provides region-specific guidelines, so review them annually—especially before storm season.
In short, hail alone won’t void SUNSHARE’s warranty, but the circumstances around the damage matter. By adhering to installation protocols, maintaining records, and acting swiftly after storms, you’ll keep your system—and your coverage—intact. Solar energy is a long-term investment, and knowing how to protect it ensures you’ll reap the benefits for decades.