Solar Panels, Hail & Homeowners Insurance in Illinois: What Happens After a Storm?

Updated: October 15, 2026 · Estimated read time: 11 minutes

The storm passes.

You walk outside and find:

Hail scattered across the yard.

Shingles on the ground.

And solar panels sitting on the roof.

Now what?

Do solar panels survive hail?

Does your solar warranty cover storm damage?

Does homeowners insurance cover the panels?

What happens if the roof needs to be replaced underneath them?

And who pays to remove and reinstall the solar system?

Those questions matter in Illinois, where severe thunderstorms, wind, hail, snow, and other weather can all affect a home over the lifetime of a solar system.

The first thing homeowners should understand is this:

Your solar warranty and your homeowners insurance are not the same thing.

A manufacturer warranty might cover a defective panel.

A workmanship warranty might cover certain installation problems.

Homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by a covered storm event.

But every policy, warranty, system, and claim is different.

So let's separate them.

Quick Answer

Modern solar panels are designed and tested to withstand normal outdoor conditions, including hail.

But:

Solar panels are not indestructible.

Very large or severe hail can damage photovoltaic modules.

After a major storm, homeowners should look for obvious signs of damage from the ground and review solar monitoring for unexpected production changes.

Do not climb onto the roof to inspect the system yourself.

If damage is suspected:

1. Photograph visible damage from a safe location.

2. Check your solar monitoring system.

3. Contact the solar installer or qualified service provider.

4. Contact your homeowners insurance carrier if storm damage may be involved.

5. Have the roof evaluated if roofing damage is suspected.

6. Keep all inspection reports, estimates, invoices, and photographs.

And if the roof needs replacement:

The rooftop solar system will generally need to be removed before reroofing and reinstalled afterward.

Whether insurance pays those costs depends on the policy and the circumstances of the claim.

Table of Contents

1. Can hail damage solar panels?

2. How are panels tested for hail?

3. What does severe hail look like?

4. What should you do after a hailstorm?

5. Can panels be damaged without broken glass?

6. Roof damage vs. solar-panel damage

7. Does homeowners insurance cover solar?

8. Tell your insurer before installing solar

9. Solar warranty vs. homeowners insurance

10. What happens when the roof needs replacement?

11. Who removes and reinstalls solar?

12. Does insurance cover removal and reinstallation?

13. What if the installer is no longer in business?

14. What about leased or PPA systems?

15. Batteries and storm damage

16. What documents should homeowners keep?

17. Questions to ask your insurance agent

18. Frequently asked questions

Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?

Yes.

But the answer needs context.

Photovoltaic modules are built for outdoor exposure.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that solar modules have historically survived the majority of hail events they encounter.

However, very large hail can cause significant damage.

DOE specifically notes that hail larger than approximately:

1¾ inches

has caused serious damage to photovoltaic modules in severe events.

That means:

Normal thunderstorm hail

and:

baseball-sized hail

are not the same engineering problem.

A solar module that handles ordinary hail successfully can still be damaged during an extreme storm.

How Are Solar Panels Tested for Hail?

Solar modules sold into the market generally go through standardized environmental testing.

One commonly referenced solar-module hail test uses approximately:

1-inch / 25 mm ice balls

striking the module at roughly:

51 mph / 23 meters per second.

DOE notes that standard certification testing at this level is useful, but it does not prove the module can survive every possible hailstorm.

Some manufacturers perform more demanding testing using:

• Larger hailstones

• Higher impact speeds

• Repeated stress

• Additional durability testing

That's why:

“Hail tested”

does not mean:

“Hail proof.”

If hail resistance is especially important to you, ask your installer which module is being proposed and what hail-testing documentation the manufacturer provides.

Can a Solar Panel Look Fine and Still Be Damaged?

Potentially.

Hail damage isn't always:

A giant shattered pane of glass.

DOE warns that hail can cause internal cell cracking and other damage that may not initially be visible from the ground.

That means a panel may appear intact but later show:

• Reduced production

• Electrical faults

• Hot spots

• Internal microcracking

This is one reason solar monitoring becomes valuable after a major storm.

If an array's production suddenly drops well below normal after severe hail:

Don't automatically assume it's just cloudy weather.

Have the system evaluated.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hailstorm?

First:

Stay off the roof.

Roofing may be:

• Wet

• Loose

• Damaged

• Covered with debris

• Structurally compromised

Solar equipment may also contain energized electrical components.

A homeowner inspection should begin from:

The ground.

Look for obvious signs such as:

• Broken panel glass

• Displaced panels

• Bent racking

• Loose equipment

• Hanging conduit

• Roof damage

• Fallen branches

• Missing shingles

• Damaged gutters

Take photographs if you can do so safely.

Then Check Your Solar Monitoring

Open your solar monitoring app.

Look for:

• System alerts

• Inverter faults

• Panels or strings no longer producing

• Abnormally low output

• Communication problems

Remember:

A stormy day naturally produces less solar electricity.

You're looking for:

Unusual performance that continues after normal weather returns.

If the system has visible damage or electrical warnings, contact a qualified solar professional before assuming it is safe to continue operating.

Should You Shut the Solar System Off?

If the system has suffered visible damage, DOE recommends that damaged PV equipment be inspected before being returned to normal operation.

But homeowners should not improvise electrical procedures.

If your installer or manufacturer has provided a clearly documented emergency shutdown procedure that you can perform safely from accessible equipment, follow those instructions.

Otherwise:

Keep away from damaged equipment and call a qualified professional.

Do not:

• Open electrical enclosures

• Touch exposed wires

• Climb onto damaged panels

• Attempt DIY electrical repairs

Storm damage and electricity are a bad combination.

What If the Roof Is Damaged but the Panels Look Fine?

This happens.

Solar panels may survive while:

• Asphalt shingles are bruised

• Flashing is damaged

• Ridge caps are damaged

• Gutters are dented

• Roof vents are damaged

The solar array can also hide sections of roofing from a normal visual inspection.

So after a serious hailstorm:

Roof condition and solar condition should be evaluated separately.

A solar technician is evaluating:

Solar equipment.

A qualified roofing professional is evaluating:

The roof.

One does not necessarily replace the other.

What If the Panels Are Damaged but the Roof Looks Fine?

That can happen too.

The impact characteristics affecting solar glass and roofing materials are different.

You could potentially have:

• Cracked module glass

• Frame damage

• Internal solar-cell damage

without an obvious roof failure.

Again:

Solar and roofing claims need to be evaluated based on the actual damage.

Don't assume one automatically proves the other.

HOME + ROOF + SOLAR ARE ONE STORM-PLANNING CONVERSATION

Before installing solar, homeowners should understand:

What their insurance covers

Who provides each warranty

Who services the solar equipment

What happens if the roof needs replacement

and:

Who removes and reinstalls the panels

Considering solar?

CHECK MY HOME

Insurance coverage varies by policy, carrier, ownership arrangement, cause of loss, deductibles, endorsements, exclusions, and other terms. Confirm coverage directly with your licensed insurance provider.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Rooftop Solar?

Often, permanently attached rooftop solar may be treated as part of the home for insurance purposes.

But:

Never assume.

The U.S. Department of Energy specifically advises solar homeowners to talk to their insurance agent and notes that an additional rider or endorsement may sometimes be needed for adequate coverage.

The Illinois Department of Insurance gives homeowners the same broader advice:

Know exactly what your policy covers, what it excludes, and what limits apply.

That's especially important after adding a major improvement to the property.

Solar may increase:

The cost to rebuild or repair the home after a covered loss.

Your insurance company needs accurate information about the property it is insuring.

Tell Your Insurance Company Before Installing Solar

This should happen:

Before installation.

Not:

After the first hail claim.

Ask the insurer:

Will rooftop solar be covered under my existing dwelling coverage?

Do I need an endorsement or rider?

Does my dwelling coverage limit need to increase?

Is there a separate deductible for wind or hail?

Are there exclusions affecting solar equipment?

Is removal and reinstallation covered if the roof suffers covered damage?

Are batteries treated differently?

Do I need to provide equipment or installation documentation?

Get the answers in writing when possible.

Why Dwelling Coverage Matters

Your homeowners policy has a dwelling-coverage limit.

That limit is designed around the cost of repairing or rebuilding the insured home under covered circumstances.

Adding:

$30,000

or:

$50,000

of permanently installed energy equipment may change that replacement-cost picture.

The Illinois Department of Insurance advises homeowners to review insurance needs when they remodel or make improvements that increase replacement cost.

Solar qualifies as exactly the kind of improvement worth discussing with your insurance carrier.

Don't Confuse Market Value With Replacement Cost

Imagine your home could sell for:

$300,000.

That does not necessarily mean the insurance replacement cost should also be:

$300,000.

Insurance replacement cost generally focuses on:

What it costs to repair or rebuild the insured property.

Land value and real-estate market value are different concepts.

Solar can change the cost of restoring the home after a covered event even if you aren't thinking about selling.

That's another reason to tell the insurer.

Solar Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance

This distinction is extremely important.

Your system may include several different warranties.

Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranty

Generally addresses certain:

• Manufacturing defects

• Materials

• Workmanship

• Performance

according to the manufacturer's actual terms.

It does not automatically mean:

“Every broken panel is replaced for free.”

Storm damage may or may not be covered.

Read the warranty.

Inverter Warranty

Usually separate from the solar-panel warranty.

It covers the inverter according to that manufacturer's terms and exclusions.

Battery Warranty

Again:

A separate warranty.

Typically involving terms related to:

• Product defects

• Capacity retention

• Throughput

• Cycles

• Years

Storm or external physical damage may have different treatment.

Installation / Workmanship Warranty

The installer may provide a separate warranty covering certain aspects of the installation.

Depending on the contract, that might include things such as:

• Installation workmanship

• Attachment methods

• Certain roof penetrations

• Electrical workmanship

The actual terms matter.

Homeowners Insurance

This is different.

Homeowners insurance addresses damage caused by:

Covered perils

under your policy.

Those may include certain events such as:

• Wind

• Hail

• Fire

• Other covered weather events

depending on the policy.

So if a perfectly manufactured solar panel is destroyed by extreme hail:

That may be an insurance issue—not a manufacturer-defect issue.

Illinois Shines Requires Warranty Information

Illinois Shines' current distributed-generation contract requirements include requirements surrounding warranties provided with participating projects.

Contracts that include warranties must identify things such as:

• Warranty term

• Warranty provider

• Types of defects covered

That can include information around:

• Installation

• Equipment

• Roof-related damage

depending on the warranty being offered.

So keep your contract.

You may need it years later.

Does a Solar Warranty Cover Hail?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Never assume.

Some warranties exclude:

• Severe weather

• Acts of nature

• External impact

• Events outside manufacturer control

Other warranties may include specific protections.

The Department of Energy's homeowner guidance specifically warns that hail-damaged modules:

May or may not be covered by the panel warranty.

Read the specific manufacturer's warranty that applies to your equipment.

What Happens If Hail Damages the Roof?

Suppose:

Panels survived.

But:

The roof needs replacement.

Now we encounter one of rooftop solar's biggest ownership considerations.

The solar array sits above the roofing material.

So roofers generally cannot simply replace the shingles underneath a fully installed array.

Instead, the sequence typically becomes:

Solar removal

↓

Roof replacement

↓

Solar reinstallation

DOE confirms that rooftop solar panels and mounting equipment generally have to be removed to complete a roof replacement.

This is why we spent an entire article asking:

Is Your Roof Ready for Solar?

before installation.

Who Removes the Solar Panels?

Usually:

A qualified solar professional.

Don't assume the roofing contractor should disconnect the photovoltaic system.

Solar equipment can involve:

• High-voltage DC electricity

• Microinverters

• String inverters

• Rapid shutdown equipment

• Roof attachments

• Grounding

• Monitoring

• Utility-connected electrical equipment

The roofer and solar provider may coordinate.

But their jobs are different.

The Removal and Reinstallation Process

A typical reroof involving solar could look like:

Step 1

Solar professional safely shuts down the system.

Step 2

Panels and necessary rooftop equipment are removed.

Step 3

Roofing contractor removes damaged roofing.

Step 4

Roof is repaired or replaced.

Step 5

Solar mounting system is appropriately restored.

Step 6

Panels are reinstalled.

Step 7

Electrical connections and monitoring are verified.

Step 8

System returns to operation.

The details vary by system and property.

Does Insurance Pay for Solar Removal and Reinstallation?

It may—when removal and reinstallation are necessary because of a covered roof loss.

DOE's homeowner guidance says this type of work should generally be addressed by the homeowner's insurance when roof replacement is caused by covered hail or wind damage.

But DOE also gives the most important instruction:

Check with your insurance agent.

Coverage depends on:

• Your policy

• Covered cause of loss

• Deductible

• Limits

• Exclusions

• Endorsements

• Ownership arrangement

• Claim facts

Do not promise yourself:

“Insurance will definitely pay.”

Confirm.

Watch the Deductible

Insurance coverage doesn't mean:

Zero homeowner cost.

Most homeowners policies have a deductible.

Some policies may also use:

• Special wind deductibles

• Hail deductibles

• Percentage deductibles

depending on the carrier and policy.

Suppose covered damage totals:

$20,000

but your applicable deductible is:

$5,000.

The deductible matters.

Ask about this before storm season—not while standing in your driveway looking at hail damage.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

This can materially affect a roof claim.

The Illinois Department of Insurance explains two common concepts:

Replacement Cost

Cost to replace or repair with similar materials without deducting depreciation, subject to policy terms.

Actual Cash Value

Repair or replacement cost after depreciation.

Roof claims can sometimes involve special settlement provisions.

Again:

Read your policy.

Don't assume your neighbor's claim tells you how yours will work.

What About Code Upgrades During a Roof Claim?

Here's another issue homeowners sometimes discover after storm damage.

The roof may have been built under:

Older codes.

When repaired today, the municipality might require:

Current code.

The Illinois Department of Insurance notes that standard homeowners coverage may not automatically pay all additional costs caused by updated building-code requirements.

This is where:

Ordinance or Law coverage

may become important.

Ask your insurance agent what your policy provides.

This can matter for:

• Roofing

• Electrical work

• Structural changes

• Other code-required upgrades

during reconstruction.

What If Your Original Solar Installer Is Gone?

Don't panic.

Your solar project may involve multiple separate companies.

You might have:

• Panel manufacturer

• Inverter manufacturer

• Battery manufacturer

• Approved Vendor

• Original installer

• Financing company

• Monitoring provider

• Insurance company

Even if the original sales or installation company disappears:

Your equipment doesn't automatically become unserviceable.

Start by identifying:

• Equipment manufacturers

• Warranty providers

• System owner

• Approved Vendor

• Monitoring platform

Then locate a qualified solar service provider.

Our guide to What Happens If Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business in Illinois? explains that process in detail.

Illinois Shines also maintains consumer resources for stranded customers participating in the Program.

What If You Have a PPA or Lease?

This can be different because:

You may not own the solar system.

Under a lease or Power Purchase Agreement:

A third party may own the equipment installed on the home.

That contract may determine:

• Who insures the equipment

• Who handles storm damage

• Who files claims

• Who authorizes repairs

• Who removes/reinstalls panels for roofing

• What the homeowner must report

If you have third-party-owned solar:

Call the system owner before authorizing somebody to remove equipment.

Your contract matters.

Homeowners Insurance vs. PPA Owner Insurance

There could potentially be two different property interests:

Your insurance

covers your home according to your policy.

System-owner coverage

may cover equipment owned by the PPA or lease company.

Those responsibilities need to be coordinated when:

One storm damages both roof and solar.

Don't assume the roofer, insurer, and solar owner are automatically communicating.

You may need to connect them.

What About Solar Batteries?

Battery storage adds another expensive piece of equipment.

Depending on the battery, it may be:

• Garage-mounted

• Basement-mounted

• Exterior wall-mounted

• Ground-mounted

• Installed with a gateway or transfer equipment

Ask your insurer:

Is the battery included in my property coverage?

Also ask whether:

• Flood exclusions matter

• Water damage matters

• Fire coverage differs

• Detached-location equipment is treated differently

The answer is policy-specific.

Don't Forget Flooding

This is particularly important.

Standard homeowners insurance generally does:

Not

cover flood damage.

The Illinois Department of Insurance specifically warns homeowners that standard policies generally exclude flooding from groundwater, runoff, and similar flooding events.

If a solar battery or electrical equipment is damaged by a true flood:

That could be a very different insurance situation than hail damage.

Know the difference between:

Rain entering through storm damage

and:

Floodwater entering the property.

Insurance treats them differently.

Should You Document the Solar System Before a Storm?

Yes.

Do this while everything is working.

Keep:

Solar contract

Illinois Shines Disclosure Form

Equipment list

Panel manufacturer and model

Inverter manufacturer and model

Battery information

Serial numbers

Warranty documents

Installer information

Approved Vendor information

Photos of the completed installation

Monitoring screenshots

Final system design

Permission to Operate documentation

Insurance correspondence

Receipts and project cost

Store copies somewhere:

Other than only inside the house.

Cloud storage is useful here.

The Illinois Department of Insurance recommends maintaining a home inventory and documenting valuable property with:

• Photos

• Receipts

• Model numbers

• Serial numbers

Solar belongs in that documentation.

Take Photos After the Storm Too

Before repairs begin:

Photograph what you can safely see.

That may include:

• Roof

• Gutters

• Panels

• Broken glass

• Fallen branches

• Exterior electrical equipment

• Battery

• Inverter

The Illinois Department of Insurance advises consumers to document damage before temporary repairs whenever possible.

And:

Keep every receipt.

Especially for:

• Emergency repairs

• Inspection

• Temporary protection

• Solar service

• Roof work

Don't Delay Necessary Temporary Protection

If the roof is actively leaking after a storm, you still have a responsibility to prevent further damage when reasonably possible.

That might include professional temporary weather protection.

The Illinois Department of Insurance tells homeowners to make necessary temporary repairs to reduce additional damage and to:

Keep the receipts.

But don't let temporary work turn into:

Unapproved permanent repairs

before your insurer has had an opportunity to evaluate the claim.

Coordinate with the carrier.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent Before Installing Solar

1. Is rooftop solar covered under my current policy?

Get a clear answer.

2. Do you need to know before installation?

Tell them anyway.

3. Does my dwelling limit need to increase?

Solar can increase replacement cost.

4. Is a rider or endorsement needed?

DOE specifically recommends asking.

5. What deductible applies to hail?

Standard?

Wind/hail?

Percentage?

6. Is solar removal and reinstallation covered after a covered roof claim?

Very important.

7. Are batteries covered?

And where?

8. Do you need receipts or system documentation?

Know now.

9. Are there special roof settlement rules?

Replacement cost?

Actual cash value?

10. Do I have Ordinance or Law coverage?

Important if repairs trigger newer codes.

11. Does adding solar affect my premium?

Ask before installation.

12. Is anything specifically excluded?

Read the answer against the actual policy.

Questions to Ask Your Solar Company

1. What hail-testing standard applies to these panels?

Ask for the module datasheet.

2. Who provides the panel warranty?

Get manufacturer information.

3. Does the warranty cover hail?

Don't assume.

4. What workmanship warranty applies?

And for how long?

5. Who handles removal and reinstallation after a roof claim?

Ask before you need it.

6. What would removal/reinstallation generally involve?

Understand the process.

7. Can another qualified installer service the system?

Important if the original company disappears.

8. Where are my serial numbers and equipment records?

Save them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hail break solar panels?

Yes. Solar modules are designed and tested to tolerate typical outdoor conditions, including hail, but sufficiently large or severe hail can damage them.

Are solar panels hail-proof?

No. Hail-resistant is not the same as hail-proof.

What hail size are solar panels tested against?

A common minimum certification test uses approximately 25 mm, or about 1-inch, ice balls traveling around 23 meters per second. Some modules undergo more demanding optional tests.

Can hail damage solar panels without breaking the glass?

Potentially. Internal cell damage and microcracking may occur even when the exterior does not obviously shatter.

Should I climb onto my roof after a hailstorm?

No. Inspect from the ground and use qualified roofing and solar professionals when needed.

Does the solar-panel warranty cover hail?

Not automatically. Manufacturer warranty terms vary, and weather or impact damage may be excluded. Review the specific warranty.

Does homeowners insurance cover solar panels?

Rooftop systems may be covered as part of the dwelling under many policies, but coverage varies. DOE advises homeowners to discuss solar directly with their insurance agent and determine whether additional coverage is required.

What happens if hail damages my roof but not the solar panels?

If the roof requires replacement, solar panels and mounting equipment may still need to be removed before the roofing work and reinstalled afterward.

Does homeowners insurance cover removing and reinstalling solar?

It may when the removal is necessary because of a covered roof loss, but the specific policy determines coverage. Confirm with your insurer.

What if my solar company no longer exists?

Identify the equipment manufacturers, warranties, system owner, Approved Vendor, monitoring provider, and qualified local service companies. Illinois Shines also offers assistance resources for certain stranded customers.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover true flood damage. Separate flood insurance may be necessary.

Should I tell my insurer before getting solar?

Yes. That's the safest approach. Confirm coverage, dwelling limits, deductibles, exclusions, and whether any rider or endorsement is needed before installation.

The Biggest Insurance Mistake

The biggest mistake isn't:

Having solar during a hailstorm.

It's:

Discovering what your insurance covers after the hailstorm.

By then:

The panels are already installed.

The roof is already damaged.

The claim already exists.

That's the wrong time to learn:

• Your deductible

• Your exclusions

• Your dwelling limit

• Your roof settlement method

• Whether removal/reinstallation is covered

Have the conversation first.

The Better Solar Question

Don't ask only:

“What's the solar warranty?”

Ask:

“If a storm damages both my roof and solar system, who is responsible for each part?”

You should be able to identify:

Manufacturer

Installer

Insurance company

System owner

and:

Qualified service provider.

Those may be different companies.

Understanding that before installation makes ownership much easier later.

Thinking About Solar in Illinois?

A good solar decision should consider more than:

Panel count

and:

Monthly payment.

It should also consider:

Roof condition

Electrical system

Insurance

Warranties

Utility

Storm exposure

and:

Long-term service.

CHECK MY HOME

No claim that solar is storm-proof.

Just a clearer look at what responsible solar ownership actually involves.

Related Illinois Solar Guides

Is Your Roof Ready for Solar?

Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade for Solar in Illinois?

What Happens After You Sign a Solar Contract in Illinois?

Does Solar Work in an Illinois Winter?

Solar Battery Backup in Illinois

What Happens If Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business in Illinois?

I Got a Solar Quote. Now What?

10 Solar Sales Red Flags Illinois Homeowners Should Know

Sources & References

U.S. Department of Energy — Hail Damage Mitigation for PV Systems

Technical guidance on photovoltaic hail exposure, module testing, extreme hail, post-storm inspection, and potential hidden damage.

U.S. Department of Energy — Solar Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer guidance covering hail resistance, homeowners insurance, warranties, and removal/reinstallation for roof replacement.

U.S. Department of Energy — Should I Replace My Rooftop Solar System?

Guidance confirming that solar modules and mounting equipment generally need to be removed when the underlying roof is replaced.

Illinois Department of Insurance — Homeowners Insurance Shopping Tips & Information

Consumer guidance on homeowners coverage, replacement cost, exclusions, deductibles, policy review, dwelling coverage, and home inventories.

Illinois Department of Insurance — Disaster Guidance

Guidance on documenting storm damage, temporary repairs, preserving receipts, and understanding policy coverage and exclusions.

Illinois Shines — 2026–27 Distributed Generation Contract Requirements

Current program requirements regarding solar-project warranties and consumer contract disclosures.

LuNova Solar provides general educational information and does not provide insurance, legal, roofing, engineering, electrical, financial, or claims-adjustment advice. Insurance policies, deductibles, exclusions, endorsements, warranties, ownership structures, equipment, and storm losses vary. Confirm your coverage directly with a licensed insurance professional and use qualified roofing and solar professionals when evaluating storm damage.