Hail damage to your solar systemWe inspect and help.

Hail can damage solar modules. Mostly they withstand the impact, but not always. If your system was hit: stay calm, keep your distance, report the damage, have the system checked. This page explains how to proceed.

What should I do first after hail?

1. Do not climb onto the roof. Wet roofs are slippery, and damaged modules can be live. The risks are not visible.
2. Observe from the ground. Look for broken glass, cracks, loose modules and hanging cables. Touch nothing.
3. Switch the system off if you can safely reach the inverter or the switch. If in doubt, leave it and call us.
4. Take photos of what you can see from the ground. More on this shortly.
5. Inform your insurer. Report the damage to your cantonal building insurance.
6. Call us: 044 980 08 80. We arrange an inspection on site.

How do we inspect the system?

Even if the modules look undamaged from the outside, cells may be cracked. For the inspection, we proceed systematically:

• Visual inspection of the modules for broken glass, frame damage and discolouration
• Check of the cabling and connectors
• Electrical measurement of the strings and check of the output values
• Check of the inverter and the mounting structure
• Findings with pictures: which modules are faulty, what can be replaced, what cannot

You receive the result in writing. It is the basis for your insurance file.

How do I document the damage for the insurer?

Good documentation makes claims handling easier. This is what belongs in it:

• Photos of the system and the visible damage, with the date
• Date and time of the hail event, if possible with the hailstone size, for example photos of hailstones next to a ruler
• System data: module type, number, year of construction and the invoice for the system
• Technical findings from the inspection
• Cost estimate for replacing modules and labour

We put together the findings, photos and quote as an insurance file for you. The claim itself and the decision on payment are up to your insurer.

How does the module replacement work?

If the insurer accepts the damage, or you want the replacement done directly, we replace the faulty modules. Our own installers do this, usually in one day. We:

1. remove the damaged modules,
2. fit suitable replacement modules,
3. test the strings and the system electrically,
4. put the system back into operation.

If the old model is no longer available, we look for a module that matches the system electrically and in size. In some cases it makes more sense to renew a whole string. We discuss this with you beforehand.

What do the inspection and the replacement cost?

That depends on the scope: how many modules are affected, how accessible the roof is and whether scaffolding or a lifting platform is needed. We do not give a fixed price without seeing the system. After the inspection you receive a binding quote within 72 hours, which you can pass directly to your insurer.

What applies to tenants, condominium ownership and businesses?

If the system belongs to an owners’ association or a business, the report usually goes through property management or the management board. We agree the findings and file with the responsible body. For larger systems at businesses or on apartment buildings, many modules are often involved. We then plan the replacement in stages, so that operations continue. You will find more on large systems under solar systems for business.

How hail-resistant are solar modules?

Solar modules are built for hail. In tests, they are bombarded with ice balls. Mostly they withstand normal hail. With large hailstones and wind from an unfavourable direction, that is not always enough.

In Switzerland there is a hail register with hail resistance classes (HW) for hail resistance. It is kept by the cantonal building insurers. The class says what hailstone size a material can withstand. For new systems, we look for modules with a good class, especially in hail-prone locations. How you assess the risk for your roof, we are glad to discuss on site.

What if a module or inverter is simply faulty?

Not every damage comes from hail. Modules, cabling or inverters can also fail without a storm. Signs of this are:

• a yield that is clearly below the previous year
• error messages in the app or on the inverter
• a module that looks conspicuously discoloured, hot or damaged

We inspect the system, find the cause and fix it. This applies to modules, inverters, cabling and mounting structure, including systems we did not build. We are also glad to check the system as part of servicing and cleaning.

After the repair: improving the system

Once the system is open, it is worth looking ahead. Perhaps you would like to add a battery storage unit or extend the system. This can often be combined with the repair. We advise you on this, without pressure.

Hail damage in your region

Our locations are in Zumikon ZH and Lachen SZ. We come anywhere in German-speaking Switzerland. In the appointment card, choose the date for the inspection on site and enter your postcode. For damage involving broken glass, it is best to call us directly: 044 980 08 80.