Can Hail Damage Break Skylights or Solar Panels?
Last updated October 23, 2026
The short answer
How Hail Damages Skylights
Hailstones act like small, hard projectiles when driven by storm winds. They can directly impact a skylight's glass or plastic dome, causing immediate cracks or punctures. Even if the surface doesn't shatter, the impact can weaken the glazing or damage the waterproof seals around the frame. This compromise often allows water to seep into your home during the next rain, leading to interior water damage.
How Hail Affects Solar Panels
Most modern solar panels are tested to withstand hail of a specific size, but severe storms can involve larger hail. Hail can fracture the tempered glass covering the photovoltaic cells. It can also cause micro-fractures within the silicon cells themselves, which may not be visible to the naked eye but will degrade the panel's performance over time.
Damage often appears as a pattern of small dents or a spider-web of cracks on the panel's surface. While the system might still produce power, the protective barrier is compromised. This allows moisture to enter the electrical components, posing a risk of short circuits or corrosion. A noticeable drop in energy production can be a key indicator that panels need assessment after a storm.
Immediate Steps After a Hailstorm
Safety comes first after any severe weather. If you suspect damage to a skylight or see water dripping inside, place a bucket or towel to catch water and move valuables out of the area. Do not attempt to climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof yourself, as the surface may be slippery and structurally weakened.
Document any visible damage from a safe distance with clear photos and notes. This includes pictures of dents on solar panels, cracked skylight glass, and any interior water stains. This documentation is crucial for filing an insurance claim. Then, contact a qualified roofer or solar installer for a thorough inspection of the roof and its components.
Document any visible damage from a safe distance with clear photos and notes. This includes pictures of dents on solar panels, cracked skylight glass, and any interior water stains. This documentation is crucial for filing an insurance claim. Then, contact a qualified roofer or installation professional for a thorough inspection of the roof and its components.
- Check your attic for water stains, drips, or daylight coming through around skylights.
- Look for granules from asphalt shingles in your gutters, which indicate roof damage.
- Inspect solar panels from the ground with binoculars for visible cracks or dents.
- Monitor your solar inverter and energy production app for sudden drops in output.
- Cover broken skylights temporarily with a tarp from inside the attic if it is safe to do so.
- Keep records of the hailstorm date and any weather service reports for your area.
Water Damage Risks from Hail Impacts
A broken skylight or compromised solar panel mount creates an open path for water. Rain can pour directly into your attic or living spaces, soaking insulation, drywall, and wooden framing. This swift intrusion requires quick action to prevent widespread structural damage and mold growth, which can start in as little as 24 to 48 hours in a damp environment.
Water may travel along rafters or wiring, causing damage far from the original leak point. It can ruin ceilings, walls, and flooring. In regions with frequent heavy rains, this risk is compounded. Addressing the roof breach immediately is critical to minimize the scope and cost of the necessary water damage cleanup and repairs.
When to Call for Professional Help
For any active water intrusion, you need help from local water damage pros. They have the equipment to extract standing water, dry out saturated building materials, and monitor humidity levels to prevent secondary damage. Their work often needs to happen before a roofer can make permanent repairs to the skylight or roof itself.
- Visible water pooling inside your home from a ceiling or wall leak.
- A sagging ceiling, which indicates trapped water and requires emergency stabilization.
- Wet insulation or drywall, which holds moisture and promotes mold if not dried properly.
- A musty odor developing after a leak, signaling hidden moisture and potential mold growth.
- Any concern about electrical safety near water-damaged areas or solar panel wiring.
- The need for moisture mapping with specialized tools to find all affected materials.
Need help right now?
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Call Now (504) 608-0810Frequently asked questions
Will my homeowner's insurance cover hail damage to skylights or solar panels?
Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from hail. However, coverage for solar panels may depend on how they are classified (permanent fixture or not). You must file a claim and provide your documentation. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Can I just seal a cracked skylight with caulk?
Caulk is a temporary emergency measure at best. A cracked skylight likely has a compromised seal and frame that requires professional repair or replacement. A proper fix ensures it is watertight and can withstand future weather, preventing recurring water damage to your home.
What should I do if my solar panels are damaged but still working?
A qualified solar professional should perform an inspection. Small cracks can worsen, and moisture getting inside can cause electrical failures or roof leaks over time. They can test the system's output and integrity to determine if repairs or replacements are needed.