Do Solar Panels Survive Colorado Hail? What Denver Homeowners Should Know Before Storm Season

Colorado's hail season runs from April through September. If you live on the Front Range, you already know the drill. Dark clouds roll in, the sky turns green, and golf ball sized ice starts hammering everything in sight. For homeowners considering solar, this raises an obvious question: can solar panels actually survive Colorado hail? If you're still weighing whether now is even the right time to go solar, read our guide on whether Colorado homeowners should go solar in 2026 or wait.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado put this question to the test during a severe Denver hailstorm in May 2017. Out of more than 3,000 solar panels on the NREL campus, exactly one was damaged. That single panel was struck by multiple hailstones in nearly the same spot, creating a concentrated impact that cracked the glass cover. The other 2,999 panels came through without issue. (U.S. Department of Energy)

NREL researchers also run controlled lab tests where they fire ice balls at panels using compressed air cannons at speeds matching real storm conditions. These tests simulate worst case scenarios, hitting the same panel 10 to 20 times with increasing hail sizes. The results consistently show that quality panels withstand hailstones up to two inches in diameter.

A broader NREL study covering over 50,000 solar installations across hail prone regions found that only 0.1% of panels required replacement due to hail damage. That means 999 out of every 1,000 panels survived just fine.

None of this means you should ignore hail risk. Colorado averages about 94 significant hail events per year. The May 30, 2024 storm that hit the Denver metro area caused over a billion dollars in total property damage according to NOAA, making it the second most costly hailstorm in state history.

Hail in Colorado is not a hypothetical. It is an annual reality. The difference is that solar panels are specifically built and tested for this kind of punishment in ways that your roof, car, and windows are not.

Not every panel on the market offers the same level of protection. Here is what separates panels that hold up from panels that crack.

Even with the best equipment, a once-in-a-decade storm can cause damage. Here is what Colorado homeowners need to know about the recovery process.

Homeowners insurance typically covers solar panels. Most standard policies treat rooftop solar panels as part of the dwelling, meaning hail damage falls under your existing coverage. However, some Colorado insurers have introduced separate wind and hail deductibles that may be calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Check your policy before storm season arrives.

Manufacturer warranties add another layer. Reputable panel manufacturers back their products with 25-year warranties that cover defects and premature degradation. The panels Apollo Energy installs, including Qcells, carry strong product warranties designed for real-world conditions.

Cosmetic vs. performance damage is an important distinction. A cracked glass cover does not always mean the panel stops producing power. However, cracks can allow moisture infiltration over time, which degrades performance. If you see visible damage after a storm, schedule an inspection sooner rather than later.

Here is some perspective that often gets lost in the hail conversation. During a major Colorado hailstorm, the typical damage report includes cracked windshields, dented vehicles, shattered skylights, and destroyed roofing materials. Solar panels are one of the most resilient components on your property during a storm.

Your asphalt shingles will likely need replacement before your solar panels do. Your car sitting in the driveway is at far greater risk. The 2024 Denver storm proved this point clearly. Billions in damage across the metro area, but the vast majority of solar installations came through intact.

There is also a financial argument here that rarely gets made. Every month you delay going solar because of hail concerns is another month paying Xcel Energy's rising utility rates with no protection and no return on investment. See our full breakdown of the Colorado solar incentives available in 2026.