When a thunderstorm rolls through New Jersey, most people think about flooded basements, downed trees, and the power flickering out. But for homeowners with rooftop solar, there’s something else at risk: damage you might not even notice until your energy bills spike or your inverter starts throwing error codes.
Solar panels are durable. They’re built to survive years of sun, wind, and rain. But “durable” doesn’t mean invincible. One rough summer storm can knock a mount loose, crack a panel face, or let water creep into places it shouldn’t. And when damage goes undetected, performance drops, output tanks, and repairs get more expensive.
Here’s what’s actually worth checking, how to protect your system ahead of time, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
The Three Ways a Storm Wrecks a Solar Panel System
- Wind – Most residential panels are tested to withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph, but in the real world, that depends on the condition of the roof, the quality of the racking system, and whether the panels were properly installed. All it takes is one lifted corner or bent rail to let the next storm finish the job.
- Impact – Flying debris is a huge problem in summer thunderstorms. Hail, broken limbs, roof shingles, and even trash cans can go airborne. If they hit your array, they can leave dents or stress fractures in the panel glass—some too small to see from the ground.
- Water – The panels themselves are sealed, but that doesn’t mean the wiring is invulnerable. Cracks in the panel surface or leaks around junction boxes can allow water to enter the electrical system. Once inside, corrosion is just a matter of time.
What Real Storm Damage Looks Like (and What People Miss)
Most homeowners can tell when something’s broken—but storm damage to a solar array is often subtle.
If you see obvious cracks, discoloration, or broken frames, that’s a clear problem. But some of the most common warning signs don’t show up right away. Performance loss might not hit until days later. You might hear inverter clicks or hums that weren’t there before. Or your monitoring app might show one or two panels suddenly underperforming.
More signs to look for:
- Glass that looks fogged, frosted, or “spider-webbed”
- Loose conduit or exposed wiring
- Rust-colored streaks near mounting points
- Mounting brackets that appear twisted or pulled up
- Output graphs that drop and don’t recover after the storm passes
If your system doesn’t bounce back after 24 hours of sun, something’s wrong.
How to Prevent Damage in the First Place
Here’s where a little preparation goes a long way.
- Trim nearby trees so no branches hang over your roof. During high winds, even healthy limbs can break.
- Secure loose roof components like shingles, vents, or flashing that could become projectiles.
- Install critter guards or mesh barriers around the array to block wind-driven debris from collecting underneath.
- Request a pre-season checkup from your installer (SolarMe offers them). We can check for loose bolts, cracked seals, or any stress points before the storm hits.
What to Do Immediately After a Storm
- Check your monitoring portal or app.
- Look for sudden drops in output, panel-level errors, or inverter faults.
- Do a ground-level inspection.
- Grab binoculars if needed—don’t climb on the roof. Look for visible damage.
- Take photos.
- Even if you’re not sure it’s serious. Photos help with insurance claims later.
- Call SolarMe.
- We’ll send a certified tech to inspect, test, and document the system.
SolarMe’s Post-Storm Inspection: What You Get
We do more than just look. We open junction boxes, test voltage at the string level, measure panel temperature under load, and reseal any points of concern. We also provide a written report you can submit to your insurer, with photos and repair estimates included.
If repairs are needed, we use matching panels when available—or offer upgraded replacements if your model is outdated or discontinued.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
One cracked panel left exposed will keep leaking water. One pulled-up rail will get worse in the next storm. Small issues become big ones fast. And unless your monitoring system shows panel-level data, you may never notice the slow drop in output until you get a $200 electric bill in August.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
If your area just got hit—or if you’re looking ahead to hurricane season—now’s the time. A 30-minute checkup could save thousands in repairs and energy loss. Solar panels are built to last, but only if they’re protected.
