Storms change plans fast. Hail can pit modules. Wind can shift rails. Wildfire ash can etch glass. Floodwater threatens inverters and batteries. This guide walks you through safe first moves, what to shut off, careful cleaning that avoids micro scratches, corrosion and wiring checks that catch hidden failures, plus how to build a solid photo record for a solar panel hail damage insurance claim and warranty review. When in doubt, call a licensed solar electrician and your installer before you re power any device. If you are in the Austin area, our team at Best Option Restoration stands ready to help with mitigation, drying, and documentation.
Safety after hail, wind, wildfire, or flood
Safety comes first. If you see structural damage, exposed conductors, arcing, or smell something burning, step away and call emergency services. Never enter standing water near any electrical equipment. FEMA offers clear guidance on staying safe during early cleanup and on documenting property damage for recovery purposes. You can review FEMA’s recommendations for documenting damage at this FEMA page.
If the scene looks calm and you feel comfortable, power down your system using the order shown in your manufacturer manuals. Order matters because inverters and battery systems manage current flow differently during grid outages. Many systems include rapid shutdown features. For a helpful overview of how rapid shutdown functions on residential systems, visit this Enphase resource. If you have any uncertainty about the process, wait for a licensed solar electrician or your installer to arrive.
If any battery, inverter, or junction box is submerged or damp inside, do not touch it. Water inside a battery housing or inverter enclosure can trigger short circuits or later fire hazards. Tesla Powerwall manuals caution owners to avoid flood zones, to shut down during emergencies, and to keep away from water near energized components. You can view the Powerwall guidance at Tesla’s official manual site.
After you secure the scene, call your installer, a licensed electrician, and your insurance carrier. If you need drying, soot removal, or roof tarping, contact a restoration firm with solar experience. In Central Texas, connect with Best Option Restoration Boraustin for local restoration and solar damage mitigation.
Solar panel hail damage claim steps
Hail can crack glass, dent frames, loosen clamps, and create invisible micro cracks that reduce production months later. A strong solar panel hail damage insurance claim starts with a careful record. Take wide photos that show the roof planes and array layout. Add medium shots of each row. Then capture close detail on cracked glass, pits, damaged frames, bent rail, or displaced clamps. Include labels and serial numbers where possible. Record inverter and battery serial numbers as well. FEMA encourages wide context shots, then close detail on each item, with timestamps and location data when available. That same approach works well for PV and battery gear. FEMA’s guidance appears at this FEMA resource.
Next, collect your monitoring screenshots. Export data that shows normal output before the storm and reduced output afterward. A clear before and after picture helps an adjuster understand why a replacement or more testing may be needed. DOE notes that hail can create damage that is not visible to the eye. Electroluminescence imaging and thermal scans can reveal micro cracks and hot spots that would otherwise be missed. DOE guidance on hail damage mitigation for PV systems is available at this FEMP resource.
Open the claim with your insurer as soon as you have a basic photo set. If your panels are third party owned, your lease or PPA may assign claim duties differently, so alert the owner right away. Ask your installer or a licensed solar contractor to meet the adjuster onsite. Many homeowners find that having a subject matter expert on the roof with the adjuster speeds agreement on the scope of damage. The Texas Department of Insurance provides practical tips for hail and wind claims, including being present for the adjuster visit and keeping all receipts for temporary repairs. Review TDI guidance at this TDI page.
Expect questions about repair versus replacement. If glass is cracked or a frame is bent, replacement is common. If only production fell with no visible damage, request EL imaging or thermal scans. If wiring or junction areas show corrosion or water staining, a qualified technician should test insulation resistance, continuity, and torque on terminations. DOE also publishes maintenance and corrosion mitigation guidance for PV wiring and hardware at this corrosion resource.
Home battery flood safety
Home battery systems pack high energy into a compact enclosure. Water adds risk. If a storm sends water into a garage or utility room where your battery sits, treat the area with caution. Do not touch the unit or any nearby breakers if you see standing water. Wait until the area is dry or until a licensed pro de energizes the system. If you can reach the emergency disconnect without stepping into water and you feel safe, follow the shutdown steps in your manufacturer manual. The Tesla Powerwall manual provides clear instructions for emergency shutdown and warnings regarding flood exposure. You can access that manual at this Tesla resource.
After water recedes, do not attempt to open or dry a battery. Lithium ion packs can trap moisture and later vent or ignite. If you smell a chemical odor, hear popping, or feel warmth on the case, step away and call your fire department. The U.S. Fire Administration offers safety tips for lithium ion devices around water. Review those tips at this USFA page.
For claims, note water depth and how long the unit was exposed. Photograph the water line on the enclosure, nearby walls, and any rusting or discoloration that forms later. Flood is generally excluded under standard homeowner policies. You usually need a separate flood policy for that peril. Speak with your carrier for coverage details and confirm any special wind or hail deductible that may apply to the roof or attached equipment.
Power down without guesswork
Every system is a bit different, so follow the placard near your disconnects and the shutdown steps in your inverter and battery manuals. As a general flow that applies in many systems, shut down the battery first using the manufacturer method. Then open the battery AC breaker. Next, shut down the inverter using the inverter’s AC disconnect switch or the main service breaker that feeds the inverter. When the AC side is quiet, open the DC or PV isolators as directed for your inverter model. If you use micro inverters such as Enphase, the primary off switch is usually the AC breaker feeding the micro circuits. Enphase explains this on its rapid shutdown overview page at this Enphase guide.
If water touched any of the gear, stop after you cut power on the accessible disconnects and wait for a licensed electrician. Do not open covers. Do not unplug MC connectors. Do not pull modules off rails. A pro will meter the circuits, test insulation resistance after drying, and confirm that the rapid shutdown system responds properly.
Cleaning without micro scratches
Cleaning can prevent long term losses, but cleaning done poorly can shorten the life of the array. Let panels cool before you rinse. Early morning is best. A hot glass surface can experience thermal shock if splashed with cold water. Use a gentle hose spray or a deionized water system if available. Avoid pressure washers. Avoid metal scrapers and abrasive pads. Let caked debris soften with a prolonged rinse, then wipe with a soft brush or microfiber tool. A mild soap designed for panels can help with sticky grime. Aurora Solar has a helpful cleaning guide that discusses tools and timing at this Aurora Solar resource.
If your roof has wildfire ash, treat it as a health hazard. Wear gloves, eye protection, and an N95. Do not use a leaf blower because it will launch ash into the air. Mist surfaces first so dust settles. Use a gentle stream to move ash toward gutters. For heavy ash or any sign of heat exposure, schedule a pro inspection. Micro fissures from heat can reduce output even if the glass looks fine. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services shares health tips for ash cleanup at this Cal OES notice.
After any cleaning, check your monitoring app. A slow recovery toward normal output suggests dirt was the issue. A sudden or sustained drop points to physical damage, corrosion, or a loose connection. Your installer can read panel level data when you grant access to the monitoring portal.
Corrosion and wiring checks
Water, ash, and salt carry minerals that settle onto frames and connectors. Over time, that residue can invite corrosion, raise resistance at terminations, and create hot spots. Look for a chalky white or green film on lugs and connectors. Inspect module frames for rust or oxidation spots. Peer at junction boxes for water stains or clouded potting. Check for discolored insulation on conductors, loose clamps, or shifted rails. If you see any of those issues, call a licensed solar electrician for testing.
After drying, a pro should measure insulation resistance, continuity, and open circuit voltage for each string. They should torque lugs to manufacturer values and evaluate surge protection devices in the inverter or combiner. Infrared imaging can spot hot terminations that a visual check will miss. DOE recommends periodic electrical preventive maintenance in corrosive locations and after severe weather. A good overview of PV corrosion risks and maintenance appears at this DOE page.
Documenting for insurance and warranty
A clean record reduces pushback on claims. Build a folder with subfolders for property wide views, array rows, close detail on damage, serial numbers, and monitoring evidence. Name files with the date and brief description. Keep a simple index so you can answer questions during the adjuster visit. Add receipts for tarping, pumping, temporary repairs, PPE supplies, and any hotel nights if your policy provides loss of use benefits.
Take wide photos that show the whole roof. Add medium shots of each array side. Then capture close detail on cracked glass, pitted surfaces, bent frames, broken clips, corroded connectors, burned insulation, or water lines on the battery enclosure. Photograph nameplates on modules, inverters, combiner boxes, the battery unit, and any gateway. Screenshot monitoring graphs before the event and after the event. FEMA and FloodSmart recommend photos before discarding anything, notes on water depth and duration, and a prompt call to your insurer. Review FEMA’s filing steps at this FEMA claim resource.
Discuss coverage with your carrier early. Roof mounted panels often fall under dwelling coverage for perils such as hail. Flood is usually separate through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood policy. If panels are leased, the leasing firm may handle parts of the claim. Nationwide provides a general overview of how homeowners policies treat rooftop solar at this Nationwide article.
What adjusters and contractors need
Help your adjuster and contractor work efficiently by preparing a small packet. Include a link to your photo folder. Attach a list of serial numbers for modules, inverters, and the battery. Include monitoring exports that show a steady baseline before the event. Add at least one repair quote from a licensed solar installer and a roof quote if mounting hardware or shingles were damaged. Ask your installer to attend the adjuster visit if possible. This can speed agreement on parts that need replacement. Keep in mind that deductible waivers from roofers or solar contractors are illegal in many states including Texas. TDI’s hail and wind tips cover this point at this TDI resource.
When to call a pro
Call right away if any water intruded into a battery case, inverter, combiner, junction box, or the main panel. Call if you see shattered glass, bowed frames, frayed conductors, charred insulation, or any sign of arcing. If your monitoring portal shows a sharp drop in output or a string offline after the storm, call for diagnostics. Many installers receive alerts when a panel or micro inverter underperforms, which can help target the issue quickly. If your rapid shutdown device triggered or you are unsure whether the array is safe to touch, wait for a licensed solar electrician. You can read about rapid shutdown considerations for code compliance at this Solar Power World article.
In the Austin area, you can reach out to Boraustin for emergency mitigation, documentation help, and coordination with your installer.
Care for wildfire ash on arrays
Wildfire ash can be corrosive. It often contains fine glassy particles that scratch coatings if you wipe before wetting. Mist the array lightly, then rinse and let the water soften the layer. Use a soft brush or microfiber pad to move the slurry toward gutters. Wear an N95 and goggles. Bag rags and filters for disposal per local guidance. If modules were exposed to radiant heat, schedule a professional inspection with EL imaging to check for micro cracks. Health agencies in California advise wet wiping and very gentle handling of ash. Read those safety tips at this Cal OES notice.
Flood guidance for inverters and batteries
An inverter that sat in water should not be re energized without a full internal inspection. Water leaves mineral deposits that conduct electricity. Even if the unit powers up later, corrosion can progress inside and lead to failure or fire. A battery that saw floodwater is even more sensitive. Tesla manuals instruct owners to place Powerwall units away from flood zones and to shut down during emergencies. If a Powerwall or gateway was submerged, call a Tesla certified technician. Review official instructions at this Tesla manual page.
If you see smoke, heat, or hear hissing from any battery, treat it as an emergency. Step away and call the fire department. Lithium ion cells behave differently from standard appliances when compromised by water or physical damage. The U.S. Fire Administration provides easy to follow safety guidance at this USFA guide.
Testing you can request
Ask your installer or a third party testing firm to perform EL imaging on the array after a hail or heavy ash event. EL reveals broken cell fingers and micro cracks that your eye cannot see. Request thermal imaging as well, which spots hot cells, diode issues, and loose terminations. Have a technician check insulation resistance for each string, along with open circuit voltage and short circuit current measurements as appropriate for your equipment. Request torque checks on lugs after drying. Ask for a report with images and test values so you can attach it to your claim. DOE’s guidance on hail and on corrosion reference these tests for PV systems at this PV hail page and this corrosion page.
Warranty and policy basics
Manufacturer product warranties for panels and inverters focus on defects in materials or workmanship. Storm damage from hail, wind, or flood is usually excluded. Performance warranties promise a certain output over time under normal conditions. Micro cracks from hail can degrade performance but may not trigger a product warranty unless testing proves a defect. That is why a clear solar panel hail damage insurance claim often remains the right path to recover repair or replacement costs. DOE notes that modules undergo hail testing in the certification process, but real storms can exceed test conditions or strike at unusual angles, and some damage may only be visible with EL imaging. You can read DOE’s hail guidance at this DOE resource.
Homeowner policies vary. Many treat roof mounted arrays as part of the dwelling. Some apply a separate wind or hail deductible. Flood usually requires a separate policy. If your panels are third party owned, check your agreement. The owner may make the claim or require certain vendors. Keep copies of your purchase invoice, permits, and past service records in your packet to simplify questions about age and condition.
What to avoid during cleanup
Do not climb a wet roof without fall protection. Do not use abrasive pads or gritty sponges on panels. Do not use high pressure spray on modules or near inverters. Do not open electrical covers. Do not reset breakers that trip repeatedly after a storm. Repeated trips usually signal a real fault. Do not toss damaged parts before you photograph them for your claim. Do not accept offers that waive a deductible. In many states, including Texas, that practice is illegal. TDI offers consumer tips on storm repair fraud at this TDI page.
Quick action table for common scenarios
| Scenario | First action | Call | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hail with cracked module glass | Power down per manual, take photos, cover sharp edges if safe | Installer, insurer, roofer | Walking on roof tiles or shingles near broken glass |
| Flooded garage with battery | Stay out of water, do not touch equipment, call pros | Fire department if heating or smoke, battery maker, installer | Opening the battery or gateway or flipping breakers while wet |
| Wildfire ash on array | Wear N95, mist first, gentle rinse, soft tools | Installer for inspection if heat exposure occurred | Dry sweeping or blowers that aerosolize ash |
| Wind with loose rails or wiring | Shut down, cordon off area, photograph | Installer, electrician, insurer | Re tightening clamps without testing torque and alignment |
A simple homeowner checklist
Safety check the property from the ground. If you see smoke, sparks, or downed conductors, call 911. If conditions are calm, power down per your system placard. Start with the battery using the manufacturer method. Then open the inverter AC disconnect and the PV isolators in the order shown in your manuals. Photograph the condition of each component before you touch anything. Take wide shots, then medium, then close detail with serial numbers. Screenshot your monitoring portal to show pre event output and post event output. Call your insurer to open a claim and ask about wind, hail, and flood coverage. Call your installer and a licensed electrician. For roof leaks or interior water, call a restoration company. For Austin area mitigation or inspection coordination, contact Best Option Restoration Boraustin.
Why documentation wins claims
Adjusters sort claims faster when they see clear evidence. Wide context photos show the storm’s path across the property. Panel level images prove the count of damaged modules. Serial numbers verify model and age. Monitoring exports show lost energy production. Pro quotes translate damage into parts and labor with pricing. Those facts help the adjuster approve what you need to restore the system to pre loss condition. FEMA’s documentation guidance provides a simple way to structure those steps. Review it at this FEMA article.
How we can help in Central Texas
After storms, timing matters. Our team can secure the site, set up drying and soot removal, and coordinate with your installer for safe shutdown and inspection. We create photo and video records, log serial numbers, and gather monitoring evidence so you have a strong solar panel hail damage insurance claim package. We also meet adjusters onsite when requested. If you need help in the Austin region, reach out to Boraustin for local restoration and solar damage mitigation.
A few deeper tips on cleaning
Hard water leaves spots that etch over time. If you have hard water at your hose bib, consider a spot free rinse or a deionized water canister. Rinse from the top of the array to the bottom. Use gentle strokes with a soft brush. Do not lean tools on wiring or junctions under the array edges. Avoid standing at rake edges if wind is gusty. For bird droppings that resist a hose rinse, let warm water sit in a microfiber pad on the spot for a minute, then lift gently. Harsh chemicals can strip anti reflective coatings. If in doubt, call your installer for a panel safe soap. For frequency, many homes need cleaning only once or twice per year. After wildfire ash or dust storms, add a special cleaning once the storm passes. Aurora Solar’s maintenance guide summarizes tool choices and seasons for cleaning. You can find it at this Aurora Solar guide.
Advanced checks after severe weather
Rail alignment and clamp placement matter for long term reliability. If rails racked under wind load, clamps may no longer sit at the field points recommended by the panel maker. A licensed installer should confirm standoff tightness, rail straightness, and clamp positions. They should verify that roof flashings remain watertight. Inside the electrical runs, a pro should examine wire management, confirm that zip ties or clips remain intact, and replace any UV damaged fasteners. For systems with optimizers or micro inverters, ask the technician to compare panel by panel production before and after the event in the monitoring app. Any unit with chronic underperformance may be a candidate for replacement even if the glass looks fine.
Claim timing and follow through
Call your insurer as soon as you have basic photos. Ask for claim number and email address for document submissions. Upload your images, monitoring screenshots, and any pro quotes as you receive them. Keep a simple log of calls and emails. If the claim involves flood, review NFIP timelines for proof of loss filings. FEMA outlines those steps for flood claims at this FEMA claim page. During repairs, ask your installer to photograph all steps, including removed parts and serial numbers for replacements. Save those files in your claim folder. If your system remains off for an extended period, ask your installer about safe ways to protect idle equipment from humidity and pests, such as covers for exposed conduits or boxes once de energized.
Frequently asked questions
Will my homeowner policy cover panels damaged by hail
Often yes, but coverage and deductibles vary. Many policies treat roof mounted PV as part of the dwelling. Some carriers have special wind or hail deductibles. Flood is usually separate. Speak with your agent about your specific policy. For a general overview of how homeowner insurance treats solar, review this Nationwide article.
Should I turn my system back on if panels look fine
Wait for a licensed installer or electrician to inspect. Panels can harbor micro cracks that only appear under load. Wiring or junctions may have absorbed moisture. A pro will test and confirm that rapid shutdown and protective devices work correctly before re powering.
Do I need EL imaging after hail
It helps in many cases. DOE recommends EL and thermal scans after significant hail to reveal hidden damage that affects long term output. That evidence supports repair or replacement decisions and can strengthen your claim. Review DOE guidance at this FEMP page.
What cleaning tools are safe
Soft bristle brushes, microfiber mops, and gentle water. A mild panel safe soap for stubborn grime. No pressure washers or abrasive pads. Clean early morning or evening when panels are cool. Aurora Solar explains safe tools at this guide.
How do I know if the battery is safe after water
If water reached the unit, do not touch it. Call the manufacturer or a certified technician. If you sense heat, smell chemicals, or hear hissing, call the fire department. USFA provides general safety tips for lithium ion devices at this USFA resource.
A final word for Austin area homeowners
Quick, calm steps make recovery smoother. Power down safely using your system placard and manuals. Build a photo record with wide views, close detail, serial numbers, and monitoring evidence. Call your insurer, your installer, and a licensed electrician. Ask for EL and thermal scans when hail or heat exposure occurred. For water or soot inside the home, call a restoration firm. If you live in Central Texas, reach out to Best Option Restoration Boraustin for local restoration and solar damage mitigation.