Solar panel hail damage repair Brisbane

Understanding solar panel hail damage in Brisbane

As a Brisbane resident, I know our weather can be unpredictable, with severe hail storms being a genuine concern for homeowners. While modern solar panels are incredibly tough and tested to withstand significant impact, some hail events are powerful enough to cause damage.

Damage isn’t always a spectacular shatter. It can appear as:

• Visible cracks or shatters: This is the most obvious sign, often looking like a car windscreen that’s been hit.

• Dents or pockmarks: The surface of the glass may have visible impacts without shattering.

• Microcracks: These are tiny fractures in the solar cells themselves, invisible to the naked eye. They are the most common and sneaky form of hail damage and can significantly reduce your system’s performance over time.

Even if your panels look fine from the ground after a storm, it’s crucial to monitor your system’s performance. A sudden drop in energy production or new error codes on your inverter are tell-tale signs of underlying damage.

History of major hail storms in Brisbane

Brisbane has a long and costly history with hail. Storms aren’t just a minor inconvenience here; they can be destructive weather events. Some of the most significant storms include:

• The 1985 Supercell: This remains one of Brisbane’s most damaging storms, with cricket-ball-sized hail causing widespread destruction and an insurance bill of what would be over $1.7 billion today.

• The 2014 Storm: Lasting only half an hour, this storm struck during peak hour with 141 km/h winds, injuring 40 people and causing over $1.1 billion in damages.

• The 2020 Halloween Storm: This event saw cricket-ball-sized hail punish suburbs like Springfield Lakes and Greenbank, with the damage bill exceeding $1 billion.

These events highlight why having a clear plan for hail damage repair is so important for Brisbane solar owners.

Solar panel hail damage assessment process in Brisbane

If you suspect your panels have been damaged, the first step is to arrange a professional inspection. Do not get on the roof yourself, especially after a storm. It’s unsafe and you could cause more damage.

Here’s the process I recommend:

• Contact an SAA-accredited installer: Your first call should be to a qualified and accredited solar professional. They have the safety equipment and diagnostic tools to assess your system properly.

• Inverter and performance check: The installer will first check your inverter for any fault codes (like “Ground Fault”) which indicate a problem. They will also analyse your system’s production data to see if there has been a noticeable drop in output since the storm.

• On-roof inspection: The technician will safely get on the roof to visually inspect each panel for cracks, shatters, or significant dents.

• Damage report for insurance: Following the inspection, you should receive a detailed report outlining the extent of the damage. This document is essential for your insurance claim. Many reputable solar companies in Brisbane offer free storm damage assessments.

Navigating the solar panel insurance claim process for hail damage

For most homeowners, solar panels are considered a permanent fixture of the house and are covered under your home and contents insurance policy. Dealing with insurance can feel daunting, but it’s usually straightforward.

Here are the key steps:

• Review your policy: Confirm that your policy covers storm and hail damage for fixtures. It’s crucial to ensure your total sum insured was updated to include the value of your solar system when it was installed.

• Contact your insurer: Report the damage as soon as possible. They will provide you with a claim number and explain their specific process.

• Provide the damage report: Submit the professional assessment report from your solar installer. Some insurers may send their own assessor.

• Get quotes for repair or replacement: Your insurer will likely ask for one or more quotes from accredited installers to repair or replace the damaged components. It’s often a good opportunity to replace an older system with newer, more efficient technology.

• Approval and repair: Once the insurer approves the quote, you can book in the repair work with your chosen solar company.

Gigi’s Pro Tip: Be wary of “disaster chasers” who may appear after a storm, pressuring you to sign contracts on the spot. Always work with a reputable, long-standing local company and communicate directly with your insurer.

### Cost to replace hail damaged solar panels in Brisbane

The cost of hail damage repair depends entirely on the severity. It could be a simple panel swap or a full system replacement. Here’s a breakdown of the likely costs you’ll encounter in Brisbane in 2025.

Cost to replace individual solar panels Brisbane 2025

Replacing a single, standard solar panel that has been smashed by hail will typically cost between $400 and $700. This price includes the panel itself, the labour of an accredited electrician to safely disconnect and remove the old panel, install the new one, and ensure the system is functioning correctly. The cost can be higher for more premium panels or if your roof is particularly steep or difficult to access.

Cost to remove and reinstall solar panels Brisbane

If your roof itself has been damaged by hail, you’ll need to have your solar panels removed before the roofers can do their work and then reinstalled afterwards. The average cost for this service in the Brisbane area is around $85 per panel. For a common 6.6kW system with 16-18 panels, you’d be looking at approximately $1,360 to $1,530 plus GST.

Average cost of a 6.6kW solar system replacement in Brisbane after hail

If the damage is widespread, your insurer may approve a full system replacement. This is often the best outcome, as you get a brand new system with new warranties. The average cost for a fully installed 6.6kW solar system in Brisbane is between $5,200 and $8,700 after the federal STC rebate is applied. Premium systems with higher efficiency panels can cost more.

Service / System Size	Estimated Cost Range (Brisbane 2025)	Notes
Single Panel Replacement	$400 – $700	Includes panel and installation labour.
Remove & Reinstall Panels	~$85 + GST per panel	For roof repairs. Does not include new panels.
Full 6.6kW System Replacement	$5,200 – $8,700	Includes new panels, inverter, and installation (after rebate).
Full 10kW System Replacement	$8,000 – $12,000	For larger homes with higher energy needs (after rebate).

Case Study: A Family in Springfield Lakes After the 2020 supercell storm, the Tran family found that 10 of their 18 panels were visibly shattered. Their five-year-old system was underperforming badly. Their insurer approved a full replacement. They installed a new 6.6kW system with modern Trina panels for $7,500. Not only was the cost fully covered by their insurance, but the new, more efficient system also saved them an extra $400 on their power bills in the first year alone, significantly improving their return on investment.

Choosing the most hail-resistant solar panels

While no panel is completely “hail proof,” especially against the severe storms we see in Brisbane, modern panels are extremely durable. The international standard (IEC 61215) requires panels to withstand impacts from 25mm ice balls travelling at 83km/h.

When looking for new or replacement panels, I’d suggest focusing on brands with a strong reputation for quality and durability.

• Great Value & Performance: Brands like Trina Solar and Jinko Solar offer excellent performance and have a strong presence in Australia.

• Premium Options: REC panels are well-regarded for their robust frame design and overall durability. Canadian Solar has also developed specific anti-hail panel technology.

A key factor in hail resistance can be the panel’s construction. Recent independent testing has shown that traditional panels with a single, thicker front glass sheet may perform better against large hail impacts than some “dual glass” designs which use two thinner sheets of glass. A good installer can talk you through the specific advantages of the panels they recommend.

Finding a Brisbane solar panel hail damage repair specialist

After a major storm, you want a reliable, local expert who can act quickly. When searching for a company, I recommend you:

• Check for SAA Accreditation: Ensure the installers are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia. This is the current industry standard for safety and quality.

• Look for experience: Choose a company that has been operating in Brisbane for a long time. They will have experience dealing with local storm events and insurers.

• Read recent reviews: Check platforms like ProductReview and Google for feedback from other customers who have had storm damage repairs. Look for mentions of professionalism, communication, and quality of work.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help finding a trusted local expert to assess the damage, I can connect you with an installer from my vetted network.

Ready to get your solar system back on track?

Dealing with hail damage is stressful, but it’s a manageable process. The key is to act quickly, get a professional assessment, and work closely with your insurance provider. For many, it can be a blessing in disguise, providing an opportunity to upgrade to a newer, more efficient system that delivers even greater savings.

If you need help assessing the damage or want a quote for a replacement system, I can connect you with trusted local professionals. Just fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation estimate.