Solar Panel Repair Tanah Merah, Logan: Hail Damage

After the Storm: Solar Panel Repair in Tanah Merah

Is there any sound more nerve-wracking for a homeowner than the deafening rattle of hail on a tin roof? While we worry about our cars and our windows, we often forget about the expensive glass technology sitting right on top of our homes—our solar panels.

Storm season in South East Queensland can be brutal, and unfortunately, solar systems often bear the brunt of it. Recently, Fallon Solutions was called to a property in Tanah Merah where the homeowner was concerned about the state of their system following a severe hailstorm. Their proactive approach paid off, as we uncovered significant damage that needed immediate attention.

If you have recently weathered a storm, assuming your panels are “fine” just because they are still on the roof is a risky gamble. Here is how we helped this local resident secure their system.

The Problem: Visible Smashed Glass

The homeowner in Tanah Merah did exactly the right thing: they requested a solar system check immediately after the storm passed.

The system was relatively young—only 3 years old—and consisted of an 8-panel array. To the untrained eye from the ground, everything might have looked normal. However, upon closer inspection, the damage was undeniable.

The Reality of Solar Panel Hail Damage: Our inspection revealed that 2 of the 8 solar panels had their glass covers smashed.

When a solar panel is hit by a large hailstone, the tempered glass can shatter much like a car windscreen. It might hold its shape, but the structural integrity is gone.

• Water Ingress: Once the glass seal is broken, rainwater can seep into the sensitive electrical cells and wiring underneath.
• Electrical Hazard: Water mixed with high-voltage DC electricity is a dangerous combination. A cracked panel can become a fire risk or an electrocution hazard for anyone working on the roof.
• System Shutdown: Often, the inverter will detect an isolation fault caused by the moisture and shut down the entire system, meaning you are generating zero power.

For this Tanah Merah home, leaving the smashed panels in place wasn’t an option. They needed a professional solar panel repair to make the system safe and operational again.

The Solution: Targeted Replacement and Safety Check

Upon arriving at the Tanah Merah property, our CEC-accredited solar electrician conducted a comprehensive solar panel inspection to assess the full extent of the damage.

Here is the step-by-step process we used to restore the system:

1. Safety Isolation: We immediately isolated the system at the inverter and the rooftop DC isolators to ensure no current was flowing through the damaged components.
2. Damage Assessment: We physically inspected all 8 panels. While 6 were intact, we confirmed that 2 units had catastrophic glass failure. We also checked the mounting rails and clamps to ensure the storm hadn’t loosened the structural fixings.
3. Panel Replacement: Since the glass on a solar panel cannot be “fixed” like a windshield chip, the entire panel must be replaced. We sourced high-quality replacement panels that matched the electrical specifications (voltage and wattage) of the existing 3-year-old system.
4. Installation: We carefully removed the smashed units, ensuring no glass debris was left in the gutters. The new panels were installed and connected to the existing string.
5. System Re-commissioning: Once the new panels were secured, we turned the system back on. We tested the voltage and current to ensure the new panels were performing in harmony with the older ones.

By replacing only the damaged units, we saved the homeowner the cost of a full system replacement while restoring their energy production.

The Benefits for the Homeowner

Acting quickly to address solar panel hail damage offers significant benefits:

• Safety Assurance: Removing smashed panels eliminates the risk of water causing an electrical fire or short circuit on the roof.
• Restored Savings: A system with damaged panels often shuts down completely. Fixing it means the household goes back to saving money on their electricity bills immediately.
• Insurance Support: A professional inspection report from Fallon Solutions provides the necessary documentation to support an insurance claim for storm damage.
• Long-Term Reliability: Ensuring the system is weather-tight prevents corrosion from spreading to the healthy parts of the array.

Why Choose Fallon Solutions?

Solar repairs require more than just a ladder and a drill. You need a qualified electrician who understands how to safely handle high-voltage DC systems.

When you search for “solar panel repair” in Tanah Merah, you need a team that turns up on time and gives honest advice. At Fallon Solutions, we are Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited. We don’t just look for the obvious cracks; we test the electrical integrity of the whole system. whether you need a routine clean or a post-storm rescue, we have the expertise to get your solar back on track. Want to learn more about our solar services, visit our solar trade area.

Repairing Your Systems After Storms

Don’t let a hailstorm wreck your investment. If you suspect your roof has taken a hit, a quick check-up can prevent a small crack from becoming a major electrical failure.

If you are worried about solar panel hail damage or need a system check in Tanah Merah or the surrounding Logan area, safety comes first. Contact the experts at Fallon Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection! Call us on 1300 054 488 or send us an enquiry here.