- 1Don’t touch a damaged panel – it can still produce dangerous DC voltage in daylight even with the inverter switched off. Get others away, photograph from the ground, and call a qualified solar installer or electrician.
- 2Most damage falls under home buildings insurance (storm, impact, fire, theft, vandalism) or panel warranty (defects, delamination, premature failure). Wear-and-tear and accidental damage are usually excluded – check your policy and declare your panels.
- 3Solar panels are not field-repairable in any meaningful way. Cracked glass, hotspots, cell damage and delamination all mean replacement, not repair. Like-for-like replacement typically costs £250-£400 per panel installed; add scaffolding for £300-£800.
- 4Broken panels are WEEE waste under UK law – they cannot go in household bins or skips. Your installer should remove and dispose of them through a Producer Compliance Scheme; some local recycling centres also accept them.
A cracked panel, storm damage, a fallen branch, or visible burn marks – discovering broken solar panels is concerning. Beyond the obvious loss of generation, damaged panels can pose safety risks and may affect your entire system’s performance. Knowing what to do, what’s safe, and what your options are can save you money, stress, and potential hazards.
The good news is that broken panels are usually not an emergency, panel damage is often covered by insurance or warranty, and a single damaged panel doesn’t necessarily mean your whole system is compromised. The key is assessing the damage properly and taking appropriate action.
This guide walks you through what to do if you discover broken solar panels – from immediate safety steps to long-term solutions.
Broken Solar Panels at a Glance
| Immediate risk | Usually low – but don’t touch damaged panels |
| System impact | Depends on damage type and inverter setup |
| Repair possible? | Sometimes – depends on damage severity |
| Insurance cover | Often covered under home insurance |
| Warranty cover | Manufacturing defects usually covered |
| Replacement cost | ~£150-£400 per panel including installation |
| DIY repairs | Not recommended – safety and warranty issues |
Step 1: Stay Safe
Immediate Safety Rules
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep away from damaged panels | Touch broken glass or exposed components |
| Keep others (especially children) away | Attempt to repair while on roof |
| Turn off system if safely accessible | Touch panels in wet conditions |
| Document damage with photos from ground | Climb onto roof unless trained and safe |
| Contact professional if in doubt | Assume damage is harmless |
Why Caution Matters
| Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Electrical shock | Panels generate power whenever light hits them |
| Can’t fully isolate | Turning off inverter doesn’t stop DC generation |
| Exposed wiring | Damage may expose live conductors |
| Wet conditions | Water + electricity = serious danger |
| Roof hazards | Falls cause more injuries than electrical |
How to Safely Isolate
If you need to shut down the system:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off AC isolator (usually near inverter) |
| 2 | Turn off inverter |
| 3 | Turn off DC isolator if accessible (on/near inverter) |
| 4 | Note: Panels still produce voltage in daylight |
| 5 | Do NOT touch panel connections or wiring |
For the wider question of whether solar panels can shock you (spoiler: yes, they can – DC voltages over 600V are common on residential strings), see our guide to can solar panels electrocute you.
Step 2: Assess the Damage
Cracked Glass
| Appearance | Visible cracks in front glass surface |
| Common causes | Impact (debris, hail, tools); thermal stress |
| Severity | Minor cracks may not immediately affect output |
| Risk | Water ingress over time; eventual cell damage |
| Action needed | Monitor short-term; replace before water damage |
Shattered Glass
| Appearance | Glass broken into pieces; may be missing sections |
| Common causes | Severe impact; large debris; vandalism |
| Severity | Serious – cells exposed to elements |
| Risk | Electrical exposure; rapid degradation; safety hazard |
| Action needed | Cover if safe; replace urgently |
Cell Damage (Microcracks)
| Appearance | Often invisible to naked eye; glass may be intact |
| Common causes | Thermal stress; impact; manufacturing defect |
| Detection | Requires thermal imaging or EL testing |
| Symptoms | Reduced output; uneven heating |
| Action needed | Professional assessment; may need replacement |
For more detail on microcracks – what causes them, how to detect them, and when they matter – see our guide to solar panel microcracks.
Hotspots/Burn Marks
| Appearance | Discolouration; brown/yellow marks; melting |
| Common causes | Cell damage; connection issues; shading |
| Severity | Serious – fire risk in extreme cases |
| Risk | Progressive damage; potential fire hazard |
| Action needed | Isolate system; professional inspection urgently |
For the underlying physics of why hotspots develop and how modern panels mitigate them, see our solar panel hotspots guide.
Frame Damage
| Appearance | Bent, cracked, or detached aluminium frame |
| Common causes | Impact; improper handling; wind damage |
| Severity | Moderate – affects mounting and sealing |
| Risk | Panel may become loose; water ingress |
| Action needed | Assess mounting security; may need replacement |
Junction Box Damage
| Appearance | Cracked box; loose connections; burn marks |
| Location | Rear of panel |
| Common causes | Water ingress; overheating; poor quality |
| Severity | Serious – electrical safety concern |
| Action needed | Professional inspection; likely replacement |
Delamination
| Appearance | Layers separating; bubbles; milky areas |
| Common causes | Manufacturing defect; heat damage; age |
| Severity | Progressive – will worsen over time |
| Risk | Moisture ingress; reduced output; potential failure |
| Action needed | Warranty claim if defect; replacement |
Snail Trails
| Appearance | Dark lines resembling snail tracks on cells |
| Cause | Moisture reacting with silver paste through microcracks |
| Severity | Moderate – indicates underlying cell damage |
| Performance impact | Gradual output reduction |
| Action needed | Monitor; warranty claim; eventual replacement |
Damage Severity Assessment
| Severity | Characteristics | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Small crack; no exposure; output normal | Monitor; plan replacement |
| Moderate | Significant cracking; visible defects; reduced output | Professional assessment soon |
| Severe | Shattered glass; exposed cells; burn marks | Isolate; urgent professional attention |
| Critical | Active burning; smoke; sparking | Call 999; do not approach |
Step 3: Document Everything
What to Record
| Documentation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Photos of damage | Insurance/warranty claims |
| Date discovered | Timeline for claims |
| Possible cause | Storm date, incident details |
| Panel location | Which panel(s) affected |
| System output before/after | Evidence of impact |
| Panel make/model | For warranty and replacement |
Photographing Damage
| Photo Type | What to Capture |
|---|---|
| Wide shot | Overall roof showing damage location |
| Medium shot | Affected panel(s) in context |
| Close-up | Detail of damage (from ground with zoom) |
| Multiple angles | Different perspectives if safe |
| Date stamp | Ensure phone camera date is correct |
Step 4: Check Your Coverage
Home Insurance
| Typically covers | Storm damage, impact, theft, fire |
| May not cover | Gradual wear, manufacturing defects |
| Check policy | Solar panels may need to be declared |
| Excess | May make small claims not worthwhile |
| Claim impact | May affect future premiums |
UK home insurers use a specific definition of “storm” for claims purposes – usually wind gusts of at least 48 knots (~55 mph), or torrential rain/hail/snow at defined thresholds. The Association of British Insurers’ guidance on storm claims and what counts as a storm is the reference your insurer will likely use, alongside Met Office data for your area on the day.
What Insurance Typically Covers
| Covered | Usually Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Storm/wind damage | Manufacturing defects |
| Hail damage | Normal wear and tear |
| Falling objects (trees, debris) | Poor installation (installer liable) |
| Fire damage | Gradual deterioration |
| Theft | Lack of maintenance |
| Vandalism | Damage you caused |
| Lightning strike | Panels not declared on policy |
Making an Insurance Claim
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check policy covers solar panels |
| 2 | Note excess amount vs repair cost |
| 3 | Gather documentation and photos |
| 4 | Report damage promptly |
| 5 | Get quotes for repair/replacement |
| 6 | Don’t repair until insurer approves (unless emergency) |
For a deeper walkthrough of the home-insurance claim process – including how loss adjusters assess solar damage and what evidence they ask for – see our solar panel insurance claims guide.
Manufacturer Warranty
| Product warranty | Typically 10-15 years; covers defects |
| Performance warranty | Typically 25-30 years; covers output decline |
| What’s covered | Manufacturing defects; premature failure |
| Not covered | Physical damage; misuse; acts of nature |
Warranty Claims
| Covered by Warranty | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Delamination | Storm damage |
| Junction box failure (defect) | Impact damage |
| Premature output decline | Improper installation |
| Cell defects | Lack of maintenance |
| Hotspots from defect | Lightning/electrical surge |
| Snail trails (usually) | Physical abuse |
Making a Warranty Claim
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find original panel documentation |
| 2 | Identify panel make, model, serial number |
| 3 | Check warranty period and terms |
| 4 | Contact manufacturer or installer |
| 5 | Provide documentation and evidence |
| 6 | Follow their claims process |
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the panel-warranty claim process – and the typical pushback you can expect from manufacturers – see our solar panel warranty claims guide.
Installer Warranty/Workmanship
| Typical period | 2-10 years |
| Covers | Installation faults; roof penetration issues |
| If installer gone | May be covered by insurance-backed guarantee |
| Check | Original installation paperwork |
Step 5: Decide – Repair or Replace?
Can Damaged Panels Be Repaired?
| Damage Type | Repairable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor glass crack | Temporary seal possible | Not a permanent fix |
| Shattered glass | No | Replace panel |
| Cell damage | No | Replace panel |
| Hotspots | No | Replace panel |
| Frame damage | Sometimes | Depends on severity |
| Junction box | Possibly | Professional repair only |
| Delamination | No | Replace panel |
| Snail trails | No | Monitor or replace |
When to Repair
| Consider Repair If | Reason |
|---|---|
| Minor damage only | Small crack with no cell damage |
| Panel still performing | Output not significantly affected |
| Repair cost much lower | Worthwhile saving |
| Temporary measure | Until replacement arranged |
When to Replace
| Replace If | Reason |
|---|---|
| Glass shattered | Cells exposed; safety risk |
| Burn marks/hotspots | Fire risk; won’t improve |
| Significant output loss | Not economical to keep |
| Water ingress | Will cause progressive damage |
| Covered by insurance/warranty | Low/no cost to replace |
| Panel old anyway | Good opportunity to upgrade |
Repair vs Replace Costs
| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional inspection | £50-£150 |
| Minor repair (if possible) | £50-£150 |
| Panel replacement (like-for-like) | £150-£300 per panel |
| Panel replacement (install included) | £250-£400 per panel |
| If scaffolding needed | Add £300-£800 |
Step 6: Get Professional Help
Who to Contact
| Situation | Contact |
|---|---|
| General damage assessment | Solar installer/maintenance company |
| Original installation issue | Original installer first |
| Warranty claim | Installer or manufacturer |
| Insurance claim | Your insurer |
| Electrical concerns | Qualified electrician |
| Emergency (fire/smoke) | 999 |
What Professionals Will Do
| Service | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Assess visible damage safely |
| Electrical testing | Check output, connections, safety |
| Thermal imaging | Detect hotspots and hidden damage |
| Isolation | Safely disconnect damaged panel |
| Temporary measures | Make safe until repair/replacement |
| Quote | Options and costs for repair/replacement |
For a structured approach to figuring out what’s actually wrong with a panel before calling a professional – or before accepting an installer’s diagnosis – see our solar panel fault-finding guide.
Finding a Repair Service
| Option | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|
| Original installer | Know your system; may have warranty obligation |
| MCS-certified installer | Qualified; can certify work |
| Solar maintenance company | Specialists in repairs |
| General electrician | May help but check solar experience |
Replacement Considerations
Matching Panels
| Issue | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Same panel available | Best for string inverter systems |
| Panel discontinued | Need compatible alternative |
| Different wattage | May need optimisers or separate string |
| Microinverters | More flexibility in panel choice |
If Exact Panel Unavailable
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Similar spec panel | Match voltage and current closely |
| Add optimisers | Allow mixed panels on same string |
| Replace multiple | Replace whole string for consistency |
| Upgrade all panels | If most are old; better long-term |
Opportunity to Upgrade?
If replacing multiple panels, consider:
| Upgrade Option | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Higher wattage panels | More power from same roof space |
| Better efficiency panels | Improved performance |
| Add optimisers | Better shade handling |
| Replace inverter too | If old; new features available |
If most panels are 10+ years old, replacing several at once can be a good opportunity to upgrade the whole system – higher-wattage panels and better optimisers can improve performance even on the same roof footprint.
What About the Rest of the System?
Impact on Other Panels
| System Type | Impact of One Damaged Panel |
|---|---|
| String inverter | May reduce whole string output |
| String with optimisers | Only damaged panel affected |
| Microinverters | Only damaged panel affected |
Should You Isolate the Damaged Panel?
| If severely damaged | Yes – professional should disconnect |
| If minor crack | May continue operating; monitor closely |
| If hotspots/burning | Yes – isolate system immediately |
| DIY isolation | Not recommended – safety risks |
Checking for Hidden Damage
If one panel is damaged, others may be affected:
| Check | Method |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Look for cracks, marks, discolouration |
| Output monitoring | Check individual panel/string output |
| Professional inspection | Thermal imaging; electrical testing |
Disposing of Broken Panels
Legal Requirements
| Classification | WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) |
| General waste? | No – illegal to put in household bin |
| Proper disposal | WEEE recycling; specialist recyclers |
| If installer replaces | They should handle disposal |
Solar panels have been formally in scope of the UK’s WEEE Regulations since January 2014, meaning manufacturers and importers carry “Producer” obligations to fund collection and recycling. The government’s WEEE producer responsibilities guidance on GOV.UK sets out the legal framework, and your installer should be able to point you to a Producer Compliance Scheme like PV CYCLE for proper disposal.
Disposal Options
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Installer takes away | Usually included in replacement |
| Local HWRC | Some accept solar panels; check first |
| Producer scheme | PV CYCLE or similar |
| Specialist recycler | May charge; will properly recycle |
For more on what actually happens to old and broken panels in the UK recycling system – and which materials get recovered – see our UK solar panel recycling guide.
Handling Broken Panels
| Safety Measure | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wear gloves | Glass shards; potential electrical |
| Cover exposed areas | Prevent further glass scatter |
| Keep flat | Prevent further breakage |
| Store safely | Away from children; secure location |
Prevention
Reducing Risk of Damage
| Measure | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Trim overhanging trees | Falling branches |
| Secure loose items | Wind-blown debris |
| Bird deterrents | Pigeon damage to wiring |
| Regular inspection | Early detection of issues |
| Professional maintenance | Prevents problems escalating |
For storm-specific advice on what to do before, during and after severe weather, see our guide to storm damage and solar panels.
Monitoring
| Method | Benefit |
|---|---|
| App monitoring | Spot output drops immediately |
| Visual checks | Notice physical damage |
| Annual inspection | Professional assessment |
Summary: Action Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Safety first | Don’t touch; keep away; isolate if safe |
| 2. Document | Photos; date; circumstances |
| 3. Assess severity | Minor vs serious vs critical |
| 4. Check coverage | Insurance; warranty; workmanship guarantee |
| 5. Get professional help | Inspection; quote; safe handling |
| 6. Decide repair/replace | Based on damage, cost, age |
| 7. Proper disposal | WEEE recycling; not general waste |
| 8. Prevent future damage | Tree trimming; monitoring; maintenance |
Discovering broken solar panels is stressful but rarely an emergency. Most damage doesn’t pose an immediate safety risk, and you usually have time to assess your options properly. The key is to prioritise safety, document everything, check your coverage before spending money, and use qualified professionals for any work.
If your panels are damaged by something your insurance covers, you may get them replaced at little or no cost. If it’s a manufacturing defect, warranty should cover it. Even if you’re paying yourself, replacing a single damaged panel is relatively affordable compared to the overall system cost.
Don’t ignore damage hoping it will be fine. A small crack will let water in eventually; a hotspot could be a fire risk. Early action prevents small problems becoming expensive ones – or dangerous ones.
Quick decision tree. If panels are visibly damaged: keep your distance, photograph from the ground, switch off the AC isolator if you can reach it safely, and call your installer (or another MCS-certified solar firm) for an inspection. Don’t climb onto the roof, and don’t attempt any DIY work on the wiring.
While the inspection is being arranged, dig out three documents: your home insurance schedule, your panel warranty paperwork, and your original installation certificate. The first determines whether storm or impact damage is covered; the second covers manufacturing defects and delamination; the third sets the terms of any installer workmanship guarantee. The order in which you call them often determines who pays.
