About That Hail and Your Solar Panels

About That Hail and Your Solar Panels

by | Apr 29, 2026 | Community, RENEW Wisconsin, Solar

April has been a rough month for much of Wisconsin. Hail, high winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain have rolled through the state, causing real damage. Here in Madison, the storm on April 14 brought baseball-sized hail, almost three inches across!

Other parts of central and southern Wisconsin got even bigger stones. Cars were dented. Roofs were torn up. Siding was cracked. Power poles came down. And yes, some solar panels broke too.

That’s the reality of weather like this. Extreme storms damage what’s in their path, and almost nothing on the outside of a home gets a free pass when hail comes down at that size. If your panels took a hit, they may need to be repaired or replaced. That’s not great news, but it’s also not the end of the world.

If you were thinking about going solar before the storms rolled through, the storms shouldn’t change the math on that decision. The path forward, whether you’re repairing a system or building one for the first time, looks a lot like dealing with any other part of your home.

How to Get Your System Back Up and Running

When panels get damaged in a storm like this, the fix looks a lot like dealing with hail damage to your roof or siding. The process moves through a few clear steps.

Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance and Your Installer

Both should know what happened as soon as possible. Your installer works directly with the insurance company on your behalf from there. They document the damage, walk the adjuster through what they’re seeing, and handle the repair, replacement, and reinstall. The homeowner isn’t navigating it alone.

Know Your Coverage Before a Storm Hits

Most standard homeowner’s policies cover rooftop solar under the dwelling section, but it’s worth confirming that hail and wind are listed as covered perils and that your coverage limit reflects what your system is actually worth. Some policies in hail-prone areas carry separate wind and hail deductibles, and ground-mounted systems sometimes need a separate rider, so it helps to know what your specific policy says before you need to use it.

The Rest of the System Is Built To Make This Manageable

Manufacturers test their panels to real standards. Installers know how to work with insurance companies. Each part does its job so that when something does go wrong, the path forward is clear.

Your installer can also help you sort out what’s covered by equipment warranties versus insurance, and show you how to use your monitoring app to confirm the system is performing normally after repairs.

What Hail Does to a Panel

Knowing what kind of damage you’re looking at helps you follow along when your installer comes out for an inspection.

  • Visible damage is less common than people expect, but also the most obvious when it happens. Cracks, chips, or spiderwebbed glass that you can spot from the ground. The tempered glass on top of a panel is built to take a hit, which is why this kind of damage usually only shows up in the more extreme storms. Worth noting too: when a panel does break, the glass stays contained inside the panel. Solar panels are sealed between layers of plastic and held together by an aluminum frame, so cracks don’t send glass flying across your yard or your neighbor’s.
  • Hidden microcracks are the ones experts worry about more. These are microscopic fractures inside the solar cells that might not affect performance right away, but can spread over time the same way a small chip in a windshield can grow into a longer crack. Left unchecked, microcracks can gradually reduce efficiency and create hot spots inside the panel. That’s why post-storm inspections matter even when a system seems to be running fine. 
  • Cell and busbar damage happens beneath the surface when hail’s impact energy transfers through the glass. The busbars are the thin metal strips that carry electricity across the panel. Modern panels use many ultra-thin busbars or wires per cell, often well into double digits, which helps keep current flowing even if part of a cell takes a hit.

A cracked panel will usually still generate electricity at reduced output. If it needs to be replaced, it should be replaced. If it’s still performing within spec, it can keep running. The key is having someone qualified take a look so you know what you’re working with.

A Quick Note on the Testing

Quality solar panels are built to two main standards that work together.

  • IEC 61215 is the performance and durability standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It covers how a panel holds up against weather, including the hail impact testing, where technicians fire ice balls at panels using compressed air cannons. The basic test uses one-inch ice balls at high speeds, and many panels are tested even further against ice balls up to three inches across at speeds up to 88 miles per hour. To pass, the panel has to keep producing power within spec after the impact.
  • UL 61730 is the safety standard set by Underwriters Laboratories, which covers electrical safety, fire resistance, and structural integrity. Together, they tell you a panel can take the weather and stay safe doing it.

The Bigger Picture

Everything on the outside of your home already takes a beating from Wisconsin weather. Your roof, your siding, your windows, and the AC unit out back. None of that has stopped anyone from owning a home. You carry insurance for a reason, and when something breaks, you call somebody who knows how to fix it. Solar panels are no different than anything else on your house in that respect.

April has been hard on Wisconsin, no question about it. But the things people depend on after a storm have shown up. Insurance is paying out. Installers are out doing the work. Hail and wind can damage panels. That’s true. What matters is having the right people in your corner and the right coverage in place when it happens. A solid installer and the right insurance policy take care of that.

Akron Solar Approved!

Akron Solar Approved!

by | Mar 6, 2026 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Earlier this week, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Akron Solar! This 200 Megawatt (MW) solar project will be located in Adams and Wood Counties and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Thanks to everyone who helped make this project happen, especially those who submitted comments to the PSC and told them why Wisconsin needs more solar power!

Even though we’re only three months into 2026, we are excited about the amount of progress we have already made. That said, there’s plenty more for us to accomplish this year. We hope you’re just as excited as we are to keep the momentum up and help us create a future where everyone benefits from the renewable energy revolution!

Akron Solar’s benefits extend well beyond the clean energy it will produce. If you’re not familiar with the project, below are some additional reasons why we support this project:

 

  • Economic Growth: According to a report by Strategic Economic Research, Akron Solar will create more than 450 jobs during construction, as well as more than 14 good-paying, long-term positions in Adams and Wood Counties.
  • Community Benefits: Once in service, Akron Solar will contribute more than $1,000,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $566,000 of this will go to the counties, while the remaining $433,33 will go to the towns of Rome and Saratoga. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of at least $25million in utility-aid payments.
  • Emissions Reductions: Akron Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 650 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 64,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $1.4 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Akron Solar’s first year of operations alone.
Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Fox Solar

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Fox Solar

by | Mar 4, 2026 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Public comments are open now through March 9 for Fox Solar, a 100 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 50 MW battery energy storage system. If approved, the solar project will be located in Oconto County and is planned for completion in 2028. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!

You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.

Fox Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 100 MW facility in Oconto County has many benefits:

Economic Growth: According to witness testimony provided by David Loomis of Strategic Economic Research, Fox Solar will create 300 temporary jobs during construction, as well as more than 20 good-paying, long-term jobs across Wisconsin due to economic stimulus related to the project.

Community Benefits: Once in service, Fox Solar will contribute more than $500,000 in utility-aid payments each year. $283,333 of this will go to Oconto County, while the remaining $216,667 will go to the Town of Morgan. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute more than $12 million in utility-aid payments.

Emissions Reductions: Fox Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 304 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 29,993 vehicles off the road for a full year. Additionally, non-GHG emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $690,000 in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Fox Solar’s first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Fox Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.

TAKE ACTION
Changes Coming to Solar for Good

Changes Coming to Solar for Good

by | Feb 17, 2026 | Press Release, Solar, Solar for Good

Solar for Good and Solar for Schools are now under one roof at RENEW Wisconsin. The Solar for Good program was created by the Couillard Solar Foundation, and since its inception, we have appreciated Cal and Laurie Couillard’s trust in us to administer the program. This year, things are changing a little bit. As the Couillard Solar Foundation begins to downsize, we are honored that they have decided to further entrust us with Solar for Good as well as the Solar for Schools program.

With these programs now fully housed under RENEW Wisconsin, we intend to merge the two under the Solar for Good name. Though things are shifting behind the scenes, the mission remains the same — making it possible for mission-based nonprofits, schools, and houses of worship to do more good. By making solar power accessible for these vital organizations and institutions, we can reduce energy costs so more dollars can be spent on the missions that serve Wisconsin communities.

Laurie Couillard shared a few words with us on the history of the Couillard Solar Foundation and their decision to downsize.

“The Couillard Solar Foundation began in 2017 with funds from the sale of Componex, Cal’s small manufacturing company in Edgerton. Our family foundation started our mission to reduce the use of fossil fuels by helping nonprofits and schools install solar energy at their facilities across Wisconsin.

Initially, government rebates were unavailable to nonprofits, so our donations made the installations financially within reach. Partnering with RENEW Wisconsin and Midwest Renewable Energy Association, we focused on our programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools, and purchased many shipping containers of solar panels for distribution.

Going forward, we hired staff, grew our foundation board, and educated people about the benefits of renewable energy to combat climate change. As a small private foundation, the Couillard Solar Foundation has had limited success in raising additional donations to continue our programs. As the foundation must downsize due to depleted resources, we are delighted that the dedicated staff of our partner, RENEW Wisconsin, is willing to embrace the challenge to continue our effective programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools.

Cal and Laurie Couillard will continue to fundraise with RENEW Wisconsin to support these efforts. We are so grateful for the success of these programs and are hopeful that with RENEW Wisconsin at the helm, we’ll continue to add to the three hundred plus completed solar projects throughout nearly every county in Wisconsin.”

As Laurie mentions above, the Solar for Good and Solar for Schools programs have helped to make more than 300 projects possible, through a mix of financial and solar panel grants. RENEW Wisconsin is proud to have been selected by the Couillards to help carry their legacy of generosity and clean energy advocacy forward.

Questions about Solar for Good? Reach out to us at Ben@renewwisconsin.org or info@renewwisconsin.org.

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Muddy Creek Solar

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Muddy Creek Solar

by | Feb 17, 2026 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Public comments are open now through February 23 for Muddy Creek Solar, a 322 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 300 MW battery energy storage system. If approved, the solar project will be located in Dunn County and is planned for completion in 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!

You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.

(update: public comments for this project have now closed. We will share an update when the PSC announces their decision)

Muddy Creek Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 322 MW facility in Dunn County has many benefits:

  • Economic Growth: According to witness testimony provided by David Loomis of Strategic Economic Research, Muddy Creek Solar will create more than 800 temporary jobs during construction, as well as more than 52 good-paying, long-term jobs across Wisconsin due to economic stimulus related to the project.
  • Community Benefits: Once in service, Muddy Creek Solar will contribute more than $1,605,000 in utility-aid payments each year. $909,500 of this will go to Dunn County, while the remaining $695,000 will go to the Town of Spring Brook. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of over $40 million in utility-aid payments.
  • Emissions Reductions: Muddy Creek Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 954 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 94,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. Additionally, non-GHG emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $2 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Muddy Creek Solar’s first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Muddy Creek Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.

Clean Energy Works: On Repeat Customers

Clean Energy Works: On Repeat Customers

by | Feb 13, 2026 | Clean Energy Works, Solar

Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

When it comes to clean energy home improvements, the first project is rarely the last. In Westby, Wisconsin, one homeowner’s decision to go solar became the foundation for batteries, a smart panel, a heat pump, and future expansion.

To see what that looks like in practice, I joined Erik Amodt, Project Manager, and Tomas Herrera, Customer Experience Integrator, at a home where solar opened up the door to so much more.

Meet the Crew

Ethos Green Power Cooperative was established in Viroqua in 2013 and has grown into a 24-person electric cooperative serving southwest Wisconsin. Getting their start in solar installations, Ethos has expanded into battery storage, integrated electrical systems, and mini-split heat pumps as customer needs evolved.

Erik’s own path into clean energy started in agriculture. He spent years farming before transitioning into solar, bringing with him a practical mindset shaped by mechanical work and problem-solving.

“I grew up up north in Blair,” Erik said. “I did a lot of mechanical work and electrical work on the farm. I went to engineering school for three years, did a lot of math-type stuff, and then I just learned on the job. It worked out just fine.”

“Farmers are good at figuring it out,” he said. “It’s kind of fun to learn, to understand code better and see how all that stuff works.”

Erik is now a co-owner in the cooperative. He and Tomas work closely with homeowners as projects evolve. They’ve seen how often one installation leads to another.

“Electrification doesn’t happen all at once,” Tomas said. “It’s usually a journey.”

A recent customer, Paul, has a home that reflects that progression.

About the Technology

Paul began with solar and then expanded with a solar canopy. A local contractor built a beautiful timber frame structure, and Ethos installed solar on top. What started as an energy project also became a permanent and aesthetic feature on the property.

He later added a tiltable ground-mounted array to improve solar energy production in the winter and is now considering an additional ground mount behind his second array. Along the way, he added battery storage, a Span smart panel, and most recently, a heat pump.

The system integrates solar production with three batteries totaling 15 kilowatt-hours of storage, which offers him about 15 hours of emergency power. The Span panel provides circuit-level usage monitoring and prioritizes essentials like lights and refrigerators during outages.

Erik walked through the system controller first, explaining how power flows from the meter into the Enphase controller before distributing through the Span panel and three batteries.

“Span really shines when you start to have battery backup,” Erik said. “They can just work so seamlessly together.”

For Paul, storage was not just about cost savings. Living in a rural area, outages are periodic and often unpredictable. They can happen even on days when there is not a cloud in the sky. That uncertainty became a concern in his woodworking shop, where losing power mid-operation can create real physical risk.

“One initial concern of mine also was safety of my woodworking machines,” Paul said. “Not losing power during a critical operation.”

It wasn’t just about protecting equipment. It was about protecting himself as well. An abrupt outage, followed by power returning without warning, could create a dangerous situation while operating machinery.

“So we did switch one circuit on that critical machine over to here, to the Span panel, so that it can continue on if there is an outage,” he said.

With battery backup and the Span smart panel managing loads, the system provides a smooth transition between grid power and stored energy. Storage and backup became a way to protect his home, his physical health, and his workspace from unpredictable interruptions that are commonplace in rural areas.

Even the municipal utility came out to observe the installation, given how new the technology was to the area.

“They were thrilled to be able to come down and see this,” Paul said. “They were snapping pictures.”

Why It Matters

Paul’s home reflects a pattern that is increasingly common across Wisconsin. Solar becomes the entry point. Once installed, homeowners begin to understand their energy usage. From there, many build outward: adding storage, integrating mini-split heat pumps, and planning for electric vehicles.

This progression differs from how the industry often frames electrification. The common advice is to optimize the building envelope and electrify everything first, then add solar. In practice, many homeowners start with solar and expand over time.

Repeat customers are not simply a sales metric. They are a reflection of quality work and long-term trust. When systems perform well and installers remain engaged, homeowners return.

Looking Ahead

Paul is not done. He is increasingly interested in the possibility of using his electric vehicle as a battery for his home. Vehicle-to-home integration is already in use across the country and has been used to power homes during power outages caused by severe weather.

For Ethos Green Power Cooperative, repeat customers will likely become even more important as the market evolves.

“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to build good systems and do right by our customers,” Erik said.

In Westby, what began as a single solar installation has grown into a fully integrated energy system. It also reinforces an important lesson for the industry: build it right the first time, and customers will come back when they are ready for the next step.

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.