Detection of Invisible Damage
- Customers
- Solar Systems
- Success Stories
Every summer, severe weather and hailstorms—such as the one on August 28, 2026—cause significant damage in many regions of Switzerland. In addition to obvious damage to building facades, windows, and vehicles, photovoltaic systems are often affected as well.
Our 3S solar modules meet Hail Resistance Class 5 standards and can therefore withstand hailstones with a diameter of 5 cm. However, not all hail damage is visible at first glance: Even if the solar glass appears intact, fine cell fractures or broken cell connectors may occur. Such invisible damage may only become apparent over time, impairing performance in the long term and posing risks.
To avoid the risk of consequential damage to the modules and to ensure the system’s operational safety, it is recommended to inspect the solar modules as soon as possible after a hail event. In addition, most building insurance policies require claims to be reported within a two-year period. Anyone who detects and reports damage too late risks the claim becoming time-barred and losing the warranty.
Please contact us. At 3S Swiss Solar Solutions, we’re here to help you gain clarity and provide your customers with the best possible service.
If you lack the capacity to conduct a comprehensive damage analysis for your customers, we can support you with our expertise and analytical capabilities.
We perform the analysis directly on the PV system without having to remove the modules, regardless of whether it is one of our own 3S solar energy systems or solar energy systems and modules from other suppliers. Using our special camera—which includes a 10-meter tripod—or our modified drone, we capture detailed images of the roof and each individual solar cell. This makes even the smallest cell fractures or other abnormalities visible, even if the module appears undamaged from the outside. If necessary, we also offer component analysis in our laboratory.
By using the light reflected from solar modules, the emitted light can be photographed with a special camera on-site or in our laboratory in Gwatt (Thun). This makes it possible to detect even the tiniest cell fractures and other abnormalities (Fig. 1) when compared to a new module (Fig. 2).
Most building insurance policies have a two-year deadline for reporting damage (mandatory reporting). Contact us early to ensure a guaranteed service appointment.