Detection of Hidden Damage
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Severe Storms & Hail Across Switzerland: Is Your Solar System Affected? In addition to obvious damage to facades, windows, and vehicles, photovoltaic systems are often affected as well. The tricky part: Not all hail damage is visible at first glance. Even if the solar glass appears intact, fine cell fractures or broken cell connectors may have occurred. Such invisible defects impair performance over the long term and pose risks. We at 3S Swiss Solar Solutions are here to help you get to the bottom of the issue.
Every summer, sometimes severe hailstorms sweep across Switzerland. In addition to clearly visible damage in the form of broken glass, invisible damage to photovoltaic systems is also possible. Under certain circumstances, this damage may not become apparent until later. The invisible damage can affect individual solar cells or their cell connectors. Large hailstones can cause solar cells to break and cell connectors to become detached or severed without the solar glass shattering. To avoid the risk of further damage to the modules, it is recommended to inspect the solar modules as soon as possible after a hailstorm.
If the inspection and reporting are neglected, there is a risk that the claim will become time-barred under the building insurance policy. Combined with the corresponding loss of the manufacturer’s warranty, this creates a financial risk for homeowners.
What we need for the analysis:
Prior Submission of the Plant Documentation
Access to the unit and the inverter
Obligation to Provide Information to Third Parties (e.g., tenants, neighbors, etc.)
Analysis During Darkness (Winter Months)
Using our specialized camera—which comes with a 10-meter tripod—or our modified drone, we are able to capture detailed images of the roof and each individual solar cell. This makes even the smallest cell breaks or other abnormalities on the module visible, even if the module appears undamaged from the outside.
What we need for the analysis:
Pickup and delivery of the solar panels to our headquarters in Gwatt
Processing time of 2–4 weeks, depending on workload
Returning / Disposing of the Modules
By using the light reflected from solar modules, the emitted light can be captured with a special camera in our laboratory in Gwatt (Thun). This makes it possible to detect even the smallest cell breaks 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.