The short answer is yes, hail can damage solar panels, but modern photovoltaic systems are engineered to withstand most hailstorms with remarkable resilience. . With hailstorms causing $1. In areas that have experienced very large hail (greater than 1 ¾" or 44 mm diameter), however, hail has caused significant damage to PV modules. Some measures can be taken to limit damage to. . When golf ball-sized hail started hammering Texas last spring, solar panels across the state faced their ultimate test. The verdict? Most panels emerged unscathed, proving that today's solar technology can take a serious beating. Hail usually doesn't damage solar panels unless it's over 2 inches in diameter., like Texas, the Midwest. .