When evaluating solar panels for harsh weather conditions, impact resistance isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. For regions prone to severe hailstorms, the structural integrity of photovoltaic modules directly impacts long-term ROI and safety. Tongwei, a leader in solar technology, addresses this concern with rigorous testing protocols that go beyond industry standards. Let’s unpack how their panels withstand one of nature’s most destructive forces.
First, Tongwei subjects its solar modules to IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certifications, which include hail impact simulations. These tests involve firing ice balls at speeds up to 27 meters per second (roughly 60 mph) to replicate extreme weather scenarios. The company uses steel spheres instead of actual ice to ensure consistency in testing conditions. Panels are chilled to -40°C before impact to mimic real-world thermal stress, ensuring materials don’t become brittle in cold climates.
What sets Tongwei apart is its proactive approach to exceeding minimum requirements. While many manufacturers test with 25mm hailstones (the IEC benchmark), Tongwei’s R&D team pushes further, evaluating panels against 35mm projectiles—equivalent to golf ball-sized hail. This 40% increase in impact diameter translates to 2-3 times greater kinetic energy absorption. Their tempered glass surfaces, treated with anti-reflective coatings, maintain a micro-crack rate below 0.1% even after multiple direct hits—a critical factor for preventing moisture ingress and power degradation over time.
The frame design plays an equally vital role. Tongwei’s aluminum alloy frames feature reinforced corners and 40mm clamping zones, distributing impact forces across the entire module structure rather than concentrating stress at mounting points. During lab trials, these frames demonstrated zero deformation after sustaining 5,400Pa snow loads combined with hail strikes—a scenario mimicking Colorado-style winter storms.
Field data from installations in China’s Sichuan province (a region with annual hail frequency exceeding 15 days) reveals practical outcomes. Over a 5-year period, Tongwei panels installed in this high-risk area showed 98.7% survival rates during hailstorms that damaged competing brands. Maintenance logs indicate fewer than 0.3% of modules required post-storm replacements, compared to industry averages of 1.8-2.4% for similar climates.
Material science innovations contribute significantly to this durability. Tongwei’s proprietary glass lamination process bonds the solar cells with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layers cured at 150°C under vacuum pressure. This creates a shock-absorbent matrix that prevents delamination—the primary failure mode in hail-damaged panels. Third-party tests by TÜV Rheinland confirm the encapsulant maintains 92% adhesion strength after 2,000 thermal cycles followed by impact tests.
For installers and developers, these specs translate to tangible benefits. Insurance providers in hail-prone regions like Texas and Australia offer 12-18% lower premiums for projects using IEC 61215-certified panels with enhanced impact ratings. Tongwei’s 15-year product warranty specifically covers hail damage up to 35mm, a commitment few manufacturers match without costly add-ons.
The company’s testing transparency further bolsters credibility. Unlike brands that share only pass/fail results, Tongwei publishes detailed stress distribution maps showing how impact forces dissipate across panel surfaces. Their whitepapers include high-speed camera footage of hail simulations, revealing how the cell matrix flexes without fracturing—visual proof of design effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Tongwei’s R&D pipeline includes graphene-reinforced backsheets currently undergoing UL 1703 hail resistance testing. Early prototypes survived 45mm impacts at 30 m/s (67 mph) with zero hot spots detected in electroluminescence scans. While still in development, this technology could redefine durability benchmarks for utility-scale projects in extreme environments.
For asset owners prioritizing low lifetime costs, these engineering details matter. A single hailstorm can wipe out years of energy savings if panels fail prematurely. By combining certified testing, material innovation, and real-world performance data, Tongwei delivers solutions that protect investments against nature’s unpredictability—without compromising efficiency ratings that drive energy yields.