Climate change increases hail damage to vehicles and solar systems

Increasingly frequent and intense hail storms, driven by climate change, are causing significant property and vehicle damage. In Austria, hail-related damages reached approximately 1.1 billion euros in 2021.

For vehicle owners, common damages include dents in the roof, hood, and trunk, as well as glass damage. Cracked windshields can lead to moisture entering the interior, causing further issues. Experts recommend inspecting vehicles immediately after a storm and reporting damage to insurance companies within one week. Leasing providers must also be notified.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are particularly vulnerable due to their exposed placement on roofs or open spaces. While the expansion of PV capacity has increased, the intensity of summer storms has demonstrated that many module damages could be mitigated through preventative hail protection measures.