French manufacturer Voltec Solar has announced a revolutionary solar module engineered to withstand extreme hailstorms, setting a new benchmark for durability in renewable energy technology.

FRANCE, October 28, 2025 – Voltec Solar, a leading French photovoltaic manufacturer, has unveiled what industry experts are calling a game-changing innovation in solar technology: the Tarka Diamant, a hail-resistant PV module specifically designed to survive impacts from large hailstones without visible damage or performance loss. This breakthrough comes at a critical time as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hailstorms globally, posing significant risks to solar installations worldwide.

Unprecedented Protection Against Extreme Weather

The Tarka Diamant module represents a quantum leap in solar panel durability, equipped with ultra-resistant RG5-certified photovoltaic glass capable of withstanding direct impacts from 55 mm hailstones. This level of protection substantially exceeds the RG3 classification (30 mm hail) that standard solar modules typically meet, offering nearly double the impact resistance .

The innovation responds to a growing need for climate-resilient solar technology. According to industry reports, hailstorms have recently caused extensive damage to solar installations across Europe and the United States, with one 2019 event in Texas alone resulting in over $70 million in damages to a photovoltaic system from hailstones larger than 5 cm .

Thomas Regrettier, Technical Manager at Voltec Solar, explained that the module’s exceptional durability stems from a patented glass design developed in collaboration with ballistics experts. “This isn’t just an incremental improvement—it’s a fundamental reengineering of solar glass technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy durability,” Regrettier stated .

Sustainable Manufacturing and European Production

Beyond its protective qualities, the Tarka Diamant exemplifies Voltec Solar’s commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the product lifecycle. The module incorporates up to 19% recycled glass sourced from certified European loops and is notably free from antimony and arsenic, facilitating complete recyclability at end-of-life .

“This innovation relocalizes the glass value chain,” Regrettier added. “It is the first solar glass produced in France. In addition, the absence of antimony and arsenic promotes complete recyclability” .

The announcement comes as international bodies work to establish clearer guidelines for hail-resistant solar technology. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has recently published technical specifications for increased hail resistance, while China is concurrently developing national standards based on IEC TS 63397:2022, highlighting the global relevance of Voltec’s innovation .

Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion

Voltec Solar’s technological breakthrough aligns with its strategic expansion initiatives. The company recently entered into a partnership with Chinese manufacturer Daze New Energy, signaling its intent to broaden international market reach while advancing photovoltaic innovation .

This collaboration, formalized in July 2025, will focus on joint development of high-efficiency photovoltaic components and smart system solutions, combining Voltec’s European engineering expertise with Daze’s manufacturing capabilities .

“The partnership with Daze represents a significant milestone in our global strategy,” commented Erick Valdez, Operations Director at Voltec Solar. “By combining our technological expertise with their production scale, we can accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient solar solutions across international markets” .

Addressing a Critical Industry Challenge

The timing of Voltec’s innovation addresses a pressing industry concern. As extreme weather events become more frequent, solar farm operators and homeowners increasingly prioritize durability alongside efficiency and cost. Micro-cracks from hail impacts, often invisible to the naked eye, can progressively reduce system yield and compromise long-term reliability .

Comprehensive hail protection has emerged as a crucial factor in photovoltaic investment decisions, particularly for large-scale installations in hail-prone regions. “For investors, photovoltaic power plants represent long-term financial assets,” noted an industry analysis published recently. “Hail and other extreme weather events can cause unexpected cash flow volatility, while stable impact resistance and high-reliability designs are essential for ensuring project internal rate of return” .

Independent testing facilities have verified that premium hail-resistant components can maintain power output with minimal degradation—as low as 0.3% in some cases—even after sustaining direct impacts from large hailstones, demonstrating both their structural integrity and electrical stability .

The Future of Climate-Resilient Solar Technology

Industry observers suggest that Voltec’s innovation could establish a new durability standard for solar installations in severe weather zones, potentially transforming risk assessment models for solar projects and insurance providers alike.

The Tarka Diamant module exceeds the stringent IEC 61215 standard for solar modules, incorporating multiple structural reinforcement approaches that combine high-performance glass materials with edge protection processes .

With the increasing importance of climate resilience in renewable energy infrastructure, technologies such as the Tarka Diamant module hint at the future of solar energy—one in which reliable energy generation can efficiently continue despite increasing climate chaos.

Voltec Solar has launched production of the Tarka Diamant in its manufacturing facilities located in France with plans to deliver to selected European markets in the next few months.

About Voltec Solar:
Voltec Solar is a manufacturer headquartered in France, known for their high-efficiency photovoltaic modules driven by innovation, technology and sustainability. They were launched in 2008, and with the support of partnerships, on-going R&D, and a strong commitment to sustainable development, they are a well-positioned point of reference for climate-resilient solar solutions.