Assess the Damage: Inspect the panel for visible cracks, broken glass, or other signs of damage. Consult a Professional: Contact a solar energy technician to evaluate the panel's condition and recommend appropriate actions. . A broken solar panel can pose a serious risk, but the good news is that they don't break very often due to their ultra-durable construction and materials. In this article, we go in-depth. . Let's take a deep dive into common ways solar panels fail so you'll be prepared if it happens. Here are the common ways solar panels. . What happens if you damage a solar panel? A broken panel due to external impacts can result in decreased efficiency. Here are the most common reasons: 1. Vandalism can take many forms. .