FTC Solar Unveils Automated Hail Stow Solution to Safeguard Solar Panel Installations
The company's newly launched Automated Hail Stow Solution integrates cutting-edge technology with meteorological data to automatically adjust the positioning of solar panels, effectively minimizing the risk of damage caused by hail storms.
June 03, 2024. By Abha Rustagi
The company's newly launched Automated Hail Stow Solution integrates cutting-edge technology with meteorological data to automatically adjust the positioning of solar panels, effectively minimizing the risk of damage caused by hail storms.
Hail storms have long posed a threat to solar panel installations, with insurance claims in the US averaging approximately USD 58.4 million per incident. In response to this persistent challenge, FTC Solar has leveraged its expertise in solar tracker technology and strategic partnerships with industry experts to develop an innovative solution.
In collaboration with VDE Americas, a third-party industry expert, FTC Solar conducted comprehensive research on hail events and their impact on solar panel installations. This research culminated in the development of a hail stow strategy that optimally positions solar modules at the maximum angle allowed by the tracker, away from prevailing winds, to minimize direct hail and associated wind impacts.
Key features of FTC’s Automated Hail Stow Solution include integration with the company’s proprietary operations management platform, SUNOPS, for enhanced control and monitoring of PV plants. The solution utilizes meteorological data combined with a hail stow strategy to ensure automated and timely mitigation against hail events, employing a multi-radar approach for real-time, highly accurate meteorological data updates.
Moreover, the solution offers flexibility for users to choose between auto-stow or manual stow options, with a notification feature to warn users of impending hail events. It also allows for customizable stow thresholds based on risk appetite and site location, considering factors such as hail size, probability, and radius.
Andrew Morse, Senior Director of Software at FTC Solar, expressed excitement about the launch of the Automated Hail Stow Solution, emphasizing the proactive approach it offers in mitigating hail-related damage to solar panel installations. “By combining advanced technology with meteorological insights, we aim to provide our customers with greater peace of mind and protection for their solar assets,” said Morse.
The introduction of the Automated Hail Stow Solution highlights FTC Solar’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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