FTC Solar unveils automated hail stow solution for PV plants

FTC Solar, a leader in innovative solar energy solutions, has announced the launch of its Automated Hail Stow Solution, a groundbreaking advancement aimed at reducing the damage inflicted on solar panels by hail storms. This new solution employs advanced technology in tandem with meteorological data to dynamically adjust the positioning of solar panels, thus decreasing the likelihood of hail-related harm.

Hail storms are a significant concern for solar panel installations, with insurance claims in the United States averaging around USD $58.4 million per incident. In addressing this issue, FTC Solar has developed an automated solution that capitalises on its expertise in solar tracker technology and its strategic partnerships within the industry. The company collaborated with VDE Americas, a respected third-party industry expert, to research hail events and their impacts on solar panel installations. This research culminated in a hail stow strategy that positions solar modules to an optimal angle, protecting them from direct hail and wind damage.

Key features of FTC's Automated Hail Stow Solution include integration with FTC's proprietary operations management platform, SUNOPS, which enhances control and monitoring of photovoltaic (PV) plants. The solution utilises meteorological data combined with the hail stow strategy to ensure automated and timely mitigation against hail events. It also employs a multi-radar approach for real-time and highly accurate meteorological data updates.

The solution is flexible, allowing users to choose between automatic and manual stow options. It also includes a notification feature to alert users of impending hail events and offers customisable stow thresholds based on specific risk factors such as hail size, probability, and radius. Furthermore, the solution is compatible with leading meteorological data providers and ensures data security through encryption.

Andrew Morse, Senior Director of Software at FTC Solar, expressed enthusiasm about the new solution. "We're excited to introduce our Automated Hail Stow Solution, offering a proactive approach to mitigating hail-related damage to solar panel installations," he said. "By combining advanced technology with meteorological insights, we aim to provide our customers with greater peace of mind and protection for their solar assets."

The Automated Hail Stow Solution underscores FTC Solar's commitment to innovation and sustainability within the renewable energy sector. By focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risk, FTC Solar continues to drive progress towards a more resilient and sustainable future.