hail

Despite reports of the extensive damage inflicted by hail on PV power plants, protection measures appear to be working, writes John Sedgwick.

Larger and thinner PV modules has contributed to increase breakages, although there is no single contributing factor, according to NREL.

The choice of glass in a PV module has become a key consideration in efforts to improve durability in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Insurer kWh Analytics has launched a US$2.4 million initiative to “develop innovative approaches” to improve the resilience of PV projects.

US racking provider Terrasmart has launched a hail stow feature for use on its TerraTrak single-axis trackers.

A record of 53 manufacturers and 388 module types have been named “Top Performers” by Kiwa PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) in its 2024 Module Reliability Scorecard.

FTC Solar has launched its Automated Hail Stow Solution, an automated programme to stow PV modules ahead of hailstorms.

We speak to kWh Analytics CEO Jason Kaminsky about the use of data in the assessment and management of risk at solar projects.

Hailstorms have hit the 350MW Fighting Jays solar project, raising questions about the solar industry’s ability to respond to extreme weather.

Hail represents a significant threat to PV modules, more so as climate change increases the potential for severe storms.