Hailstorm hits solar power generation

Why are hailstorms a problem for solar?

While there has been increased frequency and volatility of severe weather, it is the rise of hailstorms over the last 20 years, that is a cause of concern for the quickly growing solar industry which is being driven, in part, by our nation’s efforts to reduce our carbon output and bring new carbon pollution to zero by 2050.

Did solar panels get hit by hail?

The panels were stowed at a 60-degree angle, which was the steepest setting at that time. In the end, the panels had almost no damage in areas of the solar farms that got hit with 2-inch hail. About one-third of the panels had damage in areas with 3-inch hail.

Should solar operators be worried about hail Stow?

The continual balance for solar operators is to have enough confidence in the forecast to make the decision to hail stow and reduce power generation, or not hail stow and risk damage. The good news is that a new era of technology has arrived that uses a multi-radar approach to track the speed and direction of unique, individual storm cells.

How can solar companies prevent hail damage?

As a result, the solar industry has begun to focus on new ways to mitigate risk. A critical component is more advanced hail forecasting. Namely, if we can better predict hail and exactly where it will fall, the solar companies can take steps to prevent, or reduce solar farm damage.

Do solar panels need a hail forecast window?

Solar operators need a hail forecast window that is extremely specific to a certain location, and at least 30-60 minutes before impact. This gives the operator time to move the solar panels in to “hail stow,” a position where solar panel are moved to a high degree of tilt to reduce the direct impact of hail.

Are solar panels safe from hail?

The reality about hail and solar panels is more complicated, and not so grim. Solar developers and manufacturers have taken steps to reduce the risk from hailstorms, which involves a combination of sophisticated weather forecasting and panels that can turn to avoid direct hits. I recently spoke with some of the people doing this work.