Terrasmart, a prominent provider of utility-scale solar photovoltaic trackers, has unveiled an innovative hail protection feature designed to enhance the resilience of solar panels against hail damage. This new functionality, available for the TerraTrak 1P and 2P systems, employs automated high-tilt stow angles to shield panels from direct hail impact.
The advanced feature integrates with Terrasmart’s cloud-based control and monitoring software to reposition solar arrays up to 60 minutes before predicted hail events. The timing of this adjustment can be tailored to meet specific operational needs.
Enhanced Protection Against Hail Damage
Hail-related damage, though accounting for only 2% of insurance claims in solar projects, represents a significant financial risk. According to GCube, hail contributes to 54% of insured losses in solar systems, with an average claim amounting to $58.4 million. The frequency and intensity of hailstorms are rising, with NOAA reporting 5,122 severe hail incidents in the U.S. through August 2024, many involving hailstones 1-2 inches in diameter.
States with significant solar investments, such as Texas, Kansas, and Colorado, are particularly vulnerable. Texas alone experienced nearly 2,000 hailstorms last year and is poised to add nearly 24 GW of solar capacity by late 2025. Kansas and Colorado, also impacted by severe hail, are expanding their solar infrastructure rapidly.
High-Tilt Stow for Optimal Protection
Terrasmart’s new stow functionality employs a high-tilt angle to minimize the exposed surface area of solar panels. The TerraTrak 1P and 2P systems tilt panels at angles of 50° and 60°, respectively, based on weather forecasts from AccuWeather. This automated repositioning occurs without manual intervention, enhancing the system’s ability to adapt to hail events.
The new feature builds on existing protections for wind and snow, which have been validated in conditions involving 150 mph winds and substantial snow loads. The system’s weather stations continuously monitor environmental conditions and adjust the stowing mechanism to safeguard the panels.
Research and Testing Backing High-Tilt Technology
Terrasmart’s engineering team collaborated with consultants to optimize the performance of the high-tilt stow feature. Testing indicated that a tilt angle of at least 50° significantly reduces financial risk by mitigating direct impacts compared to a 0° tilt. A study by VDE Americas demonstrated that stowing panels at a 75° angle can reduce damage from hail by 87% compared to a 60° position.
Severe thunderstorms can produce hailstones ranging from 1 inch to over 4 inches in diameter, with some storms generating tennis ball-sized hail. High-tilt stow positions are particularly effective against larger hailstones, offering improved protection and reducing potential damage.
Alternative Hail-Resistant Solutions
In addition to the high-tilt stow technology, other strategies to enhance panel durability include using hail-resistant materials. For instance, panels with 3.2-mm heat-tempered front glass offer greater resilience than those with 2-mm glass. Newer designs, such as LONGi’s dual-glass bifacial panels, combine tempered glass with robust structures to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter.
Terrasmart’s latest innovation represents a significant advancement in protecting solar investments from hail damage, contributing to the long-term durability and reliability of solar energy systems.