Solar trackers, which are critical components in utility-scale solar power systems, face significant challenges during extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, hailstorms, high winds, snow, and temperature extremes. Their performance and durability under such conditions depend heavily on design innovations, control systems, and protective features implemented by manufacturers.
Performance and Mitigation Strategies of Solar Trackers in Extreme Weather
1. Protection against Wind and Hail
Wind is often considered more damaging than hail for solar trackers because high winds can cause structural damage, including bending or even toppling the tracker system, posing risks to both the system and surroundings. Hail primarily risks damaging the solar panels rather than the whole system. Modern trackers prioritize wind protection mechanisms, including safe wind stow positions where the trackers move to a secure angle to minimize wind load and potential damage. For example, advanced control systems can detect wind speeds and automatically stow the trackers to reduce structural stress.
2. Response to Rain and Flooding
Heavy rainfall itself does not typically affect trackers unless the water pools beneath the system, potentially causing structural issues or electrical hazards. Flood sensors can be integrated to monitor and mitigate flood risks. However, careful site design and drainage are critical to prevent pooling under the trackers.
3. Temperature Extremes and Physical Durability
Trackers installed in northern or arid regions must handle large temperature variations, from freezing cold to extreme heat. Systems incorporate tolerances for thermal expansion and contraction to maintain mechanical integrity. Electronic components and motors are designed or selected to operate reliably under these temperature stresses.
4. Autonomous and Intelligent Control Systems
Next-generation solar trackers employ sophisticated operating systems driven by safety algorithms and atmospheric sensors. These systems monitor environmental conditions in real time and adjust tracker positions accordingly to protect the solar array. For instance, Array Technologies’ SkyLink Tracker System uses a PV-powered control mechanism that functions independently of the grid, allowing the system to move and stow in response to hail or snow without relying on batteries, which can fail in cold conditions. This system also uses wireless communication to reduce installation complexity and costs.
5. Specialized Tracker Solutions for Hail-Prone Regions
Certain manufacturers offer tracker models explicitly designed for hail resilience. For example, the NX Horizon Hail Pro by Nextracker provides a tailored solution to mitigate hail damage for utility-scale installations, combining specialized mechanical design and control logic to protect panels during hailstorms.
6. Comprehensive Weather Monitoring and Emergency Planning
Some companies integrate advanced forecasting, AI-enabled monitoring, and remote control capabilities to anticipate and respond proactively to extreme weather events. Features like automatic stow and lock mechanisms help secure trackers during storms. In addition, combining robust physical design with emergency response plans and risk assessment strategies ensures the long-term viability of solar projects.
7. Design Considerations
Aeroelastic effects caused by wind require that single-axis trackers meet strict design parameters to avoid structural failures and optimize wind resistance. This involves engineering considerations related to the aerodynamics and flexibility of the tracker arms and mounting structures.
Summary Table of Solar Tracker Performance & Features in Extreme Weather
| Extreme Condition | Impact on Trackers | Mitigation & Features |
|---|---|---|
| High Winds | Structural damage, bending, falling | Automatic wind stow positions, passive wind stow technology, aerodynamic design parameters |
| Hailstorms | Panel damage | Hail-resistant tracker models (e.g., Nextracker’s Hail Pro), automatic stow response |
| Heavy Rain/Flooding | Water pooling causing damage | Flood sensors, site drainage planning |
| Temperature Extremes | Mechanical expansion/contraction, electronic failures | Tolerant materials, PV-powered control systems independent of grid, temperature-resilient electronics |
| Snow Accumulation | Added weight, mechanical strain | Automated snow response, stow mechanisms to shed snow |
| Power Grid Disruptions | Loss of control over tracker movement | PV-powered, battery-independent control systems enabling tracker movement without grid power |
In conclusion, solar trackers perform increasingly well during extreme weather conditions due to advancements in design, intelligent control systems, and specialized hardware. Their ability to automatically adjust to wind, hail, snow, temperature, and power disruptions substantially reduces damage risk and improves system reliability and uptime across diverse climates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-solar-trackers-perform-during-extreme-weather-conditions/
