Clean Energy Associates

View Original

Measuring the Real Impact of Hail on PV Modules

Webinar: Can your solar project weather a hailstorm?

Hail is becoming a bigger financial risk for insurers, and they’re not covering all the damage. As glass gets thinner and storms get worse, solar asset owners need to take notice.

Virtually all solar module manufacturers use glass for the top surface of the panel and they all pass the same damage tests, yet hail damages more and more solar modules every year. The problem is only set to get worse with the industry trending toward thinner glass and very severe hail above standard testing size becoming more common across the central U.S.

In this webinar, we will discuss the technological and meteorological trends that are leading to more frequent, severe and destructive hailstorms, as well as how projects are traditionally insured against hail-related damages. Presenters Paul Wormser, Sara Kane and John Sedgwick will cover the advancements made to create a product with this level of design and monitoring ease.

Topic include:

  • Trends in the weather and the solar industry that are increasing damage from severe hailstorms, particularly across certain areas in Middle America.

  • An overview on how the IEC tests modules for their ability to withstand hail damage, and the limitations of these tests in addressing severe hail.

  • The extent to which insurance covers – or doesn’t cover – hail damage, and rising premiums in this area.

  • Factors for asset owners to weigh in deciding whether to invest in tilting trackers, heavier-duty modules, more insurance, or simply shoulder the increased risk.

  • Q&A.

See this gallery in the original post