In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Jon Previtali, Senior Principal Engineer at VDE Americas, to discuss the growing challenge of hail damage in large-scale solar projects. As hail-related insurance claims skyrocket and premiums increase, the solar industry is searching for innovative solutions to protect their investments.
Jon shares his extensive experience in the solar industry and explains how VDE Americas is developing new testing methods to accurately assess module resilience to hail damage. The conversation covers the limitations of current module testing standards, the importance of tracker angles in mitigating hail damage, and the development of sophisticated hail monitoring and stow protocols.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the economic impact of hail damage on solar farms, the role of insurance in the industry, and cutting-edge strategies employed to combat this growing threat. Whether you're a solar developer, asset owner, or simply interested in the challenges facing the renewable energy sector, this episode provides crucial information on an often-overlooked aspect of solar farm management.
Tune in to learn about the latest advancements in hail protection technology, the importance of preemptive action, and how the solar industry is adapting to ensure the long-term viability of projects in hail-prone regions.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-previtali-b45156/
https://www.vde.com/en/vde-americas
https://www.dtn.com/weather/
https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/hail
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 Introduction
02:10 Meet Jon Previtali - VDE Americas
03:17 Understanding VDE's Role
05:55 Major Hail Loss Events
09:01 Hail Risk Mapping
14:27 Solar Module Design and Hail Resistance Testing
19:19 Module Construction and Design Considerations
21:47 Wind Damage vs Hail Damage Considerations
24:00 Economic Impact on Solar Industry due to Hail Damage
26:11 Insurance Policy Considerations for Solar Projects
28:24 Hail Monitoring Systems
31:03 Cost Benefits of Hail Protection
32:33 Success Stories
34:55 Tracker Solutions
36:26 Closing Thoughts
