As the demand for renewable energy grows, solar farm operators are constantly looking for ways to boost energy production, reduce operational costs, and protect their investments from environmental threats. ARRAY Technologies offers a suite of innovative solutions designed to address these needs.
What Solutions Does ARRAY Offer Solar Farms?
With patented passive wind-stow technology and the ARRAY SmarTrack™ range of software and control-based products, including ARRAY SmarTrack™ Hail Alert Response, ARRAY provides comprehensive solutions designed to:
- Maximize energy production using real-time data and advanced algorithms.
- Protect solar panels from extreme weather conditions, including wind and hail.
- Minimize operational costs through zero scheduled maintenance requirements.
These innovations not only enhance energy output but also bolster the long-term durability and resilience of solar installations, helping solar farm operators safeguard their investments while maximizing profitability.
Advanced Solutions for Solar Farm Efficiency and Durability
ARRAY trackers are equipped with state-of-the-art passive wind mitigation mechanisms, making them well-suited for diverse and challenging climates like those found in Australia. Even at maximum tilt, ARRAY tracker systems are engineered to withstand wind speeds of up to 225 km/h (140 mph), whether facing into or away from the direction of the wind. In some cases, they can handle even higher speeds, depending on specific project conditions.
The patented passive wind-stow system automatically adjusts tracker angles based on real-time wind conditions, delivering reliable performance and safety across a range of environments—from the intense heat of the Outback to the strong coastal winds of North Queensland. When wind speeds trigger the system to move to its maximum tilt, it adopts the safest position to endure high winds from any direction while also minimizing potential hail damage. This reduces the risk of system downtime and costly repairs, providing continuous protection and performance.
Similarly, ARRAY’s Hail Alert Response system provides fast, effective protection against hail threats, helping to safeguard solar panels from potential damage.
How ARRAY’s Hail Alert Response Works:
- Real-Time Storm Data: The system gathers local storm data from a trusted weather service, including forecasted position, hail probability, and storm trajectory.
- Site-Specific Alerts: If severe hail is likely, SmarTrack generates a targeted alert and communicates it via the SmarTrack Data Platform.
- Automated Response: The SmarTrack Controller adjusts the trackers to the best defensive position—either at maximum tilt away from the storm’s direction or the closest possible maximum tilt.
These measures help keep solar farms operational and protected, even in harsh weather conditions.
Beyond weather protection, ARRAY’s SmarTrack software suite includes solutions like ARRAY SmarTrack™ Backtracking and ARRAY SmarTrack™ Diffuse, which play crucial roles in maximizing energy yield. Backtracking adjusts tracker angles to reduce shading caused by terrain variations, while Diffuse optimizes panel angles during cloudy or low-light conditions. These adaptive tools enable solar farms to increase energy production even in challenging environments, leading to higher returns on investment and improved profitability for solar farm operators.
ARRAY recently announced the development of a 77-degree stow capability for its tracker systems, the steepest stow angle for hail protection in the industry. This innovation provides enhanced flexibility and protection from both hail and wind, reinforcing ARRAY’s position as a leader in extreme weather solutions for the solar industry. The 77° stow is designed to achieve superior protection by reaching a high-tilt angle in either direction, regardless of wind speed or direction. Additionally, this angle offers all the benefits of passive wind stow, including up to 5% energy gain compared to active stow trackers.
ARRAY’s trackers also require zero scheduled maintenance, further reducing operating costs for solar developers. These features make ARRAY’s technology an indispensable tool for EPCs, developers, and investors aiming to maximize project profitability.
Proven Solutions in Major Australian Projects
ARRAY’s tracking solutions have demonstrated their effectiveness in large-scale projects across Australia and New Zealand, including the upcoming deployment of a nearly 320 MW ARRAY OmniTrack™ terrain-following tracking system and a 130 MW ARRAY DuraTrack® system in the Victoria Goorambat and Horsham regions. These projects help support the local economy by using Australian-produced steel.
Collaborations with leading developers such as Neoen, Engie, and OX2 highlight the value of ARRAY’s technology in large-scale solar installations, where efficiency, durability, and weather resilience are critical to success.
As Australia continues to embrace solar energy, ARRAY remains a trusted partner for developers and investors. With its advanced solar tracking technology, proven track record, and local expertise, ARRAY is helping shape the future of renewable energy in Australia.
For more information on how ARRAY can support your next solar project, contact Aaron Zadeh or Michael Corio.
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