How Technology is Protecting Solar Farms Against Extreme Weather
The global expansion of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar sites means finding ways of mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events, particularly hail and high winds. In this webinar, experts from Array Technologies and VDE will discuss the impact of hail and extreme weather on solar farm finance. Don’t miss this essential discussion on the future of solar farm protection against extreme weather.
What You'll Learn
- The financial impact of hail on solar farm investments and insurance considerations
- Solutions for stowing modules at higher angles and addressing the sail effect
- Building credible racking systems to withstand high winds with stowed modules
- Collaborative strategies between insurance underwriters and developers to minimize potential losses
- The latest technologies and methodologies for risk mitigation and performance optimization
- How to confidently fund solar projects in the face of extreme weather
Meet Our Expert Speakers
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Brandon Taylor, Senior Director of Business Development at Array TechnologiesAn expert in solar tracking systems and racking technologies, Brandon is dedicated to empowering EPCs, developers, and independent power producers (IPPs) with the knowledge they need to harness the full potential of solar tracking systems. With over a decade of industry experience—including five years with racking manufacturers before joining Array in 2016—Brandon has a keen understanding of the impact of various tracker technologies on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Holding dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Management from North Carolina State University, Brandon’s unique blend of technical know-how and strategic thinking makes him an invaluable contributor to our webinar. |
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John Sedgwick, President at VDE AmericasJohn is a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the renewable energy industry. In 2013, John co-founded VDE Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, with the goal of advancing the deployment of insurable and bankable clean energy projects. John serves as the president of VDE Americas, holds a seat on its board of directors, and leads the development of the company’s innovative and proprietary hail risk assessment and mitigation capabilities. More than a decade earlier, in late 2001, John co-founded Solaicx, a solar technology company that invented and commercialized a proprietary process for the continuous growth of high-quality silicon ingots. As the EVP of Solaicx, John secured technology patents; negotiated a long-term supply agreement with SunPower; and later played a key role in selling the company to SunEdison (formerly MEMC). John is an avid sailor, aviation enthusiast, and amateur astronomer who received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from San Jose State University. |
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Michael J. Perron, Senior Managing Director at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, Global Energy & Climate TechMike leads service and placement for Brown & Brown Risk Solutions’ Energy & ClimateTech team. A chemical engineer, Mike has a passion for training and has hosted webinars for the insurance community on developing risk management issues impacting renewable energy risks including experience of PV Solar developers during large hail events, and supply chain challenges impacting renewables. Mike also recently was a panelist discussing weather-related challenges for solar projects at a large bank’s renewable energy group’s annual meeting. Mike is a 7-time Risk & Insurance Magazine Power Broker for power generation, alternative energy and renewable energy. |
Register now to secure your spot and gain first access to industry knowledge that will help you confidently fund solar projects and navigate the ever-evolving solar energy landscape.
Array Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global renewable energy company and provider of utility-scale solar tracking technology. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions on the planet, Array’s high-quality solar trackers and sophisticated software maximize energy production, accelerating the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable energy. Founded and headquartered in the United States, Array relies on its diversified global supply chain and customer-centric approach to deliver, commission and support solar energy developments around the world, lighting the way to a brighter, smarter future for clean energy. For more news and information on Array, please visit arraytechinc.com.
VDE Americas provides technical due diligence and risk mitigation services to financiers, project developers, and insurance companies working on large solar and energy storage transactions. Between 2016 and 2022, VDE Americas supported funding for over 5 GW of operating solar projects in the U.S.—or about 10% of fielded utility-scale PV projects on a GW basis. We are the world’s leading specialists in hail risk analysis for utility-scale solar and offer probable maximum loss reports to support insurance coverage. Our parent company is one of the largest technology organizations in Europe. For more than 130 years, the VDE name has been synonymous with innovation and technological progress. For more information visit: linktr.ee/vdeamericas
Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With more than 14,500 teammates in 450+ locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most. For more information or to find an office near you, please visit bbrown.com.