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GroundWork's Recognition for Hail Impact Research at PVRW 2025

GroundWork Renewables, Inc. has made a remarkable impact in the renewable energy field, recently earning recognition at the 2025 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Photovoltaic Reliability Workshop (PVRW) for its groundbreaking research focused on hail mitigation strategies. This accolade underscores the importance of innovative approaches to safeguarding solar panels against extreme weather, particularly hail-related damage.

The study, led by researchers Travis Morrison and Colin Silleurd, in collaboration with Recurrent Energy, marks a significant advancement in the understanding of how hail impacts solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The research utilized the GroundWork® Hail Event Monitoring and Reporting service, operating at the North Fork Solar Project, a 120 MW solar facility located in Kiowa County, Oklahoma.

A Comprehensive Study

GroundWork's research is particularly notable as it represents the first endeavor to provide empirical data on hail impact energy reduction at various tracker stow positions. By analyzing field measurements in conjunction with laboratory testing at GroundWork's PV Test Lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the study delivers crucial insights into the effectiveness of different hail mitigation strategies employed during severe weather events.

Utilizing on-site monitoring technology, the research quantified the kinetic energy reduction that occurs when solar tracker modules are stowed—essentially the action of repositioning panels to minimize potential damage from severe storms. This data is instrumental for energy producers to refine defensive strategies against hail, offering significant potential to enhance the operational resilience of solar power installations.

Key Findings and Implications

The findings of this study deliver several critical revelations:

• - Kinetic Energy Reduction: When PV modules were stowed, notable reductions in both kinetic energy and impact counts were documented, validating the efficacy of the implemented mitigation strategies.
• - Field vs. Lab Data Validation: Comparison of field measurements against laboratory models demonstrated a strong correlation, reinforcing confidence in predictive modeling processes for hail impacts.
• - Enhanced Impact Models: Laboratory assessments yielded more precise predictive models regarding hail impacts, overcoming limitations of traditional elastic collision models that have been used previously.
• - Storm Microphysics Insights: Analysis yielded new insights into hail fall angles and velocities, enhancing understandings of storm behavior and its consequent effects on impact forces.
• - Importance of On-Site Monitoring: The research illustrated the necessity for real-time monitoring to capture environmental variables affecting the resilience of PV modules.

These findings not only refine hail risk models but also enhance tracker control strategies, aiding insurance assessments for solar asset owners and operators. The research exemplifies the need for deeper, site-specific data, enabling stakeholders to make more informed decisions that minimize module damage and enhance overall plant reliability.

Looking Forward

GroundWork’s contributions to hail impact studies are notably transformative for the solar energy sector, emphasizing the value of continuous monitoring systems in mitigating weather-related risks. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, such research is becoming integral in fortifying solar plants against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

In this context, the role of GroundWork Renewables as a leading provider of high-quality meteorological data and lab testing services is crucial. Their commitment to innovation, coupled with their reputation for accuracy and reliability, positions them at the forefront of the solar industry’s transition towards resilience against climatic stresses.

About GroundWork Renewables

GroundWork Renewables, Inc. stands as a proactive leader in the domain of solar intelligence. With an unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability, they provide essential services that enable solar plant owners to navigate the complexities of operational risks, thereby lowering uncertainty and enhancing asset value throughout the entire lifecycle of solar energy projects. The company is also a certified B Corporation, highlighting its commitment to balancing purpose and profit within the renewable energy sector.

For more detailed insights into their offerings and research, please visit www.grndwork.com.